The beauty and versatility of Tauranga's hidden gem, McLaren Falls Park, will be showcased this weekend in a unique family-friendly event – the first of its kind for the local reserve.

Tourism Bay of Plenty, in partnership with Night Owl Cinemas and Waimarino, will host a special Disney's Pete's Dragon themed event which includes an outdoor screening of the movie at the park's Top Flat on Saturday, March 4.

This free event is the first of many local events planned as part of Tourism BOP's ‘No Place Like Home' campaign; a community-focused project designed to make residents aware of experiences and attractions in the region that are uniquely Bay of Plenty.

Boasting endless bushwalks, breathtaking waterfalls, glow worm trails and lake access for water sports, McLaren Falls Park is one of the Bay's best-loved natural attractions and was recently featured as a prominent backdrop in the children's fantasy film.

Consumer marketing manager Abby Parkin says the screening is a celebration of our own backyard featuring front and centre in a significant Hollywood production.

'We all know there's no place like home when you live in the Bay of Plenty, so it's a joy to see our region's natural beauty and magical scenery recognised on the big screen.

'This event is a way of celebrating the success of our place with the Bay of Plenty's proud and passionate community.”

The family-friendly event is co-sponsored by local business Waimarino, which regularly operate glow work kayak tours and scenic kayak tours on Lake McLaren

Waimarino will be running Waka Tours throughout the afternoon and hosting a Holiday and After-School programme tent with free dragon-themed face painting. The glow worm kayak tour will also be operating, with bookings in advance necessary.

The Falls Café will also be open later than usual, giving movie goers a chance to wander along the scenic lakeside track to the café and information centre for a bite to eat and a hot chocolate.

'Although McLaren Falls is one of the region's best kept secrets, the park is a hive of activity and home to several fantastic locally-owned and operated businesses,” says Abby.

'Waimarino, The Falls Café and Marshalls Animal Park offer some amazing experiences at the park.

'This Night Owl Cinemas event is a great opportunity for locals and visitors alike to explore all that's on offer.”

Night Owl Cinemas Kim Cleland says her events can draw crowds of up to 2000 people, with the screenings becoming a must-do for locals and their visiting friends and relatives.

'Due to the significance of the film to McLaren Falls Park, we wanted to create a family-friendly event that would really shine a light on our community spirit, by offering a much broader range of activities and longer lead-in time until the screening.

'There will also be food trucks and entertainment from local musicians pre-screening.”

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has come on board to facilitate a free park and ride service from the park equestrian area to Top Flat where the action will be happening.

The event commences at 3pm and will conclude at 10pm, with the film screening at 8pm when the sun goes down. For more information visit www.facebook.com/nightowlcinema or www.bayofplentynz.com/events