Editorial: Touch of tinsel town for Rotorua

Robert Redford is in Rotorua at the moment.

So maybe we're a bit blase in Rotorua about Hollywood actors - it's not rare to see Cliff Curtis in the street or Temuera Morrison in the supermarket.

Karl Urban was spotted the other day.

But even laid-back locals are getting a buzz out of the presence of acting superstar Robert Redford in town.

Redford is filming in the region for the Disney remake of Pete's Dragon.

He's also been visiting local landmarks, including St Faith's Church and, to one local restaurateur's delight, Leonardo's Pure Italian.

Leonardo Baldi's eatery seems to be attracting the big names lately.

"It was pretty awesome because we also had Karl Urban in here the week before ..." he told us.

Ann Somerville, who was at St Faith's welcoming visitors, said she was starstruck when Redford walked in with hometown star Morrison.

I'm sure Redford was similarly awestruck by the vision of Christ walking on the water in the church's Galilee Window, by our friendly and down-to-earth locals (even the famous ones) and our hospitality.

And, as we've discovered since before the days of Sir Peter Jackson and his Lord of the Rings trilogy, New Zealand is a fantastic place to film blockbuster movies (even though certain Government moves may have made it easier).

Our amazing natural backdrop is, of course, a major factor.

Rotorua itself offers an array of stunning and unique vistas, including our neighbouring forest.

Director David Lowery last year tweeted that he'd been scouting in New Zealand: "Location scout day 2: bushwhacked our way to a remote redwood forest ... "

Casting calls were held in Rotorua and Tokoroa last year to find extras as well - so the scenery won't be the only local star of the show.

Here's hoping the film's a hit and Rotorua can enjoy a bit of spin-off tourism and the accompanying economic boost.