The seven-part series East of Eden, set in the Salinas Valley, California, follows the Trasks and the Hamiltons, intertwined families destined to re-enact the fateful biblical story of Cain and Abel.
Pugh, who starred in Oppenheimer and Dune 2, plays lead character Cathy Ames opposite Martha Plimpton and Hoon Lee.
In Oamaru, 70 trucks and trailers are part of the large crew of 500 people — including many locals — involved in the creation of the mini-series.
Whitestone Civic Trust property manager Jacob Barwick said the Netflix series would be "literally taking over the whole town", with the Harbourside, Scottish Hall and Oamaru Squash and Badminton Club also being dressed for the set.
"The gravel will be laid out on the roads.
"The lights on Harbour St and Tyne St are being stripped and props will be going up. All the streetscapes for the film are being set — it’s great for the town’s economy having the series here," Mr Barwick said.
Road closures in Oamaru will affect Harbour, Humber and Tyne Sts and Service Lane due to production over a 12-day period this month.
The Netflix crew and cast will also film in Dunedin, where much of the city centre will be taken up by filming for four consecutive Sundays, starting this Sunday, weather permitting.
"The crew have removed lamp posts on the railway track and put up old-fashioned lamps.
"The guard’s van has been dressed to look like a California lettuce reefer (transporter) ... made with tongue-and-groove timber, that has marks made in it, to make it look original."
Mr Andrew had been working 12-hour days, along with the art department and production teams, on the Netflix series, with his wages going back into the Oamaru Rail and Steam Society.
The historic Oamaru Railway Station will also be a set location.
Mr Andrew said the white picket fence at the station would be removed, the station would be painted and a new railway platform would be installed for the shoot.
Netflix has announced the series will probably be released in early 2026.
