2025 Island Cliff Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Tucked away in New Zealand’s Waitaki Valley, Elephant Rocks is a fascinating cluster of limestone formations shaped over millions of years! These “elephants” began as seabed deposits when the area was covered by an ancient ocean. Over time, shells, coral, and marine sediments compressed into limestone🪨 As the land was uplifted, the rock was exposed to the elements. Centuries of wind, rain, and freeze–thaw weathering gradually sculpted the rounded, elephant-like shapes we see today. Movie fans will recognise it as one of the filming locations for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)🎞️ 📌Best time to visit: The site is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is late spring to early autumn (October–April) for clear skies and lush scenery. 📌Operating time: Open 24 hours with no entry fee! #travel #naturalwonders #thingstodo #familytravel #myitinerary #newzealand #newzealandtrip #southislandnz #narnia #filminglocation #elephantrocks #limestone

In Waitaki Valley on New Zealand's South Island, there is a hidden natural wonder - Elephant Rocks. These unique limestone outcrops are located on a farm near Duntroon and are part of the Fossil Trail, a paradise for photographers and imaginative travelers. Address: Elephant Rocks is located in the inland area of Oamaru on New Zealand's South Island, near the town of Duntroon. The specific coordinates are latitude -44:53:36.131, longitude 170:39:22.355. From Oamaru, it takes about 40 minutes by car along State Highway 83. Features: 1. Natural sculptures: Elephant Rocks are limestone outcrops formed by weathering, and they come in various shapes. Some rocks resemble elephants, which is where the name "Elephant Rocks" comes from. These rocks are scattered on gentle slopes, and as you walk among them, you can let your imagination run wild and look for the "elephants" hidden in nature. 2. Movie location: Elephant Rocks was chosen as the filming location for Aslan's camp in "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" due to its unique landform. If you're a fan of the movie, this is a must-visit place. 3. Geological museum: The town of Duntroon has a geology-based museum - Vanished World Centre. It features interpretive exhibits on the geological history of the area and is a great place to learn about local geology and fossils. 4. Fossil Trail: Elephant Rocks is part of the Vanished World Trail, which runs through the coastal area from Moeraki to Oamaru and extends inland to Waitaki Valley. Along the way, there are many sites related to strata, unique rocks, minerals, and fossils. 5. Natural ecology: Waitaki Valley is home to New Zealand's unique limestone plants and a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including native lizards, snails, tiger beetles, and large burrowing spiders. Elephant Rocks is not only a natural wonder but also a must-visit place for movie lovers and geology enthusiasts. Here, you can experience the power of nature up close, explore the ancient secrets of the earth, and enjoy a peaceful countryside time. Hope you enjoy this trip!

#traveldiaries #newzealand #100waysoftravel I came across the elephant rocks which is a field of massive limestone boulders that's thought to be over 25 million years old! The boulders vary in sizes and you can climb onto the rocks. There is hardly anyone around and I learnt that this is the filming location for the first Chronicles of Narnia movie. On the side, you can find some sheep and cows reared by the owners of this private land. There are also dandelions around this beautiful pastures. Giving this underrated place a 5/5 as I really enjoyed visiting it alot.