The Chronicles of Narnia

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

As a child, New Zealand director Andrew Adamson was enthralled by the Chronicles of Narnia. Thirty years on he captured the first book of the epic tale in a movie that was filmed almost entirely in New Zealand.

Woodhill Forest: The White Witch's camp

An hour north-west of Auckland, a dark region of the Woodhill Forest was used to portray the camp of the White Witch of Narnia. Woodhill is a popular destination for mountain biking - hire a bike and make a day of it.

In the Auckland suburb of Hillsborough, the grounds of Monte Cecilia House were filmed to represent the grounds of the mansion where the children are holidaying.

Getting there:

• Auckland is New Zealand’s main international gateway, receiving flights from all over the world every day.
• You can drive to Woodhill Forest by following the north-western motorway until it intersects with SH 16. Follow SH 16 to Woodhill.
• Monte Cecilia House is located in Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough. Ask for directions at an iSITE Visitor Information Centre.

Canterbury: The Great Battle

Flock Hill Station in North Canterbury was the setting for the dramatic final battle between Aslan’s forces and the army of the White Witch. The spectacular battle raged against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. The location is on private land, however tours are available in conjunction with Flock Hill Station.
While in the area, you should also stop at Cave Stream Scenic Reserve by Broken River. The karst topography of limestone rocks seen from here and across Cave Stream is typical of the landscape that portrays Narnia.

Getting there:

• Flock Hill is situated 90 minutes from Christchurch. Follow SH 73 and look for the Flock Hill Station sign next to Lake Pearson.
• Christchurch, the closest airport, receives some international flights.
• Or catch a domestic flight from any major New Zealand city.
• Intercity coach services run along SH 73 daily.

North Otago: Aslan's Camp

The ancient limestone formations at Elephant Rocks in North Otago set the scene for Aslan’s Camp. The limestone started out on the sea floor around 24 million years ago. In recent geological times the limestone was uplifted. Water and wind weathered the stone into shapes that are reminiscent of elephants.
This region is famous for fossils, which are showcased at the Vanished World Fossil Centre in Duntroon.

Getting there:

• The Elephant Rocks are a short drive from the town of Duntroon, which is west of Oamaru on SH 83.
• Oamaru is on SH 1 between Christchurch and Dunedin on the east coast of the South Island.

The Catlins: Cair Paravel

The great castle of Cair Paravel on the Eastern Sea of Narnia was created by computer-generated imagery superimposed on the cliff tops of Purakaunui Bay in the Catlins region, south of Dunedin.
The Catlins coast road from Balclutha to Invercargill is a scenic road trip leading to wildlife encounters, forest walks, waterfalls and isolated beaches. Although you could drive the route easily in a day, we recommend you spread the journey over two or three days - there’s a lot to see.

Getting there:

• Take SH 1 south from Dunedin. Turn left at Balcutha. Drive south past Owaka until Ratanui turnoff. Follow Purakaunui Falls Rd, to Long Point Rd, then follow Purakaunui Bay Rd to end.
• You can fly to Dunedin from Auckland or any major city in New Zealand.

Prince Caspian

Andrew Adamson’s second Narnia film transformed several areas of New Zealand into fantasy film sets. For travellers wishing to follow in Prince Caspian’s footsteps, the Coromandel Peninsula is the most accessible of the new locations.

Coromandel Peninsula: Cair Paravel

When the Pevensie children arrive back in Narnia, hundreds of years have past. The castle of Cair Paravel is in ruins and Prince Caspian needs their help.

The set for the ruins of the castle Cair Paravel was built on the Hereherataura Peninsula, overlooking Cathedral Cove on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula. This scenic crescent of white sand is famous for its dramatic natural rock arch, which links visually with train tunnel the children go into before being summoned back into Narnia.

Getting there:

• You can walk to Cathedral Cove via the Hahei Coastal Walkway which starts off Hahei Beach Road.
• Hahei is on the eastern side of Coromandel Peninsula, about 3 ½ hours drive from Auckland.
• Take SH1 south from Auckland, then turn onto SH 2 at Pokeno. South of Maramarua take SH 25 to Kopu. Take SH 25A until it intersects with SH 25 on the east coast, turn left and drive north to Whenuakite. Follow signs to Hahei.
• The Coromandel Peninsula is part of the Pacific Coast Highway touring route.