The Chronicles of Narnia, New Zealand Film Locations

New Zealand director Andrew Adamson first read the Chronicles as a child and was captured by the excitement and adventure of the new world Lewis portrayed.

Now 30 years later he has brought this enchanting world to life on the big screen, a world almost entirely filmed in his native country of New Zealand.

Tortured rocks, densely dark forests, smooth velvet rolling hills. Although many scenes were filmed behind stage doors in Auckland, a number of locations in New Zealand have now become part of Narnia Aotearoa.

	The updrafts at Muriwai Beach create perfect flying conditions for gannets, terns and hang gliders.
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An hour north-west of Auckland, the dark trees of Woodhill Forest were transformed into the dreaded camp of the White Witch of Narnia. The general area can be found by turning left onto Rimmer Road (signposted off State Highway 16 before Helensville). The forest also has a network of mountain bike trails for riders of all levels.

Whilst in the area, a visit to Muriwai Beach is well worth the 30 minute diversion. The black sand and waves from the Tasman Sea are a favourite with surfers and holidaymakers. Otakamiro Point, at the southern end of the beach, is home to one of New Zealand's few mainland gannet breeding colonies.

The Great Battle - Flock Hill

High in the Southern Alps of the South Island is an area of tortured rocks and dramatic valleys known as Flock Hill. It was here that the scenes for the great battle for Narnia were shot and tours will be available from January 2006 through Canterbury Sightseeing.

Flock Hill is situated 90 minutes from Christchurch on the Arthur's Pass Highway to Greymouth. Leaving Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, the road crosses the flat expanse of the Canterbury Plains through the small towns of Darfield and Sheffield. At Springfield the mountain peaks tower over the village and the road climbs steeply to Porters Pass - one of the highest passes in the country at 942m.

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.

Other activities available in the area include abseiling, rock climbing, tramping and canyoning. In winter, try skiing or snowboarding at nearby Broken River, Craigieburn, Mt Cheeseman, Porter Heights and Temple Basin ski fields.

Aslan's Camp - Elephant Rocks

The ancient Elephant Rocks that sprout from the rolling hills near Duntroon in the Waitaki district of the South Island became Aslan's Camp in 2004.

The historic town of Oamaru with its white limestone buildings is the ideal base for exploring the area. Close by is the Oamaru blue penguin colony - these are the smallest penguins in the world and can be viewed in their natural habitat. Oamaru is also home to the award winning Whitestone Cheese, the factory has an onsite café and shop allowing visitors to sample local produce and wine.

Pitch your tent at Purakanui Bay for an unforgettable camping adventure
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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, an area of spectacular coastal scenery.

South of Dunedin, the Catlins coast road from Balclutha towards Invercargill is a journey through dense rain forest and dramatic seascapes. Although the entire trip only takes a few hours, spreading the journey over a few days allows for a leisurely exploration of an area abundant in native flora and fauna.

As you’re exploring the sites - and sights - of Narnia locations and delving deeper into New Zealand’s remarkable landscapes get more information from regional tourism organisations and i-SITES in all notable areas. And look out for the Qualmark™ logo - it’s your sign that the activities, transport or accommodation is safe and secure having been independently assessed for quality under strict criteria.