Elephant Rocks
Elephant Rocks
Your Nature Guide
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
Maps
Photos
Information
Elephant Rocks is a collection of weathered limestone outcrops tucked away on a farm near Duntroon. Elephant sized limestone sculptures in a paddock.
Some parts may look familiar to viewers of the film "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" - the scenes of Aslan's camp were filmed here. Unlike other film landscapes in New Zealand, you'll probably share this one with just a few sheep. Being off the tourist routes seems to keeps the crowds away.
Access
Just before entering Duntroon from Omarama, turn left into Danseys Pass Road, which becomes Island Cliff Road.
Elephant Rocks are signposted 5.6 km from SH83 junction.
Track
A brief stroll across a paddock brings you to the rocks themselves - scattered artistically around a gentle hillside. Taking time to wander among them is the best way to appreciate the unique rounded shapes.
Wander at leisure through paddocks with their silent monoliths.
Be aware this is a working farm. Leave gates as you found them and ignore the stock.
Geology
The area forms part of the Otekaike Limestone block, deposited 24 - 26 million years ago during the Oligocene Period.
Subsequent uplift and weathering have sculpted these natural forms, which if you stare long enough……..resemble elephants.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷ Oamaru |
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Reviews
Mike Fricker
Ranking: 10/10
28Oct18. Everything already said about how good they are is correct. Lovely place. Make a donation.
There is even a small long drop hidden away there.
Up the road a bit is Anatini where there are parts of fossilised whale bones still embedded in the rocks. Not so good as the Elephants but worth a short visit. The grass was very long when we were there and was wet so be prepared.
Dylan
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful, peaceful and spectacular. We loved passing by this great natural landmark, bonded with baby lamb and calves. Great spot to take the atmosphere in.
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Fergus Power
Ranking: 10/10
Awe-inspiring sculpted rock formations spread through a verdant green valley - the perfect place to bring a picnic.
Nicole and Timm
Ranking: 9/10
Nice rock formation just within a grassy area on private land where sheep are. Thanks for opening that to the public. Directly located at the road, easy access.
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Ben and Pauline
Ranking: 10/10
Rocks with weird forms but so funny. With the sunset - the best!
James Webster
Ranking: 10/10
Simply brilliant, really is a must to anyone in the area. Visit a fossil place just 2 minutes up the road.
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Each camping location is approved by a regional council in NZ. So if it shows on the map, you’re allowed to stay.
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Matthias Thorn
Ranking: 8/10
A short walk from the "carpark" to the rocks through sheep. The scenery is very peaceful. Search for the elephant. Fantasy will make you find it between the other animals.
Marine
Ranking: 10/10
The fact that someone lets people on his field to see these incredible rock formations.
Jean Batiste Le meur
Ranking: 8/10
Nice visit to this interesting geology. Remote place, peaceful. crowded with sheep !!
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Mette, Bo, Viktor & Olivia Seligmann
Ranking: 5/10
I think this is situated a little wrong on this map. Acording to a local map we found, it is down Livingston Duntroon Rd. near Duntroon. Acording to the staff at the fossil museum there are also a few places down that road, where you can stop and look for fossils yourself.
C Schaap
Ranking: 8/10
Fabulous.
Abee and Suess
Ranking: 10/10
At the Flying Pig Cafe in Duntroon (23 Campbell Street), we purchased the best muffins, cookies etc, nice small garden or to takeaway!! We took it to the Elephant Rocks and ate it there!!
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
