Another stop on your New Zealand road trip if you love geological curiosities: the Elephant Rocks. They are giant rock formations scattered on a private farm. You can walk around and let your imagination recognize shapes. Below is my guide to help you plan your visit to the Elephant Rocks and the Vanished world Heritage trail of the region.
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Why visit Elephant Rocks in New Zealand?
A fun sight!
Imagine hundreds of rock formations scattered on green pasture.
Some are 1m tall, others reach 10m in height.
They have been rounded and eroded by the elements. So they all have different shapes and you can let your imagination wander... I personally saw an eagle, a whale and more. But no elephants.
Note: If you are looking for a rock shaped like an elephant on a beach, this is Elephant Rock not the Elephant Rocks.
Exploration in video
Below is a short video of my exploration of the rocks and other surrounding sites:
Geology of the Elephant Rocks
A short explanation of the geological phenomenon behind the rocks:
- 25 million years ago, limey sand accumulated in waters up to 100m deep
- The sediments were buried and turned into limestone with the pressure
- Within the last few million years, uplift happened. It brought the limestone to the surface
- Wind and rain eroded and shaped the stone. Where layers were more resistant it protected the rock under it
- Grey lichen covers most
Elephant Rocks in the Chronicles of Narnia
The site of the Elephant Rocks in Otago New Zealand has been used to film the Aslan's Camp in the movie The Chronicle of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Planning Tips - Elephant Rocks New Zealand
How to get to the Elephant Rocks Otago
- South Island, South East coast, in Otago
- Great stop when driving from Lake Pukaki to the Moeraki Boulders, near the town of Duntroon
- Oamaru to Elephant Rocks = 40min drive
- Dunedin to Elephant Rocks = 2h drive
- Lake Pukaki to Elephant Rocks = 1h30 drive
- Queenstown to Elephant Rocks = 3h drive
- It is on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
- I have not see any tours. You need your own car to explore the area.
Planning to rent a car in New Zealand? Check out the local company Snap Rentals
I selected it myself and paid my rental in full.
- They were very nice and responsive, they pick you up and drop you off at the airport
- The car I rented was in perfect condition
- In addition, they have all-inclusive insurance packages with AAA roadside assistance, which means I didn't have to worry (I think it's worth the price)
Visiting the Rocks and the Heritage Trail
- It is part of a Heritage trail starting in Duntroon
- Free access to the rocks
- If you enjoy fossils and geology, I recommend visiting the museum in Duntroon before (10 euros)
- To explore the rocks plan 20min to 1h depending on your fascinating
- It is a 5min walk from the carpark
- Toilets on site
- This is a private farm, let the animals be
- Wear closed shoes, as there is animal droppings everywhere.
- The Elephant Rocks are included in my eBooks, to help you plan an unforgettable NZ road trip:
Be overwhelm by the beauty, not the planning!
- 12 easy-to-plan Maps
- 200 scenic locations in NZ
- Tips to plan + make the most of your time
- 285+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- 6 easy-to-plan Maps
- 110+ scenic locations in NZ South Island
- Tips to plan + make the most of your time
- 190+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
Where to stay?
- Duntroon is not a big town - accommodations are limited - See options
- You can stay at the Victorian town of Oamaru to see the Penguin come back to shore at dusk - Check out the best rated accommodations in Oamaru and book
- Or you can stay near the Moeraki Boulders to be able to photograph them at sunrise - I stayed at the Moeraki Boulders Motel: It was clean and spacious. The owners are really nice. Not very modern but conveniently located - Check out price and availability
Access / Facilities
The stop is clearly indicated on the side of the road.
There is quite large carpark and access to the farms is just across the road.
Make sure you close the gate after entering!
You will find a little explanation with the Heritage Trail sign but not much.
And in one of the holes, you can find a toilet.
Walking around the rocks - pictures
And now it is time to have fun walking around the rocks.
It is a little hilly but not much.
After rain, it may be slippery. Be careful.
It is located in the Waitaki Valley. On a clear day you may see mountain tops that could be covered in snow (but not in Summer).
But even with bad weather, it is a fun place to explore. It would not do a detour to see it. But if you do the leg between Lake Pukaki and the Moeraki boulders, this is an easy stop.
I will repeat myself, but wear closed shoes. There is animal dropping everywhere as it is on a working farm.
The rock on top of the rock is harder which is why the boulder was created. However the rock below is soft and attacked by the elements.
Vanished World - a NZ Heritage Trail
Vanished World Trail - Map
As I wrote before, the rocks are part of the Vanished World Trail. It is a collection of sites with geological features between Duntroon and the Moeraki Boulders.
Some are more impressive than others...
It includes fossil sites, extinct volcanoes and landforms.
Duntroon museum
If you want to learn more about the trail and the geological history of the area, stop at the museum in Duntroon.
Entrance is 10 euros. However note that it is a small museum.
You will see fossils (penguins, whales, dolphins...) and explanations about the sea bed, and what was discovered in the area.
Anatini Whale Fossil Site
Another site I enjoyed what the Anatini one.
There is the Fossil of a whale but you can't see much of it.
I just enjoyed the short walk and the arch.
It is also on a private farm
Drive around
Even if you don't stop at all the sites (sometimes there is very little to see), the drive in the region is quite enjoyable:
Maori Art in the region of the Elephant Rocks
The area is also rich in Maori art. More than 20 sites have been discovered in the Waitaki Valley (but only 3 remains because of the creation of lakes and man made developments).
2 sites are easy to access and you can clearly distinguished the shapes. They are maintained by 2 Maori nations' trust.
Takiroa rock art site
This is the most visited one, as it is located on the main road just before Duntroon.
It is a short walk from the carpark.
The rock shelter is on an ancient pathway along the Waitaki River (from the mountains to the sea).
You can see black drawings of boats and red figures that represent Taniwha, large water creatures in the Maori tradition.
Maerewhenua rock art site
The other site is only a few kilometers away, on the road to the Elephant rocks.
You have to climb 74 stairs to approach the cave.
You can also see black drawings and red figures
Other rock formations to admire in New Zealand South Island
Do you love geology and rock formations?
Below a re 4 more sites worth visiting in New Zealand South Island.
Moeraki Boulders
The Moeraki Boulders are probably the most famous boulders. Located on a beach this giant round rocks are fascinating.
Check out my article with many more photos
Omarama Clay cliffs
Also on the way from Lake Pukaki to the Moeraki Boulders, you can do a small detour to this colorful wall of pinacles!
Check out my article with many more photos
Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks)
This is a feature that still intrigues geologists...
Located on the West Coast of South Island
Castle Hill Rocks (Kura tawhiti)
Another field of boulders. But those are even bigger! This is one of the best stop on the Arthur's pass drive.
Check out my article with many more photos
All of them are included in my eBooks:
Be overwhelm by the beauty, not the planning!
- 12 easy-to-plan Maps
- 200 scenic locations in NZ
- Tips to plan + make the most of your time
- 285+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- 6 easy-to-plan Maps
- 110+ scenic locations in NZ South Island
- Tips to plan + make the most of your time
- 190+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
Want to see more of NEW ZEALAND?
Do you love rock formations?
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