Discover the mythical landscapes of Narnia in some of the most stunning New Zealand locations.
The Coromandel Peninsula - which lies east of Auckland and across the Hauraki Gulf - served as the settings for scenes in which the Pevensie children took their first steps back into Narnia.
Cathedral Cove, on the eastern shore of the peninsula, is where the siblings discover the ruins of Cair Paravel, defined by a deep river chasm book-ended by cascading waterfalls that plunge 200 feet into the glassy waters.
The Coromandel region sits on a narrow stretch of pohutukawa-lined coves, white sand beaches and lush rainforested hills, and offers a blend of nature and recreation experiences - lazy summer holidays, water sports, walking tracks, gold mining and logging history, and a thriving artistic community.
Seafood is a speciality of the Coromandel region where oysters, mussels, scallops and other foods are grown and harvested sustainably offshore.
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 forest also has a network of mountain bike trails and is a popular destination for riders of all levels.
Whilst in the area, a visit to Muriwai Beach is 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.
Or if sampling New Zealand wine is more of a priority, the west Auckland area has a number of vineyards with tasting rooms and restaurants.
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 director Adamson created the scenes for the great battle for Narnia.
Flock Hill is 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.
Accommodation is available at nearby Flock Hill Station. Other activities include abseiling, rock climbing, tramping and canyoning. In winter, there is skiing and snowboarding at the nearby Broken River, Craigieburn, Mt Cheeseman, Porter Heights and Temple Basin ski fields.
The ancient Elephant Rocks that sprout from the rolling hills in the Waitaki district of the South Island were transformed into Aslan's Camp.
Elephant Rocks are situated near Duntroon, a 40-minute drive from Oamaru on State Highway 83.
Millions of years ago this whole area was under the sea. Whales and other marine life sank into the soft sand which then gradually rose to the surface. The result is an intriguing area of fossils and dramatic limestone outcrops. Vanished World visitor centre in Duntroon houses interpretive displays on the area’s geological past.
The historic town of Oamaru - where white limestone Victorian buildings stand as a reminder of times gone by - is the ideal base for exploring the area. Originally built as warehouses and storage areas for the nearby port, the Harbour / Tyne area is home to antique shops, gift stores, craftsmen and restaurants.
Close by is the Oamaru blue penguin colony. The smallest of their kind in the world, the blue penguins nest beside Oamaru Harbour and can be viewed in their natural habitat. Oamaru is also home to the award-winning Whitestone Cheese, and the factory has an onsite café and shop allowing visitors to sample local produce and wine.
The great castle of Cair Paravel on the Eastern Sea of Narnia was created by computer-generated imagery 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.
The third South Island site chosen for filming was Paradise, a privately-owned horse ranch about an hour's drive from Queenstown.
"There were a couple of locations that were perfect for this movie that only New Zealand could offer," producer Mark Johnson said. "In many ways, it is a fairytale country with the kind of locations that make your jaw drop".
