If you are interested in geological oddities, you should visit the Elephant Rocks in New Zealand. The Elephant Rocks at Duntroon, in North Otago, are a group of enormous worn limestone rocks. The eroded remains of the Otekaike Limestone formation, which is situated atop the Oligocene Kokoamu Greensand, are known as the Elephant Rocks.
They are on a private property in the Maerewhenua Valley, some 5 kilometers south of Duntroon so visitors are asked to be humble of all signage and roaming stock. The larger area around Duntroon is recognized for its fascinating geology and fossilized remains. To truly appreciate the distinctive spherical shapes (some do, if you put a little imagination to it, resemble elephants), you have to take some time to stroll among them.
The Elephant Rocks are naturally dispersed over an area of approximately 200 meters across, in a grass paddock on a moderate hillside. The limestone worn away over time by wind, rain, and frost, leaving behind solitary “elephants.” More easily eroded sediments are softer, particularly near joints. The strange rock formations range in size from 1 to 10 meters across. The rocks themselves do not particularly resemble elephant shapes; instead, they are rounded and paw marked from weathering. Sheep may be found in the pasture, which is a part of a private farm. Rock climbers can choose from a wide variety of bouldering problems ranging in difficulty and grade.
Access is allowed from the Island Cliff-Duntroon Road parking bay across the fields, which is a 5-minute walk away. The Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail passes via this place. Elephant Rocks served as the setting for Aslan’s camp during filming for the first Chronicles of Narnia film, which was released in 2005. They also showed up in Episode 8 of Jet Lag: The Game season 5. This location has amazingly diverse rock formations and sceneries. A beautiful place to explore; however, in the winter, it may get very muddy and slick. Wear gumboots or be prepared for a dirty automobile afterward!
Related Reading: Elephant Rock (Jebel Al-Fil) Al-‘Ula
