Elephant Rocks (New Zealand)

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{{Distinguish|Three Sisters and Elephant Rock}}Image:ElephantRocksNov232024 02.jpg

The Elephant Rocks near Duntroon in North Otago, New Zealand, are a collection of large weathered limestone rocks. They are located on a private farm {{convert|5|km|mi|0}} south of Duntroon, in the Maerewhenua Valley. The wider area around Duntroon is known for its interesting geology and preserved fossils.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newzealand.com/us/article/fascinating-fossils-and-rattling-rocks-in-waitaki/|title=Fascinating Fossils and Rattling Rocks in Waitaki|publisher=NewZealand.com official NZ tourism website|accessdate=2014-03-04}}

The Elephant Rocks are the weathered remnants of the Otekaike Limestone formation which lies above the Oligocene Kokoamu Greensand.

The rock formations of the Elephant Rocks vary from {{convert|1|-|10|m|ft|0}} across and are naturally scattered around a grass paddock on a gentle hillside over an area of about {{convert|200|m}} across. The rocks themselves are rounded and pockmarked from weathering, but do not specifically resemble elephant shapes. The pasture is part of a private farm, and sheep may be present. Access is permitted via a 5-minute walk across the farmland from opposite a parking bay on the Island Cliff-Duntroon Road. The Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail passes the site.{{cite web |title=Section 8: Duntroon to Oamaru |url=http://www.alps2ocean.com/trail-map/duntroon-to-oamaru |publisher=A2O |accessdate=14 December 2016}}

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The Elephant Rocks area has been used as a filming location for the first Chronicles of Narnia movie in 2005 when it was transformed into Aslan's camp.{{Cite web|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/14415/filming-at-elephant-rocks|title=Filming at Elephant Rocks|publisher=Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand|accessdate=2014-03-04}}

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Category:Waitaki District

Category:Rock formations of Otago