Based on the books by C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia is a much-loved fantasy trilogy following children around the world of mystical land of Narnia. Spoiler alert: much of Narnia is actually New Zealand, with filming locations in Canterbury, Glenorchy and Waitaki.
Probably the most famous backdrop in the second film, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is when the children come across the ruins of Cair Paravel. This is shot at Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) on the Coromandel Peninsula, a marine reserve with a stunning beach and rock formations.
The three-tiered waterfall of Purakanui in The Catlins also makes an appearance behind the computer-generated Cair Paravel castle. An easy 20-minute walking track leads you to this well-known site.
In the first film The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe the final battle scene was filmed at Flock Hill, along the Great Alpine Highway, showcasing some of New Zealand’s most beautiful, untouched landscapes and incredible wilderness.