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Explore fascinating limestone features that have been exposed and eroded over many years with fossils of ancient whales protruding from rock.
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Nearby the world-famous Elephant Rocks, Anatini has one of only a few natural limestone arches in New Zealand. There are baleen whale bones, under protective display as part of the Vanished World trail. Fossils of molluscs, sea urchins, other invertebrates are embedded and visible in the limestone. The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail also passes through this gorge. With views over picturesque countryside this was the scene for Aslan's Camp in the film Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
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To learn more you can listen to the Sasha Say’s podcasts on Anatini here.
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Please be aware the following hazards include: narrow pathway, steep drop-off by fossil site, slippery surface when wet, uneven surface and steps, pipe at the bottom of the gate leading to fossil, falling debris / rocks/ blocks from above, and farming activities.
Latitude: -44:53:36.131 Longitude: 170:39:22.355
Easy walk
5 min
300m
Scenic views & Photo opportunities
The field is part of a private farm and sheep or cattle may be present. Please respect the land and the animals. Public access is permitted via a 5-minute walk down a stepped walkway and across the farmland from opposite a parking bay on the west side of the Island Cliff-Duntroon Road. The Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail passes this site.
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GETTING THERE
Anatini is signposted as part of the Vanished World trail.
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Kaitiakitanga
Protection and guardianship are at the heart of the Geopark philosophy. We ask you to treat this site with respect, do not remove anything from this site and preserve it for our future generations.