The primary filming location was the Catlins, a coastal region in the southeastern corner of the South Island. Think giant ferns, dramatic cliffs, and beaches that look like they were designed by a fantasy illustrator. Curio Bay and Slope Point doubled as the rugged coastline where the Pevensies first stumble back into Narnia.
But the film’s most iconic scene—the river crossing with the massive bridge—was shot at Hauroko (Lake) and the Waiau River. Fun fact: the crew built a 50-meter-long bridge specifically for the scene, then tore it down to preserve the wild environment. Very Narnia of them, right?
For the Telmarine castle and the climactic battle, they headed to Ashburton in the Canterbury region. The rolling hills and patchwork fields were transformed into a medieval war zone. Locals still joke that they can spot the exact cow pasture where Peter dueled Miraz.
