Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Discovery

OVERVIEW

Explore the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark, a landscape of dramatic limestone formations, volcanic sequences and extraordinary fossils that presents a geological picture of Zealandia. As an introduction to what is the eighth continent – 94% of which is still submerged beneath the ocean – you will browse the Vanished World Centre. It holds a collection of rare fossils that reveals marine life in Zealandia millions of years ago. While following the guide through the geopark, you will see natural wonders such as the remains of an ancient seabed that resembles a herd of elephants and the Valley of the Whales, a layered cliff of sediments that exposes a cross-section of marine life through the ages. You will also view rock paintings that the indigenous Māori created with red ochre and charcoal. The paintings date to the 1400s, when the Waitaki Valley was their hunting ground. Lunch will follow at the Riverstone Café or at a local venue.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through an incredibly dramatic landscape that was once submerged beneath the sea.
• See bizarre limestone formations, towering cliffs and centuries-old Māori rock paintings.
• Browse a collection of fossils of marine creatures that include whales, dolphins, and sharks.
• Get a glimpse of ancient life in Zealandia, the majority of which is still underwater.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.