Introduction
Suggested visit time: 1 - 2 daysWelcome to the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark! This tour takes you to some of the fascinating inland highlights within the Waitaki Valley. The Waitaki area is shaped by the movement of the mighty Waitaki River, carving a course through the land from the feet of Aoraki Mt Cook all the way to the east coast of Aotearoa New Zealand, meeting the Pacific Ocean just north of Ōamaru.Māori creation stories tell of Aoraki, one of the sons of Raki, the sky father, and Papatuanuku, the earth mother. Aoraki and his brothers’ waka ran aground and they turned to stone, becoming Aoraki and the surrounding mountains. ‘Waitaki’ means ‘the river of tears’, symbolising the tears of Aoraki Mt Cook, missing his family.The Waitaki River is a rare example of a braided river and a distinctive feature of Te Waipounamu (the South Island). Braided rivers are ever-changing, shifting their pathways according to conditions, creating new islands and wetlands as they change paths. From the air looking like a tangle of ribbons across the landscape, the river provides habitat for unique species that have evolved to thrive in this aquatic environment.Other highlights of the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark include unique geological and geomorphological features such as karsted limestone at Elephant Rocks, and Gaudi-like towers at Clay Cliffs. Our Geosites allow you to explore volcanic remnants and discover the past inhabitants of these places, from microscopic diatoms to giant prehistoric penguins and plesiosaurs.For camping information, check the Freedom camping in Waitaki page.What is Tiaki – Care for New Zealand?Tiaki means to care for people and place. New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it.The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations. By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand: Care for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace Travel safely, showing care and consideration for all Respect culture, travelling with an open heart and mindFor more information about the Tiaki Promise, visit the Tiaki official website.
Ōhau Moraines
Suggested visit time: 10 - 15The Ōhau Moraines are located inland of Omarama. Take SH8 between Twizel and Omarama. Turn onto Lake Ōhau Rd 16km north of Omarama. As you are approaching Lake Ōhau, you will drive through a hummocky landscapes - the Ōhau Moraines.The Ōhau Moraines are some of the most sensitive recorders of ice-age climate change in the Southern Hemisphere.Lake Ōhau sits in a ‘depression’ with mountains on either side. These mountains bare scars cut into their rock face - Can you see them? These scares were formed by glacier movement – a river of ice – scraping along the valley sides as it went. These scars record the varying height of the glacier and the extent of its length down valley.Ōhau Moraines are terminal moraines. Terminal moraines are a mix of a wide range of sediments and can include boulders, rocks, pebbles, sands and silts. The Ōhau terminal moraine location records the extent of the last glaciation – approximately 18,000 years ago. From this point the glacier at Ōhau retreated and has left behind a large depression that is now occupied by Lake Ōhau. The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle trail traversers these moraines. By travelling over the moraine you get a sense of being on and surrounded by a geologically young landform. This landform has its origins high up in the valley from much older (basement) rock – rock that was formed before the break up of Gondwana that has been on its own journey. The basement rock that forms the moraines has experienced Gondwana breakup, metamorphism, tectonic uplift, glacial erosion and deposition, and its story has not finished.Te Ruataniwha (Ben Ohau) is the prominent cone-shaped mountain near the outlet of Lake Ōhau. Te Ruataniwha was an ancestor on the Ārai-te-uru waka that capsized near Matakaea (Shag Point) on the Otago coastline. After the capsize, many of the passengers went ashore to explore the land, however they needed to be back at the waka before daylight. Many did not make it, including Te Ruataniwha, and instead transformed into many of the geographical features of Te Waipounamu. To learn more about Māori place names and travelling routes, check out Kā Huru Manu.The Lake Ōhau Track runs along the Lake Ōhau shoreline at it moraine end. Find out more on the DOC page.Please be aware the following hazards following: water, cycling traffic, and uneven surface. Tsunami risk - If an earthquake is strong or long, get gone.
Benmore Hydro-Dam
Suggested visit time: 15 minsLoch Laird Road, Otematata.Travel along SH83 to Lake Benmore, between Otematata and Omarama.From Otematata, you will see a sign off of SH83 for the Benmore Dam.Benmore Dam is the largest earthen dam in the country and second largest producer of hydroelectricity. It was completed in 1965 and at the time was Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest ever construction project.Benmore Lake, which was artificially created by the dam, is about 74km² and holds about 1.25 billion cubic meters of water – that’s 1.5 times the water in Wellington Harbour!You can walk, cycle or drive across the dam and there are parking and viewing areas at either end. Also, don't miss the Benmore Peninsula walk just up the hill for amazing views of the lake and Mt Cook in the distance.
Otematata Wetlands walk
Suggested visit time: 30 mins to 1 hourGet to the Otematata Wetland Walk from Loch Laird Road, just off State Highway 83 in Otematata.A testament to the power of community, the Otematata wetland was once an abandoned worksite, left behind after construction of nearby dams. Decimated by industrial gravel pits and a derelict airstrip, it was an overgrown mess of weeds, bramble and bracken.In 2010, teams of volunteers put in thousands of hours clearing and restoring the area to a natural state of biodiverse goodness. With a bit of grant funding the Otematata community hired a landscape architect to create a plan to return the wetland to a state of indigenous wildlife.Enjoy a 30 minute walk one way between Boat Harbour and Wildlife camping areas or do the 60 minute circuit that includes Otematata township.You can have a refreshing swim at any one of the swimming spots through the wetlands. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables for you to make use of and dogs on a leash are welcome along the walkway.Source: Tourism Waitaki Website
Aviemore Hydro-Dam
Suggested visit time: 15 minsTurn off State Highway 83 onto Aviemore Dam Road.The Aviemore Hydro-Dam was constructed during the 1960s and became fully operational in 1968. The Aviemore’s generators are the largest in New Zealand, generating enough electricity each year for about 120,000 New Zealand homes. The pipes that carry water into the power station, called “penstocks,” are the largest in New Zealand, a huge 7 metres in diameter, while the rotors are nearly 8 metres in diameter and weigh 210 tonnes. The dam itself is made in two parts: an earth dam and a concrete dam. It is the biggest dam of this type in New Zealand, and is the second largest concrete dam.You can walk, cycle or drive across the dam and there are parking and viewing areas at either end, to get some majestic views of the Waitaki River valley.
Takiroa Rock Art Site
Suggested visit time: 15 minsTo get to Takiroa rock drawings from the north end of Duntroon, head up State Highway 83 about 3 km and look for the information sign and carpark. There’s a brief walk up an uneven pathway.The Māori rock art you can see here includes images from abstract forms to bird and animal life, people and Māori first impressions of European settlers.These limestone overhangs offered early travellers shelter along a seasonal route up the Waitaki Valley, which was a major thoroughfare for Māori.Blockfalls and fissures within the limestone are easily visible at this site as evidenced by huge blocks of limestone at the bottom of the escarpment. This site continues to be at risk of cliff failure and is closed periodically when it is deemed necessary.If you are interested in Māori Rock Art, head to Timaru to the Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre.Please be aware the following hazards include: rock / block fall from above / overhang, slippery when wet.
Vanished World Centre
Suggested visit time: 30 mins - 1 hourHave some fun with fossils! See some amazing geologic history and have a go at carving some fossils from limestone! At the Vanished World Centre you can see fossils of whales, dolphins and invertebrates, from marine ecosystems of the Oligocene time some 20-30 million years ago.The Vanished World Centre is also the hub for the Vanished World Trail, a series of sites mostly within a 20km radius of the village of Duntroon. Ask the friendly volunteers about what’s around you.Along with interesting displays, the Centre sells a range of merchandise, particularly books. There is also a great range of products for young people and beginners, from model construction packages to junior palaeontologist digger kits. Income from merchandise sales, together with an entrance fee helps cover running costs and the sales of the Vanished World Trail Brochure helps the Society maintain the trail.The Vanished World Society was formed in the early 2000's to raise public awareness about the geology of the Waitaki district. The Society promotes science, conservation and appropriate interaction with fossils, outcrops, and landforms.Cost: ADULT - $10, FAMILY $20, This allows access to dig your own fossils from blocks at the Centre.Children under 12yrs accompanied by an adult FREE.For large group bookings, contact 03-431-2024, or visit Vanishedworld.co.nzOpen Hours: 10am - 4.30pm, seven days a week.
Waipata / Earthquakes
Suggested visit time: 15 minsTo get to the Earthquakes area from the north end of Duntroon turn on to Earthquakes Road near the limestone church. Earthquakes is signposted about 3km down the road. Park at the information sign. Caution! Rocks still fall, and the ground is creviced so wear walking shoes.Earthquakes refers to an area of limestone cliffs near Duntroon. The name came about when it was thought the large house-sized boulders were dislodged by earthquakes long ago.In fact, this locality showcases the power of geological mass movement - resulting in the formation of a graben. This graben contains hazardous fissures and deep cracks. Mass movement at this site displaced huge blocks of limestone which can be seen at the site. In-situ fossil remnants of a whale can be viewed behind the protective caged area. The sediments and fossils from this site tell the story of Zealandia's history when this area consisted of wide and shallow seas with ancient marine life.Please be aware the following hazards include: uneven ground, hidden caves/sinkholes, slippery surface when wet, surface fissures, block / landslide, rock and debris fall from above.
Elephant Rocks
Suggested visit time: 15 - 30 minsThere’s a parking bay on Island Cliff-Duntroon Road and a signposted gate that gives you access to an easy 5-minute walk across the farmland.Elephant Rocks are geological marvels exposed by erosion, set amongst picturesque farmland. Don’t forget your camera as you wander through these towering limestone rocks. A geological wonder of the Waitaki, this unique landscape has featured in films such as The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.Elephant Rocks features distinctive large hummocky or elephant-shaped limestone outcrops. The “elephants” are formed from Otekaike Limestone, which originated as a fossil-rich marine sand around 25 million years ago. The thick and flat-lying limestone has many joints, or cracks, caused by the land being lifted. These joints, which cross each other, are eroded by water. Eventually, enough limestone is eroded away to leave the “elephants” exposed and isolated from each other.Elephant Rocks is on private land. Please respect this special place and take care not to cause damage. Please go quietly if animals are present and remember to shut the gates. You can help care for this site. Please pick up any rubbish. Tread lightly and leave no trace.Please be aware the following hazards include: traffic, slippery surface when wet, uneven surface, fall hazards, and farming activities.
Anatini
Suggested visit time: 15 - 20 minsThere’s a parking bay on Island Cliff-Duntroon Road and a signposted gate that gives you access to an easy 5-minute walk across the farmland. The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passes through this gully.The land you are standing on was once under the sea. Many animals and plants lived and died on this prehistoric seafloor. Over a few million years, shell fragments from these creatures compacted to become limestone, while bones from vertebrates (such as whales, dolphins and penguins) became preserved within the sediment. The limestone here is from the late Oligocene Epoch, formed 23 - 25 million years ago. Our landmass - Zealandia - was then mostly a submerged continent with only a series of small islands remaining above sea level. New Zealand is now emergent. In the last 20+ million years the limestone has been uplifted and eroded - exposing the baleen whale and other fossils.You are looking at the remains of an ancient baleen whale. Some baleen whales are over 15 metres long. This one was probably five to six metres long. Baleen whales are filter feeders, they sieve a lot of sea water each day to collect small animals to eat (these prey animals are only a few centimetres long). The fossil whale is distantly related to modern baleen whales and died millions of years ago.With views over picturesque farmland this was the scene for Aslan's Camp in the film - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. It’s a beautiful photo opportunity.Anatini is on private land. Please respect this special place and take care not to cause damage. Please go quietly if animals are present and remember to shut the gates. You can help care for this site. Please pick up any rubbish. Tread lightly and leave no trace.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.
Valley of the Whales
Suggested visit time: 5 minsFrom Ngapara, head left onto Tokarahi-Ngapara Rd and follow this road for 6.5km. Then turn right onto Island-Cliff-Duntroon Rd. The limestone cliffs will appear here to your left and your right. Follow Island-Cliff-Duntroon Rd for about 3.5km and you will reach a parking bay with interpretation sign to your left.In this valley, named after the discovery of whale and dolphin fossils found here in the Otekaike Limestone, you can almost imagine you are at the very bottom of the seafloor with the limestone cliffs rising steeply on each side. Park your vehicle near the Vanished World signage in this valley and be transported to a time when this area was under a wide shallow sea and teeming with marine life such as ancient baleen whales and dolphins with shark-like teeth. Check out the Vanished World Centre in Duntroon to learn more about these species.The Awamoko Stream that flows the length of this valley has eroded down through the limestone beds to expose the massive geological sediments. Moa bones have also been found in some of the swamp settings here – more recent relics of a time gone by.Please be aware the following hazards include: Flood prone
Enfield Dikes
Suggested visit time: 5 minsTo get to Enfield Dikes, follow the Weston-Ngapara Rd from Weston towards Enfield for 6km. Just before the township of Enfield, park your car in the parking bat on the left and follow the signage.The dikes seen here are basaltic in nature and are one of the best inland exposures of igneous dikes in the Oamaru region. They belong to the wider Waiareka Volcanic group.These are located behind the village of Enfield in a disused quarry which has more recently been used as a landfill site. This site is fenced off to the public. You can however view the Geosite from behind the gates.The quarry exposes several near-vertical dikes. Dikes are formed when volcanic activity pushes magma up through a crack or a weakness in the crust. This magma cuts across older material and cools in place as an igneous intrusion (i.e. it cools and ‘sets’ below the surface).For a drink or a meal, check out The Fort Enfield - Enjoy the warm hospitality and relaxed atmosphere of this cool little country pub.Please be aware the following hazards include: no vehicle parking, closed landfill.
Devils Bridge Wetland
Suggested visit time: 30 minsHead south west from the intersection of Devils Bridge Road and Eden Road, Enfield, for about 600 metres.This wetland lagoon is an important habitat for many wetland bird species and is recognised as an area of Natural Significance in this Karst landscape. The walking track surrounding the lagoon leads to a 'disappearing stream', where the water drains into an underground cave system in the limestone.
What's next
Well done. That’s the end of the tour. We hope you’ve enjoyed seeing some of the great Inland Geo-Highlights the Waitaki has to offer.Try our Victorian Precinct Walking tour and Whitestone Geopark Coast Tour if you want to see more of Oamaru and the Waitaki coast area.If you’d like to learn more about what's in the Waitaki, including places to stay and to eat, go to Tourism Waitaki website.
