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About our Geopark
The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark is Aotearoa New Zealand’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark. Stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Southern Alps of Te Waipounamu (the South Island), it is a place where extraordinary geology, rich cultural heritage, and unique communities come together.
Welcome to the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark
Nau mai, haere mai tauati mai rā ki te rohe o Te Rūnanga o Moeraki
Our geopark tells the story of Te Riu-a-Māui (Zealandia), Earth’s eighth continent, and the forces that shaped the landscapes we see today. Here you can explore ancient seabeds, fossil-rich limestone formations, braided rivers, Māori rock art, and coastal wonders that reveal millions of years of Earth’s history.
By exploring this geopark you will discover geological heritage of international significance and learn about the stories of the land and its people.
What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?
A UNESCO Global Geopark is a recognised area with internationally significant geological heritage that is managed through conservation, education, and sustainable development.
UNESCO Global Geoparks connect people with the stories of the Earth while supporting local communities and protecting important natural and cultural places.
The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark became part of the global UNESCO network in 2023, joining a select group of geoparks around the world recognised for their outstanding geological and cultural significance.
Our cultural heritage
From early Māori settlement and travel routes to European pioneering and industry, Waitaki’s cultural heritage tells the story of the people who have called this place home.
The four elements of the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark logo represent the most precious aspects of the Waitaki itself: Mauka Ahuru - Sheltering mountains; Tangata - People ; Wai – River and Sea; Whenua - Fossil-rich Limestone