Our Geosites

Explore the places that make the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark unique, from dramatic rock formations and the braided Waitaki river, to ancient fossils and important cultural sites.

From the famous Te Kaihīnaki / Moeraki Boulders and the karst limestone of Elephant Rocks to hidden gems waiting to be discovered, every geosite has a story to tell.

A Geosite is a location inside a Geopark that has a particular geological or geomorphological significance. As well as its inherent geological characteristics it may also have cultural or heritage significance. Our expert panel has identified over 40 sites in the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark.

Below is a collection of some of the geosites that are either publically accessible or viewable from a distance. Please refer to the description on each page. It is important to note that those sites are not owned or managed by the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark.

Protection and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the land is at the heart of the Geopark philosophy. We ask you to treat the sites with respect and do not remove anything from these sites so they may be preserved for our future generations to enjoy. Some sites are on private land, but accessible to the public. Please respect the privilege of accessing the sites and follow instructions given by landowners.

If you are interested in New Zealand's Geology and Landscapes, visit GeoTrips to find sites and places to visit across the whole country. They have been compiled by GNS Science with the kind assistance of geologists and knowledgeable enthusiasts from around the country.