Sands and muds eroded from Gondwana and accumulated off its coast prior to the breakup of the supercontinent.

These sediments underwent earth processes that have changed them into meta sediments (greywackes and argillites). Sediments subjected to increased heat and pressure resulted in the metamorphic rock schist (Otago Schist). Schist forms the basement of the geopark in the southern reaches and the southern side of the Waitaki Valley predominantly. Greywacke and argillite form the basement of the geopark in other parts of the geopark and for much of Otago/Canterbury and into the North Island.

Schist (and greywacke and argillite) have their own unique story within the geopark – quite separate from the overlying sediments (whose stories start from the breakup of Zealandia from Gondwana). Because of uplift and deformation these basement rocks are now exposed in many places throughout the geopark. Erosion of these basement rocks have led to their being recycled and incorporated into some overlying sediments.

Some historical social stories of the park are linked very closely to the schist. For example – the historic gold mine of Golden Point Battery and the working Oceana Gold mine at Macraes.

Please be aware the following hazards include: flooding, open water, narrow road/bridge, icy road conditions in winter