A Land of Living History

The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark is New Zealand’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark, spanning over 7,200 square kilometres of diverse landscapes. From the jagged Clay Cliffs and the ancient Elephant Rocks to the iconic Moeraki Boulders, this is a region where the earth’s stories are written in stone. Explore a world of vanished whales, fossilized sharks, and the unique Waitaki whitestone that has shaped the culture and architecture of our community for generations.

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  • Lake Benmore April 2021 Rob 15
  • Elephant Rocks Autumn 2019 Cindy 12
  • A2O Anatini September 2020 Cindy 3
  • Elephant Rocks
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  • A2O Pumpkin Point September 2020 Rob 3
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Where Ancient Wonders Meet Living Culture

From the coast to the Southern Alps, the Geopark preserves the stories of our land and its people.

  • Geological Marvels: Discover world-famous sites like the Moeraki Boulders, the towering Clay Cliffs, and the ancient fossils of the Vanished World Trail.
  • Heritage & Art: See the Geopark’s influence in the Ōamaru Heritage Precinct, where local limestone was used to build a Victorian "Whitestone City."
  • Kāi Tahu iwi: Learn how the Waitaki River served as a vital highway and mahinga kai (food gathering) source, sustaining Kāi Tahu whānui and connecting the mountains to the sea.
  • Active Discovery: Experience the landscape first hand while cycling the Alps 2 Ocean or exploring the limestone karst formations of the Waitaki Valley.