Over the last few days I have been with a GNS Science team exploring the remote Mangahouanga Stream in inland Hawkes Bay. This is the area that is famous for the discoveries of dinosaur and other reptile remains by Joan Wiffen (who died in June last year) and her team. It is on private land, […]
Cretaceous Reptiles in Hawke’s Bay Read More »
Takaka limestone landscape On a recent trip up Takaka Hill near Nelson, I went exploring over the limestone landscape with my daughter Sophie (with permission from the landowner). The area is riddled with sink holes and caves. The most well known is Harwood’s Hole – a huge vertical shaft about 50 metres across and over
Caves and Moa Bones Read More »
Last week, along with several other GNS scientists, I accompanied sedimentologist Greg Browne to the coast near Nelson, to check out his new dinosaur footprint discovery. His findings are being published this month in the New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics. (photo courtesy of Marianna Terezow, GNS Science) Kim Hill from Radio New Zealand
Dinosaur footprints discovered in New Zealand Read More »
Our last day trip took us to two more beautiful localities in the area south of Hamilton. Firstly we visited the Mangapuhoe Natural Bridge. This is a huge limestone archway, formed originally as a large cave which partially collapsed, leaving the Bridge. The track from the road takes you through dense bush beside the river
Kawhia Fossil Hunting Read More »
Today we went to two more fossil localities on our journey northwards in the North Island. First up we turned off the main highway about 16 kms north of Wanganui city and travelled along a gravel road beside the Whanganui river for a few kilometres. We parked up beneath some cliffs alongside the road, known
Whanganui River Fossil Beds Read More »
Today I am on a fossil hunting tour to check out some of the best fossil hunting sites in the North Island, along with James Crampton and Marianna Terezow. They have been writing a book for New Zealand fossil hunters and we are giving the locations a final check to make sure the details are
Ototoka Beach Fossil Hunting Read More »