Walk Details
NZ Walking Routes > Otago > Oamaru > The Vanished World Heritage Trail and Centre
The Vanished World Heritage Trail and Centre
- Location
- Begins opposite ‘The Mill House’ at Waianakarua on State Highway 1.
- Description
The Vanished World Centre at Duntroon offers fascinating insights into the fossil heritage of the Waitaki District through interpretive displays and exhibits that include world-class fossils of giant penguins, unique small dolphins, huge sharks, the first baleen whales and many shellfish mainly from Oligocene times. Visit it to round off your trail wanderings or to gain introductory knowledge for the trail.
The Vanished World Trail, beginning opposite” The Mill House” at Waianakarua on SH1, introduces some key geological localities in North Otago as it follows the coastline back to Oamaru and out the Waiareka Valley past “Anitini” and the “Elephant Rocks” to the Vanished World Centre in the Waitaki Valley. It is possible to follow the trail from Oamaru or Duntroon.
Trail guides are available at Oamaru I-site, the Vanished World Centre and Otago Museum.
Together, the Centre and Trail give a feeling for "deep time" as you explore the emotive forms of our limestone landscapes enabling you to better understand the origins of our land and its living creatures.
The Department of Geology at the University of Otago has worked in a partnership with Vanished World Incorporated to create the Centre and Trail.
You can visit www.vanishedworld.co.nz for more information.
- Amenities
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- Historical
- Source
- www.newzealandnz.co.nz; www.visitoamaru.co.nz
- Discussion
- Start a discussion on this walk