So you've found... something?

Published on 13 June 2025

The Waitaki District rests atop million-year-old limestone and such a wide range of other rocks, in incredible formations, that we’re home to the UNESCO Waitaki Whitestone Geopark.

However, that’s a lot of history – both from before and after humans arrived in these islands. And occasionally, a member of the community or a visitor will find a reminder of that long, long, time that’s underneath our feet.

It could be a fossil, or it could be an archaeological artifact. One is evidence of our incredible natural past, the other of the story of human history in this country. If you do find a fossil, or an archaeological artifact, and you’re not sure what to do, then it might be time to tell someone who knows what to do next. Don’t disturb it, take a photograph and then:

• For fossils, contact the Waitaki Museum and Archive – 03 433 0853 or museum@waitaki.govt.nz

• For archaeological finds, contact Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Otago/Southland Office on 03 477 9871 or infodeepsouth@heritage.org.nz

• If you’re not sure, you can email Council’s Heritage Advisor at mark.smith@waitaki.govt.nz

If you find something, try not to disturb it. If visiting archaeological sites, take your rubbish and memories away with you – leave everything else where it is.

Preserving our natural history, and the history of New Zealand, is something everyone can be involved in.