Northland Region

Abbey Caves and karst, Whangarei. Map: Q07; Classification: C2. Significance: One of the best preserved areas of karst landforms and small caves in Northland. Easily accessible from Whangarei.

Ahipara gumfield relics. Map: N05; Classification: B2. Significance: The best preserved area of remains relating to kauri gum digging and processing.

Ahipara Pliocene lignite. Map: N05; Classification: C2. Significance: Oldest dated sand dunes in Far North.

Ahipara Tangihuas basal melange. Map: N05; Classification: B3. Significance: Basal melange of the Tangihua obducted ophiolites.

Aorangi Island terraces. Map: R06; Classification: C3. Significance: Well preserved sequence of 8 uplifted marine terraces reaching 170-185 m (700000 years?). Locally derived rounded pebbles on terraces (the most well rounded occurring on highest terrace) in contrast with present day sea cliffed coast. Terrace surfaces modified by prehistoric Maori horticulture.

Arrow Rocks. Map: P04; Classification: B3. Significance: One of few exposures of the Permian-Triassic boundary in the Southern Hemisphere.

Aurere Beach - Otengi Bay igneous section. Map: O04; Classification: C3. Significance: Easily accessible and well exposed section through Tanguhua Volcanics.

Aurere Beach sediments and nappes, Taipa. Map: O04; Classification: B3. Significance: One of the best exposed sequences showing relationships within the Northland Allochthon.

Avoca karst. Map: P07; Classification: C2. Significance: Most easily accessible and visible blocks of crystalline Whangarei limestone in the allochthon. Crystalline limestone is rare in the allochthon.

Avoca trace fossils. Map: P07; Classification: B1. Significance: One of best bedding plane exposures of well-preserved three-dimensional Scolicia trace fossils in New Zealand.

Baylys Beach dune sands. Map: P07; Classification: B3. Significance: Dunesands preserving history of rises and falls in sea level since the Pliocene.

Black Rocks columnar basalt, Bay of Islands. Map: Q05; Classification: C2. Significance: One of the best examples of small columnar-jointed islets in New Zealand. Eroded distal remnants of a long lava flow from Kerikeri Valley.

Bream Head stratovolcano. Map: R07; Classification: C3. Significance: Best exposed section through the cone facies and underlying subvolcanic intrusions in the Taurikura centre around Whangarei Heads.

Bushy Point clinoptilolite. Map: Q09; Classification: C2. Significance: A rare example of clinoptilolite replacing fossil shells.

Camp Bay mylonite and schistose Tangihuas. Map: P04; Classification: A3. Significance: The only well-exposed area of schistose Tangihuas showing good shear sense indicators and sheeted dike complex. Mylonites formed in an oceanic transform fault.

Cave Stream sediments, Waihou Valley. Map: P05; Classification: C3. Significance: Thick, well exposed sequence of mid Tertiary facies intermediate between that found typically in autochthon and allochthon.

Cone Rock, Far North. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: Spectacular conical pinnacle. Well known landmark for boaties.

Coppermine Island copper mineralisation. Map: R07; Classification: B2. Significance: Good example of a porphyry copper deposit.

Coppermine Island diorite intrusion. Map: R07; Classification: C2. Significance: Only diorite plutons in Whangarei Heads region.

Coppermine Island hornfels. Map: R07; Classification: C3. Significance: Good examples of hornfels.

Coral Point, Hukatere Miocene mass flow deposits. Map: Q08; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed fossiliferous mass flow deposits, where the differing biotas demonstrate different provenances.

Crows Nest Quarry melange. Map: Q06; Classification: C2. Significance: One of the best exposures of sheared melange at the base of the Northland Allochthon.

Glenbervie (Maruata) volcanic cones. Map: Q06; Classification: C2. Significance: A well preserved young volcanic centre with two scoria cones.

Haruru Falls basalt lava flow. Map: P05; Classification: C3. Significance: A scenic waterfall, eroding back up the Waitangi River, flows over the edge of a basalt flow. This waterfall provides an excellent window into the inside of a 5 km long columnar jointed basalt flow that was confined by the Waitangi River.

Hen Island pinnacles. Map: R07; Classification: C3. Significance: An area of spectacular rock pinnacles.

Hen Island prehistoric stonework. Map: R07; Classification: B3. Significance: One of the best preserved areas of stonework associated with prehistoric gardening in NZ.

Henderson Bay tsunami gravel deposit, Houhora. Map: N03; Classification: B1. Significance:

Hewlett Point karst, Whangarei Harbour. Map: Q07; Classification: C2. Significance: Well exposed coastal karst developed in autochthonous Whangarei limestone.

Hihi Beach, Manganui Lignite Beds. Map: O04; Classification: C3. Significance: Best exposure of Manganui Lignite Beds.

Hikurangi dome. Map: Q06; Classification: C3. Significance: Prominant volcanic landform, one of two young dacite domes north of Whangarei.

Hikurangi Quarry basal allochthon. Map: Q06; Classification: B4. Significance: Northland Allochthon exposed overlying in situ Whangarei Limestone. One of the best and most accessible sites in Northland to demonstrate the allochthon contact.

Hikurangi Shaft coalmine relics. Map: Q06; Classification: C2. Significance: Last working coalmine in Hikurangi. Possibly the only coalmine in Northland to be worked from a shaft.

Hokianga Miocene "Orbitolite" bed. Map: O06; Classification: C2. Significance: Discovered by Hochstetter in 1860s. Predominantly composed of larger foraminifera of international biostratigraphic value. Contains largest known foraminifera in New Zealand (2.5 cm diameter).

Hokianga sand dunes. Map: O06; Classification: B1. Significance: A large area of active sand dunes reaching heights of 200 m.

Hoods Road Quarry thomsonite and apophyllite. Map: O07; Classification: C4. Significance: One of the region's best and most accessible localities for thomsonite and apophyllite.

Houto spilite. Map: P07; Classification: C3. Significance: Oldest known occurence of allochthonous ophiolites (Tangihuas) in Northland.

Huruiki basalt and rhyolite (obsidian). Map: Q06; Classification: C3. Significance: An obsidian locality of archeological significance, once used by the prehistoric Maori. The Kerikeri VolcanicsPutahi Rhyolite contact is exposed.

Hurupaki scoria cone. Map: Q06; Classification: C1. Significance: One of three scientifically interesting scoria cones. A quarry exposes an eruption sequence showing that magma variation occurred during eruption. The best such exposure in a young Whangarei centre.

Jellicoe Cave. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: Unusual narrow (1-2 m wide) navigable (small dinghy) sea cave that passes right through small point. Linked historically to Lord Jellicoe who holidayed there.

Kaiaraara Island top hat islet, Russell. Map: Q05; Classification: A2. Significance: First “old hat” islet in the world to be described (Dana 1849) and used as the classic example by Bartrum (1916, 1924, 1925) to describe the “old hat” phenomenon in New Zealand and world-wide.

Kaiikanui basaltic proto-karst, Helena Bay. Map: P07; Classification: B2. Significance: One of 2 best examples in the Helena Bay area of fluted surfaces (karstose) formed on basalt (the other example being on the Russell Road at Stoney Knowe).

Kai Iwi dune dammed lakes. Map: O07; Classification: B3. Significance: Several large dune dammed lakes, including the two deepest dune lakes in New Zealand, Lake Taharoa at 37 m and Lake Waikeri at 30 m. None have any surface inlet or outlet.

Kaikohe scoria cone. Map: P05; Classification: C2. Significance: A small breached scoria cone.

Kaimaumau Swamp and sand dunes, Houhora. Map: O04; Classification: C2. Significance: One of the largest and least modified, less developed areas of longitudinal, parabolic and transverse sand dunes in Northland.

Kamo Hot Springs. Map: Q06; Classification: C2. Significance:

Kamo limestone pinnacles. Map: Q06; Classification: C1. Significance: Best preserved limestone karst pinnacles in Northland. In small area close to Whangarei city, already protected in private reserve with bush remnants and QE2 covenant. Some of deepest and sharpest fluting on a limestone in NZ.

Kamo No.3 coalmine relics. Map: Q06; Classification: C2. Significance: One of the largest producing coalmines in Northland.

Kapowairua prehistoric adze workings. Map: N02; Classification: B2. Significance: One of the largest and best preserved prehistoric adze working sites in New Zealand.

Karaui Point dacite dome. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: Good exposures of small eroded flow-banded dacite dome.

Karikari hornfels. Map: O03; Classification: C3. Significance: Reasonably well-exposed hornfels locality.

Karikari Peninsula tombolo dune fields. Map: O04; Classification: B2. Significance: An extremely large tombolo containing some of the most outstanding examples of coast-parallel foredunes in Northland.

Kauri Mountain hornfels and metallic mineralisation. Map: R07; Classification: B3. Significance: Well-exposed example of hornfels. Veins of meatllic mineralisation including galena, sphalerite and pyrite.

Kawerau lava flow reefs, Waipoua coast. Map: O06; Classification: C2. Significance: Prominent point on exposed west coast, formed by west-dipping sequence of basalt lava flows, producing the seaward tilt of some large reefs.

Kawiti scoria cone and Moerewa lava flow. Map: P05; Classification: C1. Significance: Scoria cone with a lava flow following the Kawakawa Valley.

Kerikeri stone store. Map: P05; Classification: B2. Significance: Oldest stone building in New Zealand.

Koutu giant concretions, Hokianga. Map: O06; Classification: B1. Significance: Largest concretions in Northland. Some of largest and most accessible spherical concretions that have been eroded out of their host rocks in New Zealand.

Lake Manuwai karstic basalt, Kerikeri. Map: P04; Classification: A1. Significance: Most spectacular example of a fluted basaltic boulder field in NZ.

Lake Ohia gumdigging holes. Map: O04; Classification: B1. Significance: One of the best preserved groups of gumdiggers holes left in NZ. Easy access.

Lake Ohia Pleistocene fossil forest. Map: O04; Classification: C2. Significance: Well preserved and now partly exhumed buried Quaternary kauri forest. 30,000 years old.

Lake Ohia Quarry pyrite. Map: O04; Classification: C2. Significance: Excellent specimens of pyrite nodules in shale.

Lake Omapere. Map: P05; Classification: B3. Significance: Lake formed by a lava flow damming valley.

Lodore Road obsidian source. Map: P05; Classification: C3. Significance: Source of unique dacitic obsidian utilised in prehistoric times.

Lower Puhipuhi Flats basalt flows. Map: Q06; Classification: C3. Significance: A basalt plateau formed from ponded lava, overlying greywacke.

Mahinepua Peninsula, Whangaroa Bay. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: Unusual long, narrow greywacke peninsula on east coast of Northland, probably resulting from protection from marine erosion by the band of basalt of Flat Island off the seaward end.

Manaia stratovolcano breccia pinnacles. Map: Q07; Classification: B3. Significance: Most prominent exposures of Miocene volcanic breccia and the best of two areas of ridge top tors in the Whangarei Heads area.

Mangaru Range pillow lava - hyaloclastite sequence. Map: P07; Classification: B2. Significance: Best exposures of pillow lava and hyaloclastite in upper part of Tangihua Complex sequence.

Mangawhai spit. Map: R08; Classification: B2. Significance: One of the best examples of a sand dune barrier spit in the Auckland City region. Only known sand dune system to preserve a distinctive volcanic ash horizon (Kaharoa Tephra) within its stratigraphy that allows its recent dynamic history since human arrival to be documented.

Mangonui barrier-enclosed estuary. Map: O04; Classification: C3. Significance: Classic example of a rare tombolo barrier-enclosed estuary.

Mangonui Miocene coconut beds. Map: O04; Classification: B2. Significance: Best preserved fossil coconuts in New Zealand. Of historical and paleoclimatic importance.

Marble Bay Permian fusulines, corals, spilite and melange. Map: P04; Classification: A3. Significance: Of national importance in paleogeographic reconstructions. Important association of pillow lava with Permian Tethyan facies and melange. Best of only a handful of Permian localities in the North Island. One of only three known New Zealand localities containing the biostratigraphically important, tropical, larger foraminiferal group called fusulines. Also contains Permian corals.

Matai Bay beaches. Map: O03; Classification: C2. Significance: A 2 km by 1 km bay with narrow entrance to the open sea. The Bay is divided into two semicircular beaches by a central headland. One of the most scenic gems in Northland, the beach and bay setting is unspoiled by development, in a near pristine condition.

Matapia Island sea arch. Map: M02; Classification: C3. Significance: Iconic sea arch visible from Ninety Mile Beach.

Matarau Rd basalt karst. Map: Q06; Classification: C1. Significance: One of the most easily seen examples of basalt karst near Whangarei.

Matauri Bay gibbsite. Map: P04; Classification: B4. Significance: The only significant occurrence of gibbsite (bauxite) in New Zealand.

Maungakaramea scoria cone. Map: Q07; Classification: C1. Significance: A well preserved scoria cone with a distinct form that has not been quarried. The southernmost Quaternary Volcanic centre in Northland.

Maungakawakawa scoria cone. Map: P05; Classification: C2. Significance: A very good example of breached scoria cone, breaching clearly as a result of 'rafting' during cone formation.

Maunganui Bluff basalt. Map: O07; Classification: B3. Significance: Best exposure of Waipoua Basalt.

MaungapareruaWaimate North weathered rhyolite. Map: P05; Classification: C3. Significance: Weathered rhyolite material.

Maungaraho dike with mineral harmotome, Tokatoka. Map: P08; Classification: B2. Significance: Largest dike in Tokatoka area. Forms a prominant ridge (200 m high) of the resistant dike surrounded by erosioned softer sedimentary rocks. Very good example of the unusual mineral harmotome.

Maungaraho intrusive volcanic breccia. Map: P08; Classification: C2. Significance: Well exposed example of early Miocene volcanic breccia intruding Mahurangi Limestone.

Maungatapere volcanic cone. Map: Q07; Classification: B2. Significance: An almost perfect, steep sided volcanic cone, not farmed or quarried. Largest and best preserved in Whangarei field.

Maungaturoto volcanic cone. Map: P05; Classification: C2. Significance: Well preserved volcanic form typical of the younger centres in Northland.

Maunu volcanic cone. Map: Q07; Classification: C1. Significance: A relatively well preserved cone near Whangarei, which has been modified a little by farming, minor quarrying and roading.

McLeod Bay, Whangarei Heads Miocene unconformity. Map: Q07; Classification: C3. Significance: Excellent exposure of deep water early Miocene flysch unconformably over Oligocene limestone and itself overlain with erosional decollement by allochthon.

Mititai breccia-filled volcanic neck, Tokatoka. Map: P08; Classification: C2. Significance: Best exposed of several breccia-filled necks in the Tokatoka area.

Motuarohia Island tombolos and tide pools, Bay of Islands. Map: Q05; Classification: C2. Significance: Best example in Northland of a tombolo linking together two islands and a rock stack forming deep tidal pools, widely used for recreation.

Motukawanui pillow lava, Cavalli Islands. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: Possibly best preserved pillow lava in Waipapa basement.

Motukokako (Piercy) Island skarn with babingtonite and ilvaite. Map: Q05; Classification: A2. Significance: Well exposed example of PbZn skarn. New Zealand's best ilvaite exposure occurs with the best of three babingtonite occurrences.

Motukokako (Piercy) Island sea arch. Map: Q05; Classification: C3. Significance: A very good example of a sea arch.

Mt Camel terrane volcaniclastics. Map: N03; Classification: C3. Significance: Demonstration of contemporaneity of Mount Camel Volcanics and associated flysch.

Ngahere Drive solution runnels, Whangarei. Map: Q07; Classification: C1. Significance: Small but spectacular, easily accessible outcrops of lapiez-weathered limestone close to Whangarei.

Ngahuha scoria cone. Map: P05; Classification: C2. Significance: A scoria cone and flow which follows the Werowero Valley.

Ngararatunua volcanic cone. Map: Q06; Classification: C1. Significance: Distinct scoria cone breached to south.

Ngawha Springs hydrothermal field. Map: P05; Classification: B2. Significance: A geothermal area with cinnabar. Hydrothermal area with current deposition. Mined for mercury as a strategic mineral.

Ngunguru barrier-enclosed estuary. Map: Q06; Classification: C3. Significance: One of the most accessible and least populated estuaries on the east coast of Northland, exhibiting a wide range of educational features. Also of historical and cultural significance.

Ngunguru River mouth pillow basalts and peperites. Map: Q06; Classification: C3. Significance: One of the few and most accessible examples of pillow basalts with peperite along the east coast of Northland.

Ngunguru sandspit. Map: Q06; Classification: C2. Significance: The only undeveloped sandspit remaining in the Northland region. Potentially useful for research into short- to medium-term coastal geomorphological processes, post-Last Glacial Maximum transgression, provenance and sand distribution patterns, catchment-to-sea analysis of the sedimentological history of a small Northland system, and sea-level studies.

Ninepin sea pinnacle, Bay of Islands. Map: Q04; Classification: C3. Significance: Well known iconic rock pinnacle sticking out of the sea at the northern entrance to the Bay of Islands.

North Cape Island gravel tombolo. Map: N02; Classification: C3. Significance: Rare example of a cobble and boulder tombolo joining an island to the mainland.

North Cape ultramafic/gabbro complex. Map: N02; Classification: B3. Significance: Only ultramafic/gabbro ophilite complex in northern New Zealand.

Ocean Beach autochthon-allochthon contact. Map: R07; Classification: C3. Significance: One of very few exposures of basl contact of Northland Allochthon.

Ohia black shale. Map: O04; Classification: B2. Significance: Best exposure of black shale in Northland; one of best in New Zealand.

Okaihau basalt plateau. Map: P05; Classification: C3. Significance: An elongate lava plateau.

One Tree Point interglacial beach and dune deposits. Map: Q07; Classification: B1. Significance: Well exposed Late Pleistocene regressive coastal sand sequence with spectacular intertidal trace fossils. Only remaining exposures in the area that are not obscured by coastal foreshore protection works, and should be left in their unmodified state.

One Tree Point relict dunes and beach ridges, Bream Bay. Map: Q07; Classification: B2. Significance: Two of the best examples of a relict shoreline and regressive coastal landforms in New Zealand and best examples of dunes and a relict beach ridge system on Northland’s east coast.

Onemama Point allochthonous sediments, Whangarei Harbour. Map: Q07; Classification: B3. Significance: Excellent exposures documenting earliest allochthon emplacement in this region.

Onerahi overturned syncline. Map: Q07; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed example of weakly deformed block within the Northland Allochthon.

Oneriri Road hyaloclastic tuff, Kaiwaka. Map: Q08; Classification: C2. Significance: Type of eruptive centre not known elsewhere in Northland.

Onoke scoria cone and ballast pit: O06; Classification: C2. Significance: Visually prominent, bush-clad peak of scoria cone is valuable part of Kamo's landscape and one of the volcanoes of the Whangarei basalt field. Overgrown remains of railway ballast quarry and its associated earthworks is best example of this kind of industrial site in a scoria cone in New Zealand.

Opononi limestone, Hokianga. Map: O06; Classification: C3. Significance: The best exposure in the Hokianga area of a small sequence through deep water Oligocene limestone with redeposited sandstone beds.

Otaika Valley karstic basalt, Whangarei. Map: Q07; Classification: B1. Significance: Best example of rare solution runnels developed on youngest basalt lava flows in the region (from Maungatapere).

Otangaroa Caves, Mangamuka. Map: O04; Classification: C3. Significance: Fossil bone deposits, moa bones, site of discovery of extinct giant skink.

Otueka Hill Miocene fossiliferous sequence. Map: O05; Classification: C4. Significance: Thickest, easily accessible sequence through Otaua Group and also the most northerly. Contains diverse, redeposited, shallow water fauna including reef corals and especially significant for the barnacle plates of Lepas.

Pahi Peninsula greensand-limestone sequences. Map: Q08; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed section showing close juxtaposition of two different late Eocene-Oligocene sequences in different blocks within Northland Allochthon. Superb Bortonian flysch.

Pakaurangi-Puketi shelf sediments and fossils. Map: Q08; Classification: B2. Significance: Most complete sequence through Hukatere Subgroup, and richest fossil locality in New Zealand; type locality of many species.

Pandora pillow lava. Map: N02; Classification: B2. Significance: The best preserved and exposed example of Tangihua Complex pillow basalt with siliceous and micritic mudstone.

Paradise Quarry karst, Portland, Whangarei. Map: Q07; Classification: C2. Signifiance: A unique, extremely beautiful high-grade limestone. Reference section of Onemama Formation.

Parakao malachite, azurite and cuprite. Map: P07; Classification: C3. Significance: Good examples of the copper minerals malachite, azurite and cuprite.

Parakiore dome. Map: Q06; Classification: C3. Significance: Prominant volcanic landform, one of two young dacite domes in Whangarei area.

Paranui Falls. Map: Q06; Classification: C3. Significance: One of five most scenic waterfalls over basalt flows in Northland.

Parengarenga - Te Pokere Miocene fossils. Map: N02; Classification: B3. Significance: Diverse, warm-water molluscan fauna (see Parengarenga record).

Parengarenga silica sand. Map: N02; Classification: B3. Significance: A sand barrier spit being the largest unvegetated spit in New Zealand. The most extensive and highest grade silica sand deposit in New Zealand.

Parengarenga-Paratoetoe Miocene sequence. Map: N02; Classification: B3. Significance: Best exposed sequence through most of the upper Parengarenga Group: Type Paratoetoe Formation. Diverse, warm water molluscan fauna (see Parengarenga record).

Parua Bay basal allochthon melange, Whangarei Harbour. Map: Q07; Classification: B3. Significance: One of the classic localities in Northland showing the base of the allochthon sitting on early Miocene rocks and greywacke.

Perforated Point overturned fold. Map: N03; Classification: C3. Significance: A good example of the deformation within the Mount Camel terrane.

Pompallier House, Russell. Map: Q05; Classification: B3. Significance: The best example of nineteenth century pise de terre construction in New Zealand.

Poor Knights sea arches and caves. Map: R06; Classification: B3. Significance: Best developed marine eroded (at present and lower sea levels) arches, tunnels and caves in New Zealand. Includes completely submerged tunnels, air bubble caves - many of which have been named.

Poroporo Island drowned ridge crest, Bay of Islands. Map: Q05; Classification: C2. Significance: An unusual serpentine-shaped narrow island illustrating its drowned crest origins.

Pouerua (Pakaraka Mountain) scoria cone and lava fields. Map: P05; Classification: B2. Significance: A distinctive volcanic centre with well preserved crater and volcanic form, clearly visible from SH1. Surrounded by the best preserved lava flow field in Northland.

Pouerua prehistoric stonework. Map: P05; Classification: B2. Significance: Most extensive, intact prehistoric garden system, with associated stonework, in New Zealand.

Pouto sand dunes. Map: Q09; Classification: B2. Significance: Excellent, least modified part of the North Kaipara Head active dunelands system.

Puhipuhi cinnabar. Map: Q06; Classification: B3. Significance: An example of cinnabar occurring in siliceous sinter.

Puhipuhi stibnite (Mt Mitchell). Map: Q06; Classification: C2. Significance: Fossil hydrothermal stibnite and cinnabar.

Pukekaroro Dome. Map: Q08; Classification: C3. Significance: One of best preserved examples of an early Miocene volcanic dome landform in New Zealand.

Pukepoto basalt cone. Map: Q06; Classification: C1. Significance: A young centre with a breached multivented cone, which shows good volcanic landform.

Puketotara erionite. Map: Q09; Classification: A3. Significance: The most silica-poor erionite variety reported.

Puketotora Peninsula Miocene sediments. Map: Q09; Classification: B3. Significance: Most complete sequence through Waitemata Group and lower Waitakere Group in Kaipara region.

Puketu Island tombolo, Aurere Beach. Map: O04; Classification: C3. Significance: Rare occurrence of a gravel tombolo in Northland. Unusual geomorphologically because the gravel tombolo extends from the centre of Aurere Beach to Puketu Island, rather than from closer reefs off Aurere Point.

Puketutu (Puketona) volcanic cones. Map: P05; Classification: C2. Significance: A group of cones, now largely quarried.

Pungaere rhyolite dome and associated obsidians. Map: P05; Classification: B3. Significance: One of two well preserved Quaternary rhyolite domes and the only centre with associated peralkaline obsidians.

Putahi rhyolite dome with associated halloysite. Map: P05; Classification: B4. Significance: Easily accessable rhyolite dome in contact with (overlying) a Quaternary basalt flow. Distinct volcanic form. One of only two crystalline peralkaline rhyolite domes of Quaternary age in Northland. Excellent halloysite deposit.

Queen Victoria Rock, Hen Island. Map: P07; Classification: C3. Significance:

Rainbow Falls. Map: P05; Classification: C3. Significance: A waterfall held up by an eroding overhanging lava flow.

Rangi Point giant concretions, Hokianga. Map: O06; Classification: C1. Significance: Some of the most easily accessible large concretions in Northland.

Rangiahua autochthonous sediments. Map: O05; Classification: B3. Significance: Most complete and best exposed autochthonous middle Tertiary sequence beneath the allochthon in Northland.

Rangiahua karstic basalt, Okaihau. Map: P05; Classification: C2. Significance: Scattered huge basalt boulders up to 20 m across, with lapiez weathered surfaces. Example of rare karstic development on young basalt lava flows in the region.

Rangiahua sinkholes, Okaihau. Map: P05; Classification: C2. Signifiance: Only good, easily accessible example of karst in northern Northland.

Rangiora Bay honeycomb weathering, North Cape. Map: N02; Classification: C2. Significance: Excellent example of honeycomb weathering in the cliffs.

Rawene Paleocene limestones. Map: O05; Classification: C3. Significance: Best exposures of deep water Paleocene limestone facies in Northland.

Rawhitiroa scoria cone. Map: Q06; Classification: C1. Significance: One of three scientifically interesting scoria cones.

Rehia hornfels with mineral larnite. Map: P08; Classification: B3. Significance: Significant because the hornfels contain larnite, one of 12 world occurrences. Also rare occurrence of scawtite.

Reserve Point (The Nook) Eocene shelf sediments and fossils. Map: Q07; Classification: C3. Significance: Record of deepening shelf sequence deposited in situ in Late Eocene. Unusual shallow-water fossils.

Reserve Point nephelinite flow and garnet andesite. Map: Q07; Classification: B2. Significance: Only known nephelinite flow in northern New Zealand, adjacent to garnet andesite intrusion rich in mantle xenoliths.

Runaruna mud volcano. Map: O05; Classification: B1. Significance: Only active mud volcano in Northland.

Sail Rock stack. Map: R08; Classification: C3. Significance: An excellent example of a marine eroded stack.

Simpkin's Quarry herschelite. Map: P08; Classification: B2. Significance: New Zealand's first recorded occurrence of herschelite, and possibly the first recorded occurrence in andesite.

Skull Creek algal limestone. Map: Q07; Classification: B1. Significance: One of best and thickest examples of an algal (rhodolith) limestone in New Zealand. One of two in vicinity.

Skull Creek-Mangawhati Point autochthonous sediments, Whangarei Harbour. Map: Q07; Classification: C3. Significance: Most complete, well exposed autochthonous middle Tertiary sequence beneath allochthon in Whangarei region, up to base of allochthon. Includes excellent example of coastal karst on tip of Mangawhati Pt.

South Bream Tail arch dome and columnar-jointed reefs. Map: R08; Classification: C3. Significance: Best exposed Miocene dacite dome in Northland. Best and most extensive example of coastal columnar jointing in dacite in New Zealand.

South Omapere basalt flow. Map: P06; Classification: C3. Significance: The quarry shows a good exposure of a Horeke Basalt flow.

St Pauls dome-shaped hill, Whangaroa. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: A prominant dome shaped rocky hilltop visible from many parts of the Whangaroa area.

Stoney Knowe basaltic proto-karst, Helena Bay. Map: P07; Classification: A1. Significance: One of 2 best examples in the Helena Bay area of fluted surfaces (karstose) formed on basalt (the other example being on Kaiikanui Road).

Strawberry Bay pillow lava. Map: Q08; Classification: B2. Significance: Best example of pillow lavas in Kaipara region.

Sweetwater dune-dammed lakes, Awanui. Map: N04; Classification: C2. Significance: Well-developed and easily accessible longitudinal sand dunes with lakes and swamps in the intervening swales.

Taiharuru River inlet, south of Ngunguru. Map: R07; Classification: C2. Significance: Excellent and easily accessible example of a meandering inlet reflecting its origin as a drowned, incised river valley.

Taipa garnet andesite plugdike. Map: O04; Classification: C2. Significance: Only garnet-bearing outcrop in Miocene Wairakau centre of Northland.

Takahiwai algal limestone. Map: Q07; Classification: B1. Significance: One of the best examples of algal (rhodolith) limestones in New Zealand. One of two known exposures in the vicinity.

Tangowahine tidal bore. Map: P07; Classification: B1. Significance: Only known tidal bore in New Zealand.

Tapotupotu estuary, Cape Reinga. Map: M02; Classification: C2. Significance: Northernmost estuary in New Zealand. Excellent, easily accessible and viewable example of a sand-filled valley creating a mangrove and salt marsh marginal estuary.

Tarahi scoria cone. Map: P05; Classification: C2. Significance: A breached scoria cone thought to be the highest centre in the Kaikohe area.

Taratara butte. Map: P04; Classification: B3. Significance: A spectacular flat topped, steep sided hill, the flat top controlled by very gently dipping strata. An unusual feature in Northland.

Tauanui scoria cone, lava flows and dammed lake. Map: P06; Classification: B2. Significance: One of the best preserved volcanic cones in Kaikohe area with a distinct crater and lava flows. One of three lakes in the Kaikohe area that have been formed by the damming of a valley by the volcano andd its lava flows.

Taupiri Bay rugged coast, east of Bay of Islands. Map: Q05; Classification: C2. Significance: Example of one of the most rugged and most easily accessible and viewed sections of greywacke coastline on Northland’s east coast.

Tauranga Bay channelised flow. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: Best exposed easily accessible example of a flow confined within a Miocene ring plain paleogully.

Tauranga Bay coastal features. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: Very good examples of shore platforms and sea caves.

Tauranganui Stream mouth melange. Map: O04; Classification: B3. Significance: An excellent example of a structural melange between nappes within the Northland Allochthon.

Taurikura Bay natural jetty. Map: Q07; Classification: B1. Significance: Best natural jetty formed by a dike in New Zealand.

Tawhiti Rahi prehistoric stonework. Map: R06; Classification: B3. Significance: Best preserved stone wall defences around a prehistoric Pa in NZ.

Te Ahuahu volcanic cone. Map: P05; Classification: C2. Significance: A well preserved volcanic cone. Basaltic bombs can be found in a small quarry at this site.

Te Huka Beach and Kurahaupo Rocks Lower Miocene sediments. Map: N02; Classification: C3. Significance: Best exposed sequence through most of lower Parengarenga Group.

Te Kopua Point, Hukatere Miocene volcaniclastics and sedimentary structures. Map: Q08; Classification: B3. Significance: Well exposed Puriri Formation within the top of the Northland Allochthon. Volcaniclastic sequence with good sedimentary structures, in deep marine environment.

Te Paki sand dunes. Map: M02; Classification: B1. Significance: Best preserved area of active dunes on Aupouri Peninsula.

Te Pene weathered rhyolite dome. Map: P04; Classification: C2. Significance: Alkaline rhyolite with peralkaline affinities thought to be part of Northland Quaternary Basalt association. Major source of halloysitekaolin clay currently being quarried and exported by NZ China Clays Limited.

Te Pua crater and flows. Map: P05; Classification: C3. Significance: Volcanic form is still evident but composition makes this centre important - it is not an "andesite" as was previously thought. Its stratigraphic position and relationship to other Kerikeri volcanic centres is still under dispute.

Te Puke scoria cones. Map: P05; Classification: C2. Significance: Three well preserved scoria cones and craters in a non-residential area of the Bay of Islands.

Te Reinga Bay thrust contact. Map: O04; Classification: B3. Significance: One of the best examples of contacts between nappes within the Northland Allochthon.

Te Rewa Pt Pleistocene fossils. Map: O06; Classification: B1. Significance: One of the two richest Pleistocne shallow marine fossil beds in Northland.

Te Ruatahi dune sequence. Map: Q06; Classification: C1. Significance: Rich Holocene terrestrial fossil faunas

Te Werahi sand dunes and fossil fauna. Map: M02; Classification: B1. Significance: One of best remaining examples of a rapidly disappearing coastal landform. Rich fossil faunal remains.

Te Whau basalt lava flow. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: A large basalt lava flow.

Three Kings marine caves and arches. Map: L01; Classification: C3. Significance: One of the three best examples of marine eroded arches and caves around the coast of Northland.

Three Kings spilitekeratophyre sequence. Map: L01; Classification: B3. Significance: Best exposed sequence of interfingering spilite and keratophyre in northern New Zealand.

Tikitikioure psilomelane and pyrolusite. Map: Q05; Classification: C3. Significance: Good exposures of unusual minerals.

Titoki natural bridge. Map: P07; Classification: B2. Significance: Best natural bridge formed in lava in New Zealand.

Todds Quarry nephelinite. Map: P08; Classification: C2. Significance: Best known of several middle Miocene nephelinite intrusions in Northland.

Tohumoana basalt outliers. Map: Q06; Classification: C3. Significance: Basalt outliers with cumulate olivine that may be mantle derived.

Tokatoka andesite plug. Map: P08; Classification: B2. Significance: A prominant conical peak, 180 m high, formed by resistant volcanic plug and erosion of softer surrounding rocks. Largest and best exposed of numerous Miocene plugs in the Tokatoka area..

Tokatoka thermal metamorphism with kilchoanite and rankinite. Map: P08; Classification: B3. Significance: Example of high temperature thermal metamorphism and assimilation at a basalt-limestone contact. One of the three known localities of kilchoanite and rankinite.

Tokerau Beach dune field. Map: O04; Classification: C1. Significance: Rich Holocene terrestrial fossil fauna.

Twilight Beach pillow lavas. Map: M02; Classification: C3. Significance: Best preserved example of Cretaceous pillow lavas in Northland.

Two Tone Cave, Waipu. Map: Q07; Classification: C3. Significance: Geomorphology, one of the longest caves in Northland, numerous inlets, cave floor on greywacke.

Waikari Inlet "old hat". Map: Q05; Classification: B3. Significance: A small island surrounded by broad intertidal rock platforms, giving it the classic "old hat" shape. The best example of an "old hat" island in New Zealand.

Waikiekie karst. Map: Q07; Classification: C2. Significance: Most accessible example of rare solution runnels developed in allochthonous Oligocene Mahurangi Limestone. Karst is extremely rare in the Northland Allochthon and Mahurangi Limestone is usually too argillaceous to develop karst features.

Waikuku Beach (north) Miocene limestone. Map: N02; Classification: B2. Significance: Only marine middle or late Miocene fauna known north of East Cape or Kawhia. Contains interesting warm water molluscs and larger foraminifera.

Waikuku Beach (south) Miocene limestone. Map: N02; Classification: B2. Significance: Only marine middle or late Miocene fauna known north of East Cape or Kawhia. Contains interesting warm water molluscs and larger foraminifera.

Waikuku tombolo dunes and dune-dammed swamp. Map: N02; Classification: B1. Significance: One of best remaining areas of natural sand dune fields and dune-dammed swamps in New Zealand. Rich Holocene terrestrial fossil fauna (birds, marine mammals, land snails).

Waimamaku, Pinehill Stream Miocene fossil molluscs. Map: O06; Classification: B3. Significance: Very diverse, early Miocene molluscs.

Waimamaku, Taita Stream Miocene fossil molluscs. Map: O06; Classification: B3. Significance: Diverse, early Miocene molluscs.

Waimamaku, Waimamaku River Miocene fossil molluscs. Map: O06; Classification: B3. Significance: Very diverse, early Miocene molluscs.

Waimamaku-2 drillsite. Map: O06; Classification: C3. Significance: Site of Waimamaku - 2 drill hole. The encountered stratigraphy marked a major turning point in understanding Northland geology and the recognition of the Northland Allochthon.

Waimimiti scoria mounds. Map: P05; Classification: C2. Significance: One of two localities where abundant large, 1-10 cm, gabbroic inclusions can be found.

Waiomio Caves. Map: P05; Classification: C2. Significance: Spectacular glow-worm caves and unusual karstic limestone pinnacles. Well known tourist attraction.

Waipapa River outlier of Waitemata sediments, Puketi. Map: P05; Classification: B3. Significance: Only known exposure of early Miocene marine sedimentary rocks between Omapere and Parengarenga. Sequence possibly records the first phase of allochthon movement into the basin.

Waipoua Valley prehistoric stonework. Map: O06; Classification: B1. Significance: Best preserved prehistoric stonework associated with gardening on mainland New Zealand.

Waipu Caves and karst. Map: Q07; Classification: C2. Significance: Best karst geomorphology in Northland south of Whangarei. Includes largest cave passage in Northland. Fossil bone deposits in Paryphanta Passage.

Waipu Cove Oligocene-Miocene sediments and karst features. Map: Q08; Classification: C2. Significance: Shows clear relationship between Waitemata flysch, Te Kuiti Group limestone and basement. Only karstic sea cave in Northland. Shows clear relationship between Waitemata flysch, Te Kuiti Group limestone and basement.

Wairakau estuary. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: Best example of a flooded deeply incised valley (or small gorge) in Northland. Now partly infilled by modern sediments forming a tidal estuary with steep rocky walls.

Wairere boulders, Hokianga Harbour. Map: O05; Classification: A2. Significance: One of best examples in New Zealand of lapiez weathered surfaces (karstose) on basalt. Possibly the most accentuated fluting on basalt rock in New Zealand.

Wairua Falls. Map: P07; Classification: C2. Significance: One of the five largest waterfalls over Quaternary basalt flows in Northland.

Wairua River meanders. Map: Q06; Classification: C2. Significance: One of the best examples in Northland of a meandering river.

Waitahora Lagoon, Spirits Bay. Map: N02; Classification: C2. Significance: Only coast-parallel, barrier-enclosed lagoon in northern Northland and northernmost lagoon in New Zealand.

Waitangi flow gabbroic inclusions. Map: P05; Classification: B3. Significance: Best locality for gabbroic inclusions of Quaternary age in Northland.

Waitapu Bay Cretaceous unconformity, Whangaroa. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: Best exposure of several around Whangaroa, where late Cretaceous conglomerates and micaceous sandstone unconformably overlies with sedimentary contact an irregular surface of early Cretaceous Tupou Formation.

Waiwhatawhata coast Miocene sediments and basalt flows, Hokianga. Map: O06; Classification: B2. Significance: Excellent exposures of marine deltaic conglomerate and terrestrial volcaniclastic sequence. Best Miocene sequence in Hokianga region. Well exposed section through three Waipoua Basalt flows that form spectacular SW-sloping reefs.

Waro coalmine relics. Map: Q06; Classification: C2. Significance: Some of the best preserved coalmining relics in Northland.

Waro karst. Map: Q06; Classification: C2. Significance: Excellent example of karst pinnacles close to highway.

Wekaweka natural gas seep. Map: O06; Classification: C3. Significance: Best, perhaps only, true hydrocarbon seep in Northland.

Whakateterekia allochthon block. Map: O04; Classification: C3. Significance: Basal block of allochthon, overturned, overlying a melange zone.

Whakateterekia Stream Eocene sediments. Map: P05; Classification: B3. Significance: Type section of Mangapa Mudstone, and possibly the thickest in situ Eocene in Northland.

Whangamumu Harbour and peninsulas, Cape Brett Peninsula. Map: Q05; Classification: C3. Significance: Unusual narrow, sinuous deep-water harbour with two elongate peninsulas jutting out into sea on either side. Shape reflects origins by drowning of deeply incised small valley.

Whangape Harbour entrance gorge. Map: O05; Classification: B3. Significance: One of most spectacular examples of a deeply incised river gorge flooded by sea level rise to form a narrow elongate harbour entrance, unique in New Zealand.

Whangape pillow basalt. Map: O05; Classification: C3. Significance: Among the best exposed and preserved examples of pillow lavas in the Tangihua Volcanic Group of Northland.

Whangape Pleistocene fossils. Map: O05; Classification: B1. Significance: One of two richest shallow marine fossil faunas in Northland.

Whangarei Falls. Map: Q06; Classification: C3. Significance: This is one of the few natural exposures of a flow sequence in the Whangarei area. Important as an easily accessible example of a waterfall formed by a resistant lava flow.

Whangaroa exfoliation domes. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: A spectacular area of rocky exfoliation domes and ridges that surrounds Pekapeka Bay.

Whangaroa Harbour lacustrine sequence. Map: P04; Classification: C3. Significance: Best exposure of lacustrine sediments in Wairakau Volcanics sequence. Excellent soft sediment deformation structures. One of the best exposures of penecontemporaneous slump folding in lake sediments in New Zealand.

Whangaroa North Head ring plain deposits. Map: P04; Classification: B3. Significance: Best exposures of Miocene ring plain breccia deposits in northern New Zealand, including several paleogullies and their walls. Excellent example of autobrecciated carapace. Spectacular outcrops of rocky exfoliation domes along the ridges.

Whangatupere Bay plutons. Map: O03; Classification: C3. Significance: Best section of both older and younger Karikari Plutonics.

Whatitiri shield volcano. Map: Q07; Classification: B2. Significance: Only example of a large (4.4 cubic km), almost concentric shield volcano with gentle slopes in Northland. Best example in New Zealand of a small shield volcano.

Whatuwhiwhi Cretaceous sediments. Map: O03; Classification: C3. Significance: Best and most complete Cretaceous sedimentary sequence in Northland and possibly the only autochthonous Cretaceous outcropping.