Waikato Region

Acacia Bay basalt. Map: U18; Classification: C3. Significance: Phreatomagmatic basaltic eruption from Taupo Volcanic Centre.

Acacia Bay former lake-shore beds. Map: U18; Classification: B2. Significance: Best exposed example of shoreline beds that accumulated on the side of Lake Taupo as the lake level rose.

Ahuroa Ignimbrite section. Map: T16; Classification: C3. Significance: Section through intensely welded ignimbrite with 'inverse' cooling gradient, erupted from Mangakino volcano.

Albatross Point, Kawhia Coast Jurassic sediments and syncline. Map: R15; Classification: B3. Significance: Reasonably well exposed syncline showing geomorphic expression of dip slopes.

Aldermen Islands coastal features. Map: U11; Classification: C3. Significance: A range of spectacular rocky coast landforms such as spires, needles and vertical bluffs.

Anaomaki Point volcanic section. Map: R15; Classification: C3. Significance: Well preserved section of the Orangiwhao Volcanics.

Aotea dune fields. Map: R15; Classification: B2. Significance: A large area of mobile dune fields - the biggest example on the west coast of the North Island.

Arapuni type ignimbrite, Waikato River. Map: T15; Classification: A3. Significance: Best example used in the first published reference to the word "ignimbrite" as a generic term.

Aratiatia rapids. Map: U17; Classification: B2. Significance: An impressive stretch of rapids, the Waikato dropping 30 m over a distance of 1 km. Flow is now intermittant as it is governed by hydroelectric operations.

Atiamuri Geothermal Field. Map: U16; Classification: C2. Significance:

Atiamuri Ignimbrite section. Map: U17; Classification: C3. Significance: Type locality for Atiamuri Ignimbrite.

Atiamuri lake break-out-flood boulders. Map: U17; Classification: C1. Signifiance: Most easily accessible large boulders from the break-out flood of Lake Taupo following the lake level rise after the Oruanui eruption, 26,000 yrs ago. Illustrates the enormity of the flood that would have thundered down the Waikato Valley.

Awaiti dune field. Map: T13; Classification: C1. Significance: Unusual inland pumiceous sand dunes formed by fluvial and aeolian processes.

Awakino Gorge Mesozoic section. Map: R17; Classification: C3. Significance: Important Triassic - Jurassic section for invertebrate and pollen stratigraphy.

Awakino Gorge Miocene fossils. Map: R17; Classification: C3. Significance: Type locality of several Otaian molluscs described by Laws. One of few early Miocene faunas from this part of New Zealand.

Awakino Gorge tunnel Oligocene and Miocene record. Map: R17; Classification: C3. Significance: Most easily seen and one of the best exposed sequences recording the Oligocene and Miocene sedimentary and tectonic history of north Taranaki.

Awakino River mouth barrier. Map: R17; Classification: C3. Significance: The only river mouth barrier in the region - good example of the effects of longshore drift.

Awakino River mouth Mokau GroupMohakatino Group contact. Map: R17; Classification: C3. Significance: Contact between Mokau and Mohakatino Groups. Good exposure of Mohakatino volcaniclastics.

Bald Spur volcanic breccia, Mt Pirongia. Map: S15; Classification: C3. Significance: Good exposure of Pirongia Volcanics.

Ben Lomond obsidian. Map: T17; Classification: C3. Significance:

Big Bay blowhole, Hahei. Map: T11; Classification: C3. Significance: Largest blowhole on Coromandel Peninsula.

Blue Lake crater and welded agglomerate, Tongariro. Map: T19; Classification: B3. Significance: Occupies crater on Tongariro volcano. Welded agglomerate thought to be produced by rapid and vigorous fire fountaining.

Bluff Road volcanic cone. Map: R12; Classification: C3. Significance: Small volcanic centre, forming prominent hill.

Boat Harbour, Lake Taupo. Map: T18; Classification: C3. Significance:

Bombay scoria cones. Map: R12; Classification: C3. Significance: Large, low profile scoria cones.

Bradfield's "Lindern Hills" quarry Jurassic fauna. Map: R16; Classification: B2. Significance: Rich lower Temaikan mollusc and brachiopod fauna. Rather weathered but still best Temaikan fauna in New Zealand.

Bridal Veil Falls basalt lava flow. Map: R15; Classification: C3. Significance: A spectacular single drop waterfall over edge of eroded lava flow. Excellent example of a columnar jointed basalt lava flow.

Broadlands (Ohaaki) Geothermal Field. Map: U17; Classification: C1. Significance:

Broken Hills mordenite. Map: T12; Classification: C2. Significance: A particularly good exposure of mordenite.

Buck Rock, Waiorongomai Valley. Map: T13; Classification: C3. Significance: Unusual dike-like topographic feature jutting outwards from the side of the valley.

Castle Craig bluffs, Marokopa. Map: R16; Classification: C3. Significance: Impressive isolated citadel surrounded by high bluffs. One of only a few good examples in region, near the road, of bluffs not masked by forest. Well developed karst landscape on top of citadel.

Castle Rock volcanic plug. Map: T11; Classification: C3. Significance: A spectacular rock outcrop formed by erosion around a resistant volcanic plug.

Cathedral Cove, Hahei. Map: T11; Classification: B2. Significance: Spectacular coastal arch beneath headland; isolated stack (Te Horo Rock), impressive cliffs of white ignimbrite. Major tourist attraction.

Chimp ignimbrite section. Map: T16; Classification: C3. Significance: Type locality for Chimp ignimbrite.

Cooks Beach blowhole. Map: T11; Classification: B2. Significance: One of three spectacular sea blowholes (daylighted sea caves) on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Major tourist attraction.

Crater Bay collapsed blowhole, Slipper Island, Coromandel Peninsula. Map: U12; Classification: C3. Significance: Unusual horseshoe-shaped bay probably formed by the collapse of a large sea cave or blowhole.

Crown battery, Karangahake. Map: T13; Classification: A2. Significance: In 1889 New Zealand Crown Mines became the first company in the world to use the MacArthur-Forrest cyanide process to extract gold and silver from ore on a commercial scale. The Crown mine was the fourth largest producer in the Hauraki goldfield.

Cuvier Island tourmalinised rocks. Map: T09; Classification: B3. Significance: Good exposure of large black crystals of tourmaline. Good example of hornfelses.

Daff Road Jurassic plant beds. Map: R13; Classification: B2. Significance: Most easily accessible and most robust source of extremely well reserved Jurassic plant beds of Huriwai Formation.

Darkie Stream tourmaline. Map: S10; Classification: C3. Significance: A good and easily accessible example of tourmaline.

De Bretts tephra section. Map: U18; Classification: B3. Significance: Well-publicised section through near-complete sequence of post-10 ka Taupo deposits.

Dunphail Bluffs Oligocene sandstone. Map: S14; Classification: C3. Significance: Type section for Glen Massey Formation and its members.

East Otama basalt. Map: T10; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed section showing sheet lava flows and spatter cone.

Elephant Cove eroded crater, Motukahaua Island, Coromandel Peninsula. Map: S10; Classification: C3. Significance: Spectacular eroded crater carved into Motukahaua Island.

Fan Rock, Whakaipo Bay, Lake Taupo. Map: T18; Classification: C2. Significance:

Fantail Bay, Paritu hornfels. Map: S10; Classification: C3. Significance: Best and most easily accessible example of the Paritu Pluton and contacts with greywacke, which has thermally metamorphosed to hornfels. One of the very few hornfels localities in the North Island.

Five Mile Bay old lake edge and pumice blocks. Map: U18; Classification: C1. Significance: Excellent example of former lake cliffs and lake edge sediments that accumulated as Lake Taupo level rose after the 1.8 ka eruption. Large pumice blocks provide evidence of last phase eruptions on Horomatangi Dome.

Fletchers Bay Waitemata Group sediments, northern Coromandel Peninsula. Map: S09; Classification: C3. Significance: Best sequence of these sediments on Coromandel Peninsula.

Frenchmans Cap old hat islet, Coromandel Peninsula. Map: S10; Classification: C3. Significance: Best example of an old hat islet on the west coast of Coromandel Peninsula.

Gardners Gut Cave, Waitomo. Map: S16; Classification: B2. Significance: Geomorphology, length, speleogenesis, reflective of karstification, two level development, sedimentary deposits, speleothems, fossil bone deposits, very valuable recreation.

Gibsons Beach unconformity, fossil karst and mushroom rock, Te Akau. Map: R14; Classification: C3. Significance: Excellent exposure of channelled unconformity, sitting on paleokarst.. Nearby is a small mushroom rock.

Grand Canyon Cave, Piopio. Map: R17; Classification: B2. Significance: Bat habitat, a maternity roost for long tail bats.

Hahei rhyolite dome. Map: T11; Classification: C3. Significance: Complete coastal section through rhyolite dome.

Halfway Road tephra section. Map: U19; Classification: B3. Significance: Shows the two-layer subdivision of the Taupo ignimbrite.

Haparangi lava dome. Map: U16; Classification: C3. Significance: Prominent 200 m high rhyolite dome within the Kapenga caldera.

Hautapu Hill Oligocene sediments. Map: R15; Classification: C3. Significance: Best exposure of Aotea Formation in the Kawhia area, with Whaingaroa Formation beneath and Ohahiri Limestone above.

Hauturu Road karst, Waitomo. Map: R16; Classification: B3. Significance: Extensive area of karst originally developed under native forest. Now mostly farmland with the karstic topography easily visible from the roads. Many caves in the area, some documented separately in Geopresevation Inventory.

Helictite Hole, Whatawhata. Map: S14; Classification: C1. Significance: Speleothems, in particular helictites.

High Level Road tephra section. Map: U18; Classification: A3. Significance: Represents a spectacular resume of Taupo eruption products about 20 km from vent.

Hill Road tuff ring remnants. Map: R12; Classification: C2. Significance: Prominent and easily seen remnants of a tuff ring with road cutting exposures of tuff.

Hingapo Road tephra section. Map: U19; Classification: A3. Significance: Exposure illustrates the effects of abrupt changes in topography on the 1850 a Taupo Ignimbrite.

Hinuera Gap. Map: T15; Classification: B3. Significance: The eroded gap through which the Waikato River flowed on its alternate Pleistocene course to the sea, via the Hauraki Plains. A distinctive landform of great historical significance for the geological evolution of this part of the North Island.

Hipaua landslide. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: A large and active example of a landslide. Movements are thermal initiated and dated.

Hollow Hill Cave, Hauturu. Map: R16; Classification: C2. Significance: Speleothems - calcite; geomorphology - size of stream passage.

Horahora hydro-electric power station. Map: T15; Classification: C5. Significance: The site of the first hydro-electric power station on the Waikato River, commenced power generation in 1913.

Horehore lava dome. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: Isolated youthful lava dome.

Horohoro Geothermal Field. Map: U16; Classification: C2. Significance:

Horohoro lava dome and bluffs. Map: U16; Classification: C3. Significance: 300 m high, very prominent intra-caldera rhyolite dome within the Kapenga caldera, truncated on the eastern side by faulting, leaving 6 km of near vertical rhyolite cliffs.

Horomatangi reef Taupo eruption vent. Map: T18; Classification: A3. Significance: Inferred site of 1850 a Taupo eruption vent.

Hot Water Beach foredune belt. Map: T11; Classification: C2. Significance: Best remaining little modified coastal foredunes on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Huka Falls. Map: U18; Classification: B2. Significance: An impressive tourist attraction, the Waikato River, unable to cut a channel through this comparably hard rock, descends over 22 m along a 260 m stretch, the descent encompassing a length of rapids and a 15 m fall.

Huriwai Beach Jurassic plant beds. Map: R13; Classification: B2. Significance: Extremely well-preserved and historically significant upper Jurassic flora. Type locality of several species.

Huriwai-Waikawau coastal section JurassicOligocene unconformity. Map: R13; Classification: C3. Significance: Oligocene rocks and unconformity; diverse topmost Jurassic macroflora.

Jericho Road volcanic cone. Map: R12; Classification: C3. Significance: A small volcanic centre forming prominent high point.

Johnson Road basalt. Map: U16; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed monogenetic basaltic deposit from a fissure source.

Kaawa Creek - Ngatutura Bay section. Map: R13; Classification: B3. Significance: Completely interrelated upper Cenozoic strata and faulting. Type section, Kaawa Formation. Only significant Pliocene fauna in north-west North Island. Rich, diverse and well-preserved molluscs. Good example of faulting.

Kaiapo Fault 1922 and 1983 displacements. Map: U18; Classification: C2. Significance: Holocene scarp with 1922 (1 m) and 1983 (50 mm) displacement (SE side up and 30 mm extension. 1200 m of 1983 trace, typically left stepping en echelon tension cracks. Composite focal mechanisms showed significant RL and LL strike slip components for earthquake and swarms respectively. Example of E bounding fault of Taupo Rift. Displaces 300000 year Rhyolite. [ Note: 1983 displacement may have been largely obscuredlevelled by now.] This site is monitored for precise strain measurements by the Earth Deformation Section, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd (New Zealand Geological Survey).

Kai-iti Point porphyrite. Map: S09; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed coastal section through the type intrusion.

Kaimanawa Schist. Map: T20; Classification: C3. Significance: The only area of Torlesse-derived schist in the North Island.

Kaimango Road Jurassic fossil locality, Kawhia. Map: R16; Classification: B3. Significance: Holostratotype of Mangaoran Substage.

Kakaramea Fault. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: Late Quaternary displacement of 18.4 m (W side up) motion on the Kakaramea Fault.

Kakaramea-Tihia composite volcano. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: Late Quaternary andesite composite volcano within Tongariro National Park.

Kakepuku volcano. Map: S15; Classification: C3. Significance: Prominent volcanic cone visible from wide area and with public walking track to scenic view point on top.

Kakuki basalt. Map: U17; Classification: C3. Significance: Eroded scoria cone erupted from Maroa volcano.

Kapanga gold discovery site. Map: T10; Classification: B3. Significance: Site of the first authenticated discovery of gold in New Zealand.

Karamu Cave, Kaniwhaniwha. Map: S15; Classification: C3. Significance: Very high recreational usage by school, church, and Scout groups.

Karangahake Gorge section. Map: T13; Classification: C3. Significance: Impressive gorge superimposed through the uplifted Coromandel Range. Shows hydrothermally altered andesites and dacites. Gold-bearing quartz reef exposed at White Rock. Quartz shows vugs and pseudomorphs after calcite.

Karangahape basalt. Map: T18; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed Strombolian monogenetic centre associated with Taupo volcano.

Karita Bay sea caves, Coromandel Peninsula. Map: S11; Classification: C2. Significance: Best examples of sea caves on the west coast of Coromandel Peninsula.

Kauaeranga Gorge. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: A deeply incised gorge with near vertical sides extending 300 m above the river.

Kauri Road scoria cone. Map: R13; Classification: C3. Significance: Small volcanic centre.

Kawaroa Anticline. Map: R15; Classification: C3. Significance: Exposure of a component of the Kawhia Regional Syncline.

Kawhia coastal karst. Map: R15; Classification: B2. Significance: One of the most spectacular examples of coastal karst in New Zealand. Includes caves and partly submerged dolines along the coast and sinkholes and blind valleys inland.

Kawhia (Te Puia) hot springs. Map: R15; Classification: C2. Significance:

Kawhia Harbour, Arataura Point Jurassic sequence. Map: R15; Classification: B3. Significance: Holostratotype of Aratauran Stage.

Kawhia Harbour, Heteri Point Jurassic macrofossils. Map: R15; Classification: B3. Significance: Holostratotype of Heterian Stage, with rich macrofossil faunas in shelly siltstone.

Kawhia Harbour, Ohaua Point Jurassic fossils. Map: R15; Classification: B3. Significance: Holostratotype of Ohauan Stage, with rich macrofossil faunas in concretionary siltstones.

Kawhia Harbour, Te Maika Point Jurassic sequence. Map: R15; Classification: B2. Significance: Holostratotype of Te Maikan Stage. Includes tree stumps in-situ.

Kawhia Harbour, Totara Point and Captain Kings Shell Bed Jurassic fossils. Map: R15; Classification: B2. Significance: Lower part of Heterian Stage stratotype, includes historically important Captain Kings Shellbed containing a rich bivalve and brachiopod fauna. Type locality of many species.

Kawhia Harbour, Ururoa Point Jurassic Dactylioceras fossil bed. Map: R15; Classification: B3. Significance: Holostratotype of Ururoan Stage. Includes important Dactylioceras bed with a rich and varied fauna.

Kawhia Harbour wave-cut notch. Map: R15; Classification: B3. Significance: Excellent example of rare wave-cut notches reflecting former higher sea level.

Kawhia Harbour, Whakapirau Road Jurassic section. Map: R16; Classification: C3. Significance: Similar but more accessible section through the Jurassic to that exposed on the south Kawhia Harbour coast.

Kellyville Crater diatomite. Map: S12; Classification: C1. Significance: Possibly best example in North Island of diatomite deposits that accumulated in a maar crater lake. Easily accessible and seen beside road.

Kellyville Crater tuff. Map: S12; Classification: C2. Significance: One of the best and most easily accessible exposures of volcanic tuff in the South Auckland Volcanic Field.

Kellyville tuff ring. Map: S12; Classification: B3. Significance: One of South Auckland's larger tuff rings.

Kennedy Bay "Tumbledown Rocks" rock fall. Map: T10; Classification: C3. Significance: Spectacular example of a pre-European rock fall.

Kerepehi Fault, Eastport Road. Map: T13; Classification: C3. Significance: Late Quaternary displacement along the Kerepehi Fault. Scarp of 5-8 m (E side up) displacing and backtilting lower Hinuera Surface alluvium (c.19000 years) in normal sense.

Kerepehi Fault, Matamata. Map: T14; Classification: C3. Significance: Late Quaternary displacement along the Kerepehi Fault. 6 m steep scarp with vertical = 7.4 m and dextral offset of channel bar by 22 m (1.3 mmy).

Kerepehi Fault, Mellon Road. Map: T13; Classification: C3. Significance: Late Quaternary displacements and evidence for at least 2 events. Scarp height of 3.5-4 m (E side up) and tectonic bulging/horst formation.

Kerepehi Fault, Taihoa N and S Roads intersection. Map: T14; Classification: C3. Significance: Late Quaternary displacement along the Kerepehi Fault. 6 m scarp with at least 3 discrete fault planes and terracemeander offset, indicating possible strike slip-progressive displacement. Exposure on Tauranga Road, c.500 m S of traces showing fault planes (E side up).

Kerepehi Hot Springs. Map: T12; Classification: C1. Significance:

Ketetahi Geothermal Field. Map: T19; Classification: A2. Significance: Only vapour-dominated geothermal system in New Zealand.

Kiritehere Coast Upper Triassic section. Map: R16; Classification: B3. Significance: Continuous exposure of Upper Triassic to basal Jurassic strata; includes stratotypes of Warepan substages; well exposed examples of submarine slumps. Excellent series of numerous zeolitised vitric tuff beds in sedimentary sequence. Important for invertebrate and pollen stratigraphy and best Triassic sequence in the North Island. Rich gastropod fauna. Holostratotype of Marokopan and Kiriteherian Substage of Warepan.

Kiritehere Moeatoa Conglomerate lowest Triassic sequence. Map: R16; Classification: B3. Significance: Base of Triassic sequence; oldest Triassic strata in the North Island.

Kopouatai peat bog. Map: T13; Classification: B2. Significance: Largest indigenous peat bog and wetland remaining in New Zealand.

Kopuku opencast Waikato Coal Measures. Map: S12; Classification: C4. Significance: One of the best exposures of fines-dominated Upper Waikato Coal Measures, and Kupakupa coal seam.

Kopuku Pa bluffs sandstone. Map: S12; Classification: C3. Significance: Isolated outcrop of Waitemata Group showing the contact between Waikawau Sandstone and Koheroa Siltsone.

Korapuki Sea Arch. Map: T10; Classification: B2. Significance: Spectacular sea arch opening through cliff into a small cove.

Koroi lava dome. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: Very young dacitic lava dome extruded within the last 1819 years BP.

Korotai Ignimbrite section. Map: T17; Classification: C3. Significance: Type locality for Korotai Ignimbrite.

K-Trig basalt. Map: U18; Classification: B3. Significance: NNE-aligned basaltic scoria cones and tuff rings erupted from Taupo Volcanic Centre.

Kuharua lava dome. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: Rhyolite lava dome extruded at SW margin of Taupo caldera.

Kupakupa coal mine. Map: S13; Classification: C5. Significance: The first coal mine in the Waikato district. The area of the mine is also the type section for the Waikato Coal Measures.

Kuratahi Cave, Piopio. Map: R17; Classification: C2. Significance: Speleothems - gypsum crystal trees, geomorphology - length, dendritic development, old sedimentary deposits potentially useful for pollen research.

Lake Disappear karst features, Raglan. Map: R15; Classification: C3. Significance: Most easily accessible sinkholes, dry valleys, resurgence springs and solution runnels between Raglan and Aotea harbours. Associated with karstic drainage from Lake Disappear.

Lake Disappear blind valley, Raglan. Map: R15; Classification: B3. Significance: A polje which periodically floods then drains.

Lake Waikare Hot Springs. Map: S13; Classification: C2. Significance:

Lichfield Bank building. Map: T16; Classification: C1. Significance: Earliest known building made of ignimbrite.

Link Road ignimbrite section. Map: T17; Classification: B3. Significance: One of only two known exposures of Ignimbrite F.

Luck at Last battery, Whangamata. Map: T12; Classification: C2. Significance: One of the best preserved battery sites on Coromandel Peninsula.

Mahoenui coal mine. Map: R17; Classification: C3. Significance: Excellent exposure of Mokau Formation and Maryville Coal Measures, with under and overlying marine sandstones.

Manawaru Hot Springs. Map: T14; Classification: C2. Significance:

Manganamu lava dome. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: Very young dacitic lava dome extruded within the last 1819 years BP from SW margin of Taupo caldera.

Mangaokewa ignimbrite section A. Map: S17; Classification: A3. Significance: Rare exposure of contacts between some of the Mangakino-derived ignimbrites, crucial in establishing unequivocable stratigraphic relation.

Mangaokewa ignimbrite section B. Map: S17; Classification: C3. Significance: Exposure of distal valley pond of Taupo Ignimbrite which demonstrates the extreme variations between distal and proximal deposits.

Mangaokewa ignimbrite section C. Map: S17; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of base of Ignimbrite A resting on Tertiary sediments.

Mangaokewa ignimbrite section D. Map: S17; Classification: C3. Significance: Exposure of base of Ongatiti Ignimbrite resting with a steeply dipping contact on weathered Tertiary sediments.

Mangaotaki overhang, Piopio. Map: R17; Classification: C3. Significance: One of the best natural overhangs developed in the region. Easily visible from public road.

Mangapehi coal mine, Bennydale. Map: S17; Classification: B3. Significance: First mine in New Zealand to use longwall mining method, in association with hydraulic stowage, in 1956.

Mangapohue natural bridge. Map: R16; Classification: B3. Significance: A local tourist feature.

Mangapohue QEII Reserve polygonal karst. Map: R16; Classification: C3. Significance: An easily accessible example of polygonal karst. Mangapohue Natural Bridge is a local tourist feature. It is unusual in that it has 2 tiers.

Mangapu Cave System, Waitomo. Map: S16; Classification: B2. Significance: Geomorphology, spectacular entrance tomos, classical streamway, includes largest entrance pitch in North Island. Lost World, a tomo 100 m deep, 40 m wide by 150m long at the bottom of which ferns and mosses grow.

Mangatawai Stream tephra section. Map: T19; Classification: B3. Significance: Type section for Ngauruhoe Tephra Formation and Mangatawai Tephra Formation.

Mangatawhiri cone. Map: S12; Classification: C3. Significance: Easternmost volcanic centre in the South Auckland volcanic field.

Mangawara Stream meanders. Map: S13; Classification: C3. Significance: Classic gravel bed stream with meanders, ripples and pools. Meander wavelengths evidently related to different terrace sites and peak flood discharges.

Mangawharawhara Stream natural bridges & tunnels, Piopio. Map: R17; Classification: B2. Significance: Spectacular karst landscape including Mangawharawhara Cavern, the largest tunnel in the North Island and also bigger than Honeycomb Hill Natural Bridge at Oparara, northern Westland. The presence of 2 tunnels and 5 bridges of such large size along one stream is unique in New Zealand.

Mangawhio Road section. Map: T16; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of base of Ignimbrite A.

Mangawhitikau Cave System, Waitomo. Map: S16; Classification: B3. Significance: Largest cave stream in New Zealand, with good examples of cave geomorphology and two level development. High recreational significance.

Mangawhitikau Gorge, Waitomo. Map: R16; Classification: C3. Significance: Scenically attractive towering limestone karst formations.

Maori Farm Nos 1 and 3 opencast mines, Rotowaro. Map: S14; Classification: B4. Significance: One of the best exposures of lower and upper Waikato Coal measures.

Maramaratotara Bay coastal features. Map: T11; Classification: B3. Significance: An excellent example of a visor notch carved into ignimbrite. Two levels of platform, one related to high tide and one to groundwater level.

Marokopa Falls. Map: R16; Classification: C2. Significance: Spectacular high falls flow over greywacke bluff from level of Oligocene peneplain.

Marokopa River mouth sandspits and dune field. Map: R16; Classification: C2. Significance: Interestingly entwined north-and south-extending sandspits at Marokopa River mouth.

Marokopa River mouth Triassic-Jurassic sedimentary contact. Map: R16; Classification: C3. Significance: Triassic-Jurassic contact, as marked by ammonites, occurs at the river mouth.

Marokopa River natural tunnel. Map: R16; Classification: C3. Significance: Spectacular natural tunnel about 300 m long. Largest natural bridge feature in the North Island.

Marotiri basalt. Map: T17; Classification: C3. Significance: Small Strombolian eruption of basaltic scoria and welded agglomerate from Taupo volcano.

Martha Hill gold lode. Map: T13; Classification: B1. Significance: Most productive Coromandel gold-silver deposit.

Martha Mine No.5 pumphouse. Map: T13; Classification: B2. Significance: Best preserved of only two remaining relics of the most productive gold mine in New Zealand. Housed the largest pump.

Mataora Beach and relict foredune. Map: T13; Classification: C2. Significance: A bayhead beach associated with a Pleistocene barrier dune.

Maumaupaki dacite plug (Camels Back). Map: T11; Classification: C3. Significance: Excellent example of a dacite plug.

Maunganamu lava dome. Map: U18; Classification: C3. Significance: Rhyolite dome erupted from Taupo volcano.

Maungatautari Volcano. Map: T15; Classification: B3. Significance: Large, prominent volcanic cone seen over large region.

Maze Cave, Waitomo. Map: S16; Classification: C3. Significance: Geomorphology, classical maze development along joint system.

Mercer, type Mercer Sandstone. Map: S12; Classification: C3. Significance: Type section of Mercer Sandstone, Waitemata Group. Outcrop of an important, largely subsurface, unit in South Auckland.

Meremere, type Amokura Formation. Map: S13; Classification: C3. Significance: Type section for the Amokura Formation, Waitemata Group. Rare outcrop of an important subsurface unit.

Miranda chenier plain and coastal flats. Map: S12; Classification: A1. Significance: Internationally important area for study of chenier plain development in a tectonically stable progradational coast. Only known occurrence in the world of a chenier plaingravel ridge association (in conjunction with Whakatiwai gravel ridges).

Miranda Hot Springs. Map: S12; Classification: C1. Significance:

Mission Bay Road tephra section. Map: U19; Classification: B3. Significance: Unusually lithic-rich masses in Oruanui Ignimbrite.

Moa Egg Shell Cave, Waitomo. Map: R16; Classification: C2. Significance: Sedimentary deposits consisting of ash layers, fossil leaves, moa egg shell deposits.

Moehau Summit andesite. Map: S10; Classification: C3. Significance: Good exposures of Port Charles Andesite hornfelsed by subjacent Paritu Pluton.

Moehau Summit diorite. Map: S10; Classification: C3. Significance: Hypabyssal satellite of the Paritu Pluton.

Moeweka Quarry Jurassic fossils. Map: R13; Classification: B3. Significance: Good Heterian molluscan and brachiopod fauna.

Mokai Geothermal Field. Map: T17; Classification: C2. Significance:

Mokai Ignimbrite section. Map: T17; Classification: C3. Significance: Type locality for Mokai Ignimbrite.

Motuoapa Hot Springs. Map: T19; Classification: C2. Significance:

Motuoapa lava dome. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: Prominent 120 m high rhyolite dome connected to Lake Taupo foreshore by a tombolo.

Motuopuhi lava dome. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: Isolated youthful lava dome.

Motutaiko Island lava dome. Map: T18; Classification: C3. Significance: Rhyolite lava dome, forming an island within Lake Taupo.

Motutara Peninsula Jurassic and Oligocene sediments. Map: R15; Classification: B3. Significance: Oligocene overlying peneplain on Upper Jurassic siltstones. Very rich fossil locality in the Puaroan.

Mt Karioi Volcano. Map: R15; Classification: B3. Significance: Large prominent volcanic cone visible from large surrounding area.

Mt Pirongia Volcano. Map: S15; Classification: B3. Significance: Largest volcano in western Waikato. Major and prominent landform seen for many kilometres in all directions.

New Kotuku Trig Pukewharangi Hill Oligocene fossil locality. Map: R14; Classification: B3. Significance: Hypostratotype of Whaingaroan Stage. Richly microfossiliferous, well studied sequence through the Oligocene.

Ngakuru Fault splinter. Map: U16; Classification: C3. Significance: Late Quaternary NE trending scarp showing progressive vertical displacement of terrace surfaces. Taupo T1 surface offset by c.5 m and older Hooker surface displaced by >10 m (SE side up).

Ngangiho Fault. Map: T18; Classification: C3. Significance: Prominent late Quaternary trace of the Ngangiho Fault, one of the NE trending faults of the Taupo rift zone. Scarp height is 6.5 m, and sits within a fault angle depression that displaces Taupo pumice alluvium. Fault generally downthrown to the SE. This site is monitored for precise strain measurements by the Earth Deformation Section, New Zealand Geological Survey.

Ngapuriri Natural Arch and surrounding karst, Port Waikato. Map: R13; Classification: B2. Significance: Only known inland example in New Zealand of a natural arch (ie. formed by wind erosion unlike natural bridge formed by water erosion). Within a small area of spectacular joint-controlled karst.

Ngaruawahia wadi. Map: S14; Classification: C3. Significance:

Ngatamariki Geothermal Field. Map: U17; Classification: C2. Significance:

Ngatutura Point dissected eruptive centre. Map: R13; Classification: C3. Significance: Most impressive coastal landforms eroded into columnar-jointed basalt in New Zealand. Spectacular outcrops of dissected eruptive centre including lava flows, dikes and diatreme.

Ngauruhoe 1975 fall deposits and block and ash flows. Map: T19; Classification: A3. Significance: Deposits preserved from 1975 eruptions at Ngauruhoe, widely used as a reference example of Vulcanian events.

Ngauruhoe composite cone. Map: T19; Classification: A3. Significance: Actively forming andesitic composite cone with the most recent eruption in 1975.

Ngauruhoe glacial trough. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: One of the best examples of a broad glacial trough in the Tongariro National Park.

Ngauruhoe historic lava flows. Map: T19; Classification: A3. Significance: Well dated lavas from historical eruptions from Ngauruhoe in 1870, 1949 and 1954-1955.

North Crater lava lake and welded agglomerate, Tongariro. Map: T19; Classification: B3. Significance: Scoria cone and crater of Tongariro volcano. A cooled lava lake infills North Crater, with an explosion pit present on NW portion of the lava lake.

Ohaaki Pool hydrothermal sinter. Map: U17; Classification: B1. Significance: Large boiling spring which was the principal discharging feature in the field prior to exploitation. One of the two best examples of a hydrothermal sinter of this type in New Zealand (the better example being the Champagne Pool).

Ohakuri Ignimbrite section. Map: U16; Classification: C3. Significance: Type locality for Ohakuri Ignimbrite.

Ohinau Island columnar rhyolite. Map: T10; Classification: C3. Significance: Excellent exposures of columnar flow-banded rhyolites.

Ohinemuri-Waikino Gorge section. Map: T13; Classification: C3. Significance: Excellent exposure showing varied volcanic rocks juxaposed against each other.

Ohinewai Hot Springs. Map: S13; Classification: C2. Significance:

Ohuka Plio-Pleistocene flora and carbonaceous sandstone. Map: R13; Classification: C3. Significance: Carbonaceous sandstone containing an unusual Myrtaceae and Acacia flora. Contains numerous Acacia pollen grains and radiometrically dated basalt boulders, preserves back barrier valley and flood plain lignite, and represents the southern equivalent of the onset of Northern Hemisphere Glaciations.

Okauia Hot Springs. Map: T14; Classification: C2. Significance:

Okete Quarry jointed basanite flow section. Map: R14; Classification: C3. Significance: Spectacular section through columnar jointed flow and type location of the Okete Volcanics.

Okoroire Hot Springs. Map: T15; Classification: C2. Significance:

Omara spit. Map: T10; Classification: C2. Significance: A well defined barrier sandspit.

Onepoto volcanic cone. Map: R12; Classification: C2. Significance: Distinct scoria cone, on basalt shield lavas.

Onewhero scoria cone. Map: R13; Classification: C2. Significance: Prominent small scoria cone on ridge crest.

Onewhero tuff ring. Map: R13; Classification: B3. Significance: Largest tuff ring in the South Auckland field. Well preserved tuff ring.

OngahoroRound Hill lava domes. Map: U16; Classification: C3. Significance: Two prominent rhyolite domes, 180 m and 70 m high, within the Kapenga caldera.

Ongaroto Hot springs. Map: T17; Classification: C2. Significance:

Ongaroto perlite. Map: T17; Classification: C3. Significance: A good exposure of perlite. Site of New Zealand's first perlite quarry.

Ongohi Stream delta, northwest Coromandel. Map: S10; Classification: B2. Significance: One of the best and least modified examples of rare classical delta shapes along the coast of the North Island associated with a stream or river mouth.

Opito Point basalts. Map: T10; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed basalt plug.

Opoutere Beach, Coromandel Peninsula. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: One of the longest largely unmodified beaches along the Coromandel Peninsula coastline. Small sandspit and cuspate foreland at the southern end.

Opuatia cliff Jurassic fossils. Map: R13; Classification: B3. Significance: Rich, diverse and well-preserved Temaikan molluscan and brachiopod fauna.

Orakeikorako Geothermal Field. Map: U17; Classification: B2. Significance: 1) Only known chalcedonic sinter in the volcanic region. 2) Prolific blue-green algae which inhabit the cooled thermal waters. 3) Large collapse feature known as Ruatapu.

Orakeikorako, Artist's Palette. Map: U17; Classification: B2. Significance:

Orakeikorako, Diamond Geyser. Map: U17; Classification: B2. Significance:

Orakeikorako, Golden Fleece Terrace. Map: U17; Classification: B2. Significance:

Orakeikorako, Rainbow Terrace. Map: U17; Classification: B2. Significance:

Orakeikorako, Ruatapu cave. Map: U17; Classification: B3. Significance:

Orakonui Ignimbrite section. Map: U17; Classification: C3. Significance: Type locality for Orakonui Ignimbrite.

Orua Hot Springs (Hot Water Beach). Map: T11; Classification: B2. Significance: One of only two hot springs at sea level in New Zealand.

Oruanui Ignimbrite section A. Map: U19; Classification: B3. Significance: Section near base of large volume ignimbrite which is a 'type' example of a pyroclastic flow deposit associated with phreatoplinian volcanism.

Oruanui Ignimbrite section B. Map: U19; Classification: B3. Significance: Section through upper part of large volume ignimbrite which is a "type" example of a pyroclastic flow deposit associated with phreatoplinian volcanism.

Otama relict dunes. Map: T10; Classification: C2. Significance: Abandoned Pleistocene dune barrier. Classic example, the best on Coromandel Peninsula.

Oturere lava flow, Mt Tongariro. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance:

Ouaha gullies and rills. Map: U18; Classification: B2. Significance: A series of gullies and rills, unusual because the gullies represent erosion occurring immediately after deposition of ash. The gullies are now like large unfilled fossil gullies.

Owharoa Falls owharoaite, Karangahake Gorge. Map: T13; Classification: A3. Significance: Type locality for owharoaite, a form of lenticulite (lenticular ignimbrite).

Paeroa Fault Scarp. Map: U17; Classification: C3. Significance: 10 m scarps on early Holocene tephra and alluvial terrace surfaces at base of 500 m Paeroa Fault scarp. Displaces 150,000 year ignimbrites by SE side up normal faulting. Geothermal area in fault zone due to increased permeability.

Paeroa Fault south end. Map: U17; Classification: C3. Significance: Late Quaternary scarps at the S end of the Paeroa RangeFault Zone. Scarps displace Wairoa Formation (<300,000 years) in opposite sense (NW side up) to uplift of the Paeroa Range.

Paewhenua West Road ignimbrite section. Map: S16; Classification: B3. Significance: Good exposure of Ignimbrite A and Ongatiti Ignimbrite.

Paku rhyolite dome and perlite locality. Map: T11; Classification: B2. Significance: Exposures of a multi stage eruptive complex. Excellent quality perlite.

Papanui Point volcanics. Map: R15; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed section through Okete Volcanics.

Paparata cone. Map: S12; Classification: C3. Significance: Small scoria cone.

Parakiwai andesite necks. Map: T12; Classification: C2. Significance: Outstanding example of columnar jointing.

Paritu granite quarry. Map: S10; Classification: C2. Significance: Main source of 'Coromandel Granite', a widely used building and monumental stone in New Zealand.

Paku tombolo, Tairua. Map: T11; Classification: C3. Significance: One of the most easily accessible and visualised tombolos along the Coromandel coast.

Pauanui barrier spit. Map: T11; Classification: C2. Significance: Superb example of a large barrier spit made of numerous dune ridges.

Pauanui eroded columnar jointing. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: Example of progression of different stages of erosion of a columnar jointed lava flow.

Piarere turnoff alluvial terraces. Map: T15; Classification: A2. Significance: One of the worlds best examples of alluvial terraces - also good outcrops of ignimbrites, and small alluvial fans.

Pihanga volcano. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: Small andesite massif within Tongariro National Park.

Pillars of Hercules chasm. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: Spectacular deep and narrow gorge or chasm with complex history of formation. Eroded through andesite flows and ignimbrite.

Pinnacles rhyolite neck. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed rhyolite neck.

Pohaturoa rhyolite pinnacle. Map: U17; Classification: C3. Significance: One of the tallest and most prominent pinnacles of rhyolite lava in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Prominent scenic feature next to HWY 1.

Poihipi Road tephra section. Map: U18; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of Taupo Ignimbrite about 19 km from vent where earlier fall deposits are thin.

Pokai Ignimbrite section. Map: T16; Classification: C3. Significance: Type locality for Pokai Ignimbrite.

Pokeno scoria cone. Map: R12; Classification: C2. Significance: Well preserved volcanic cone with some of the freshest scoria in the South Auckland field.

Pomarangai Road quarry Jurassic fossils. Map: R16; Classification: C3. Significance: Rich Heterian brachiopod-gastropod fauna. Type locality for Belemnopsis keari and only New Zealand Jurassic barnacle.

Port Waikato complex landslide. Map: R13; Classification: C3. Significance: A significant geomorphic feature in the area - the landslide involves debris movement.

Port Waikato sandspit. Map: R13; Classification: B2. Significance: Largest sandspit of active sparsely vegetated dunes on the west coast of New Zealand, with the exception of Farewell Spit.

Port Waikato to Tuakau Bridge Road Jurassic section. Map: R13; Classification: B3. Significance: Holostratotype section of Waikatoan Substage of Puaroan Stage.

Poutu tephra section. Map: T19; Classification: B3. Significance: Type section for Poutu Lapilli and Rotoaira Lapilli, and principal reference section showing the alternation of Taupo rhyolitic tephras and andesitic tephras from Tongariro.

Primary and secondary Taupo Ignimbrite deposits. Map: U18; Classification: B3. Significance: Represents secondary deposits of Taupo Ignimbrite.

Puaroa Creek, Kawhia Jurassic fossil locality. Map: R16; Classification: B3. Significance: Holostratotype of Puaroan Stage.

Pukeahua Ignimbrite section. Map: U17; Classification: C3. Significance: Type locality for Pukeahua Ignimbrite.

Pukekaikiore lava dome. Map: T18; Classification: C3. Significance: Rhyolite lava dome extruded on SW margin of Taupo caldera.

Pukekawa II basalt cone. Map: R13; Classification: C3. Significance: Small volcanic centre on the Pukekawa Fault.

Pukekawa III scoria cone. Map: R13; Classification: B3. Significance: Well preserved small scoria cone.

Pukekohe Hill volcanic cone. Map: R12; Classification: C3. Significance: A large, well preserved cone and flows.

Pukeonake scoria cones and olivine. Map: T19; Classification: B3. Significance: Parasitic volcanic centre west of Tongariro composite cone. Exposure through part of a young basic andesite scoria cone. Good example of an olivine bearing andesite.

Pukeotahinga scoria cone. Map: R13; Classification: C3. Significance: Small volcanic centre.

Pukeroa Cave System, Piopio. Map: R17; Classification: C2. Significance: Geomorphology - length, speleothems.

Puketapu Road tephra section. Map: T18; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of co-ignimbrite lag breccia of Oruanui Ignimbrite.

Puketarata Fault, Maroa volcanic centre. Map: U17; Classification: C3. Significance: Late Quaternary trace of the Puketarata Fault showing E side up motion. General area shows numerous NE trending traces typical of the Taupo rift zone.

Puketarata Fault, Oruanui. Map: U17; Classification: C3. Significance: 1922 displacement along the Puketarata Fault (ground cracking). Scarp of c.3 m (SE side up).

Puketarata medial pyroclastic surge section. Map: U17; Classification: B3. Significance: Well-exposed section through much of medial stratigraphy, showing classic pyroclastic surge features.

Puketarata tree knock-down structure. Map: U17; Classification: B3. Significance: Unusual geologic structure interpreted as root mass of small tree which collapsed during eruption under weight of fall tephra.

Puketarata tuff ring and lava dome. Map: U17; Classification: A3. Significance: Spectacular pyroclastic products from the youngest dated lava dome erupted from Maroa caldera.

Puketarata tuff ring section A. Map: U17; Classification: A3. Significance: Only well-exposed section through inner wall of Puketarata tuff ring.

Puketarata tuff ring section B. Map: U17; Classification: B3. Significance: Thick medial section through deposits of Puketerata tuff ring.

Puketarata tuff ring synvolcanic microfaults. Map: U17; Classification: B3. Significance: Evidence of syneruptive faulting possibly associated with dike intrusion beneath Puketarata.

Puketiti Flower Cave, Piopio. Map: R17; Classification: B1. Significance: Speleothems - gypsum display - flowers.

Puketiti Swamp karst, Piopio. Map: R17; Classification: C2. Significance: Rare feature in New Zealand, only developed where limestone has become karstified in swamp situation.

Puketoka conglomerate. Map: S12; Classification: B3. Significance: Type locality of Puketoka Formation and best exposed section through rhyolitic sedimentary rocks and conglomerate containing clasts of flow-banded rhyolite, chalcedony and rare silicified wood derived from Coromandel Peninsula. Provides a time constraint on the foundering of the Hauraki Graben.

Puketutu scoria cone. Map: R12; Classification: C2. Significance: Prominant, well preserved scoria cone.

Pukewhakataratara rock pillars. Map: S11; Classification: C3. Significance: A prominant hilltop of rock pillars and bluffs composed of old lahar deposits. One of the best examples of rock pillars in the Coramandel Peninsula.

Puni Domain volcanic cone. Map: R12; Classification: C3. Significance: Small volcanic centre.

Puriri Hot Springs. Map: T12; Classification: C2. Significance:

Putauaki Ignimbrite section. Map: U17; Classification: C3. Significance: Type locality for Putauaki Ignimbrite.

Puti Point Jurassic fossiliferous siltstone, Kawhia. Map: R15; Classification: B3. Significance: Type locality of Puti Siltstone Formation. Rich fossil locality in Puaroan Stage.

Raglan coastal karst. Map: R15; Classification: C2. Significance: Most easily accessible and well known example of spectacular coastal karst on west coast North Island.

Ralph's Coal-mine disaster site, Huntly. Map: S13; Classification: C5. Significance: Site of the worst mining disaster in the Waikato.

Rangatira Pt ignimbrite, Lake Taupo. Map: U18; Classification: C3. Significance: Most easily accessible exposures of Rangatira Pt ignimbrite (pre Lake Taupo ignimbrite) and cobbles of beautiful spheroidal rhyolite.

Ranginui Road ignimbrite section. Map: T17; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of proximal Auhuroa Ignimbrite.

Ranginui Station farm road ignimbrite section. Map: T17; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of Ignimbrite C.

Rasmussen Road tuff ring. Map: R12; Classification: C3. Significance: A small tuff ring.

Rauroa Stream Jurassic fossils. Map: R17; Classification: C3. Significance: Good Temaikan marine faunas at several localities.

Razorback Road II scoria cone. Map: R12; Classification: C2. Significance: Small scoria cone, and crater remnant.

Red Crater tuff ring, South Auckland. Map: R12; Classification: C3. Significance: Small, fairly well-defined tuff ring.

Red Crater, Tongariro. Map: T19; Classification: A2. Significance: Historically active scoria cone of Red Crater, the source of some of the most recent lava flows from Tongariro volcano, is intruded by dikes which fed lava flows from the vent.

Red Mercury Island basalt. Map: U10; Classification: C3. Significance: Thickest and best exposed sequence through Mercury Basalt flows, with contemporaneous rhyolitic ash horizons within.

Ridge Rd tuff ring. Map: R12; Classification: C3. Significance: Tuff ring surrounding a large, deep crater.

Rock Bolt volcanic neck, Hikuai. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed volcanic neck.

Rotokawa Geothermal Field. Map: U17; Classification: B2. Significance: Active thermal system depositing sulphur of excellent quality.

Rotopuha Road tephra section A. Map: U18; Classification: B3. Significance: Excellent exposure of proximal Taupo ignimbrite veneer deposit.

Rotopuha Road tephra section B. Map: U18; Classification: B3. Significance: Excellent example of gullying in phreatoplinian Rotongaio Ash.

Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo. Map: S16; Classification: B3. Significance: Geomorphology - length, nationally important tourist cave.

Ruakuri natural bridge, Waitomo. Map: S16; Classification: B3. Significance: Spectacular feature, high aesthetic significance, tourism.

Ruamahuaiti andesite flow, Aldermen Islands. Map: U11; Classification: C3. Significance: Only exposure of andesite on Aldermen Islands.

Serpell Road tuff ring. Map: S12; Classification: C3. Significance: Small tuff ring and central cone.

Sheehan Springs. Map: T14; Classification: C2. Significance:

Slipper Island boulder barrier. Map: U12; Classification: C3. Significance: Excellent example of a boulder barrier migrating south with the predominant storm movement and blocking the mouth of a stream.

Slipper Island scoria cone. Map: U12; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed section through centre of (young) scoria cone.

Southern Awakino Gorge Triassic/Miocene unconformity. Map: R18; Classification: C3. Significance: Excellent exposure of steeply dipping Murihiku Supergroup rocks containing rich Monotis beds unconformably overlain by Mokau sandstone. Exposes the oldest rocks outcropping in the Taranaki Province.

Stanley Island basalt vents and cone. Map: T10; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed section showing vent structure and scoria cone.

State Highway 1 tephra section. Map: U18; Classification: A3. Significance: Best exposed proximal exposure of Hatepe Lapilli, Hatepe Ash and Rotongaio Ash.

State Highway 5 Taupo eruption sequence. Map: U18; Classification: B1. Significance: One of the best exposures of the 5-6 phases in the 1.8 ka Taupo eruption, often cited worldwide as a type example for large explosive rhyolite eruptions. Includes intrasequence evidence of erosion and also standing tree moulds.

State Highway 30 ignimbrite section. Map: T17; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of Manunui Ignimbrite, with underlying Ongatiti Ignimbrite.

State Highway 5 tephra section A. Map: V19; Classification: C3. Significance: Exposure of 3.4 ka Waimihia and 1850 a Taupo eruption deposits at intermediate distance from vent.

State Highway 5 tephra section B. Map: U18; Classification: B3. Significance: Representative of coarse pumice-concentration zone at top of layer 2 of Taupo Ignimbrite.

Sugar Loaf volcanic sequence, northern Coromandel Peninsula. Map: S09; Classification: C3. Significance: Spectacular pinnacles. Excellent exposures of volcanic features. Earliest preserved andesite eruption deposits in the Coromandel Volcanic Zone.

Table Mountain andesite plateau. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: Large extrusive-intrusive mass of Omahia Andesite retaining its original flat-topped surface. The mountain is formed from resistant lava and the erosion of softer rhyolitic sediments surrounding it. An outstanding flat topped plateau on the crest of the Coromandel Ranges from up to 30 km.

Tahanga Basalt prehistoric quarry. Map: T10; Classification: B2. Significance: Source of widely distributed stone adze material.

Taharoa dune fields. Map: R16; Classification: C2. Significance: Dune fields of particular interest as tephras are interbedded in ironsand dunes.

Taihoa South Road Hot Springs. Map: T15; Classification: C2. Significance:

Tairua opal. Map: T11; Classification: B1. Significance: A very rare occurrence of precious opal in New Zealand.

Talisman Battery, Karangahake. Map: T13; Classification: B2. Significance: The Talisman battery serviced the Talisman mine, which had the third largest output of any gold mine in New Zealand, and was second only to the Martha Mine on the Hauraki Goldfield.

Tama Lakes explosion craters. Map: T19; Classification: B3. Significance: Cluster of Holocene explosion craters south of Ngauruhoe.

Tapu ferrierite. Map: T11; Classification: B2. Significance: New Zealand's only recorded occurrence, and the world's 20th recorded occurrence of ferrierite.

Taranaki Point karst, Aotea Harbour north head. Map: R15; Classification: C3. Significance: Spectacular coastal karst features outcropping on storm battered coast.

Taranaki Point volcanics. Map: R15; Classification: C3. Significance: Sequence of volcanics overlying flaggy Te Kuiti Group limestone.

Tatua basalt. Map: U17; Classification: C3. Significance: Strombolian eruption of basaltic scoria, tephra and lava flows from Maroa volcano.

Tauhara lava dome. Map: U18; Classification: C3. Significance: Compound dacite cumulodome erupted during early history of Taupo volcano.

Taupiri gorge. Map: S14; Classification: C3. Significance: An unusual and interesting gorge geologically, due to its very hard basement.

Taupo Cliffs sandstone. Map: U18; Classification: C3. Significance: Spectacular deeply incised gorge with high cliffs and island in the river. Best exposed sequence of Huka Sandstone Formation.

Taupo fines-depleted ignimbrite. Map: T19; Classification: A3. Significance: Notable facies of the Taupo Ignimbrite, developed where the hot flow met abundant vegetation.

Taupo floated pumiceous blocks. Map: T18; Classification: A2. Significance: Documents an unusual post-eruptive history for Taupo caldera.

Taupo Ignimbrite and Oruanui Ignimbrite section. Map: T17; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of two different ignimbrite facies, including thickest known exposure of fines-depleted ignimbrite.

Taupo Ignimbrite lee-side lenses. Map: U19; Classification: A3. Significance: Shows the effects of abrupt changes in topography on the 1850 a Taupo flow.

Taupo Ignimbrite nappe (Taupo orogeny). Map: T19; Classification: A3. Significance: Demonstrates violent flow emplacement where a sequence of earlier fall deposits has been flipped over and sheared by the flow upon impacting into a low ridge.

Taupo Initial Ash section. Map: U18; Classification: B3. Significance: Thickest known section of the first documented products of the 1850 a Taupo eruption.

Taupo Redoubt pumice building. Map: U18; Classification: B1. Significance: Only known building made from cut blocks of pumice in New Zealand.

Te Aroha Hot Springs. Map: T13; Classification: C2. Significance:

Te Heu Heu Road tephra section. Map: U18; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of partial sequence through 1850 a Taupo eruption products about 6 km from vent.

Te Kaka Ridge roscoelite. Map: T11; Classification: B2. Significance: A very rare occurrence of roscoelite in New Zealand.

Te Kawa olivine basalt quarry. Map: S15; Classification: C3. Significance: Excellent exposures of thick olivine basalt (ankaramite) lavas.

Te Kawa volcanic cone. Map: S15; Classification: C2. Significance: Prominent volcanic cone with slightly eroded and breached crater.

Te Kohanga tuff ring. Map: R12; Classification: C3. Significance: Well preserved breached tuff ring.

Te Kopia Geothermal Field. Map: U17; Classification: B2. Significance:

Te Kouma Harbour, Coromandel Peninsula. Map: S11; Classification: C3. Significance: One of the least modified and morphologically most diverse harbours on the west coast of Coromandel Peninsula.

Te Maire (Naike) hot springs. Map: R13; Classification: C2. Significance:

Te Mari Craters. Map: T19; Classification: B2. Significance: Historically active craters on Tongariro volcano.

Te Mata carnelian. Map: T11; Classification: B2. Significance: Good example of carnelian.

Te Ruatakuahi Pt liquefaction structures, Taupo. Map: U18; Classification: B1. Significance: Best and most easily accessible of liquefaction disruption of pumice lake shore sediments in New Zealand.

Te Toto Gorge lava and pyroclastic section. Map: R14; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed sequence of lavas and related pyroclastics.

Te Whaaiti Ignimbrite section. Map: V19; Classification: B3. Significance: Section through large-volume welded ignimbrite inferred to form part of the Whakamaru-group ignimbrites.

The Hole-in-the-Wall, Needle Rock. Map: T10; Classification: B2. Significance: Spectacular rock arch islet, similar to the one sketched by Captain Cook when he visited Mercury Bay.

Tirohanga Road tephra section. Map: T17; Classification: B3. Significance: Demonstrates complexity of stratigraphic relationships in 22.6 ka deposits.

Tokaanu/Waihi/Hipaua Geothermal Field. Map: T19; Classification: B2. Significance:

Tokatea Hill amethystine quartz reef and gold mines, Coromandel. Map: T10; Classification: C2. Significance: Exposure of epithermal quartz reef (Tokatea Big Reef). One of the few sites in New Zealand where amethyst can be found. Easily accessible adits and relics of gold mining near Coromandel.

Tomac Tomo, Whatawhata. Map: S15; Classification: C2. Significance: Geomorphology, speleothems - iron stained calcite, gypsum.

Tongariro River delta. Map: T19; Classification: B2. Significance: One of the best examples of a lacustrine birdsfoot delta in New Zealand.

Totoro Gorge karst, Aria. Map: R17; Classification: C2. Significance: Easily accessible and one of the best examples of classic sculptured karstic shapes in limestone in the southern King Country region. Includes fluting, tors and canyons.

Tree Trunk Gorge. Map: T19; Classification: B3. Significance: Most spectacular un-negotiable slit gorge on upper Tongariro River.

Troopers Road Cave System, Waitomo. Map: R16; Classification: B2. Significance: Geomorphology - length, jointfault control, speleothems - selenite, calcite and fossil deposits, Cutthroat Cave, Sir Roger Cave and Fred Cave - important recreational usage, one of the most extensive North Island cave systems.

Tuahu lava dome. Map: U17; Classification: B3. Significance: Prominent 200 m high rhyolite dome with underlying tuff ring.

Tui Mine sulphides and speleothems. Map: T13; Classification: B2. Significance: One of the best New Zealand occurrences of Cu-Pb-Zn sulphide ore and secondary minerals. Occurrence of spectacular brown and turquoise stalactites and flowstone containing the only known occurrences of serpierite, woodwardite, langite and wroewolfeite in the world in a cavemine environment.

Tunaiti caldera section. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: Good exposure of caldera structures.

Umukuri Sinter. Map: U17; Classification: B3. Significance: The only massive chalcedonic sinter in Taupo Volcanic Zone.

Union Hill battery site, Waihi. Map: T13; Classification: A2. Significance: Second most important mining area in Waihi. Remains of Union Hill battery including large, well-preserved cyanide agitation tanks (NZHPT category 1) and ore-roasting kilns.

Ururoa Pt Hole-in-the-Wall. Map: R15; Classification: C2. Significance: Small prominent sea arch.

Victoria Battery site, Waikino. Map: T13; Classification: B2. Significance: Its 200 stamps made the Victoria battery the largest battery in New Zealand.

Waiharakeke Bridge-Kinohaku Jurassic sediments. Map: R16; Classification: B3. Significance: Easily accessible continuous sequence of Upper Jurassic formations.

Waihi Falls, Tokaanu. Map: T19; Classification: C2. Significance: High waterfall cascading over edge of Taupo caldera into Lake Taupo. Tourist attraction.

Waihi Fault zone, Mt Tongariro fault scarp. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: Spectacular scarp that offsets late Quaternary andesites (W side up). Site example of a series of traces along the W side of Mounts Tongariro and Nguarahoe. Also example of faultingtectonics in general Tongariro National Park area (Rotoaira graben-Ruapehu faults).

Waihi Fault zone, Waihi. Map: T19; Classification: C3. Significance: Large scarp (>100 m, W side up) with associated landslide debris and thermal area. Landsliding buried the original Maori village at Waihi.

Waikato River delta. Map: R13; Classification: B3. Significance: One of the best examples of a braided river delta in the North Island.

Waikawau Bay coastal features, Coromandel Peninsula. Map: T10; Classification: C3. Significance: One of the few pristine, undeveloped white sandy beaches (with associated coastal features, on Coromandel Peninsula.

Waikawau Beach Miocene sediments. Map: R17; Classification: C3. Significance: Good exposure of sediments and structure of Mohakatino Formation.

Waikawau limestone bluffs, Port Waikato. Map: R13; Classification: C2. Significance: Easily accessible representative examples of spectacular bluffs of Tertiary limestones and calcareous sandstones, many intricately fluted. Best significant area of karst limestone north of Hamilton.

Waikite/Puakohurea Geothermal Field. Map: U16; Classification: B2. Significance:

Waikorea hot springs. Map: R14; Classification: C2. Significance:

Waimai Valley Oligocene sequence, Te Akau. Map: R14; Classification: B3. Significance: Type locality of Waimai Limestone Member. Typical north Waikato Oligocene sequence readily accessible in one valley.

Waimihia Tephra section. Map: U18; Classification: B3. Significance: Section through the second largest post-20 ka eruption at Taupo, which contains mixed pumice reflecting the existence of a zoned magma chamber.

Waingaro hot springs. Map: R14; Classification: C2. Significance:

Wainora Stream lake beds and fossil leaves. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: One of best examples of lake beds and fossil leaves and freshwater mussels within the Coromandel volcanic sequences.

Waiorongomai Valley mineralised quartz veins. Map: T13; Classification: C3. Significance: Excellent exposures of base metal bearing quartz veins.

Waipa River meanders and levees. Map: S14; Classification: C2. Significance: Excellent examples of meanders and levees. Ponded approximately 12,000 BP, and flooded behind leaving lacustrine silts.

Waipapa Dam section. Map: T16; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of material typical of Whakamaru Ignimbrite in the Waikato valley.

Waipapa Road columnar-jointed ignimbrite. Map: T16; Classification: C2. Significance: Excellent and easily accessible example of columnar-jointed ignimbrite.

Waipapa Road section A. Map: T16; Classification: A3. Significance: Exposure of base of Whakamaru Ignimbrite.

Waipapa Road section B. Map: T16; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of top of Whakamaru Ignimbrite.

Waipouwerawera Stream tephra section. Map: U18; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of a non-graded valley pond of Taupo Ignimbrite.

Waipuna Cave, Waitomo. Map: R16; Classification: C2. Significance: Geomorphology, only major cave in Waitomo area with forested catchment. Impressive speleothems.

Waipuna polygonal karst, Waitomo. Map: R16; Classification: C3. Significance: Under native forest therefore natural ecosystem in polygonal karst.

Wairakei Geothermal Field. Map: U17; Classification: C1. Significance: Former site of large concentration of geysers. The first case study of the effects of intensive geothermal exploitation on a water-dominated system.

Wairakei power station. Map: U17; Classification: A2. Significance: First Geothermal powerstation in the southern hemisphere to be commissioned, and second in the world.

Wairakei rogue bore. Map: U17; Classification: C3. Significance: Site of worst natural disaster associated with drilling for geothermal steam in New Zealand.

Wairakei wairakite. Map: U17; Classification: A3. Significance: Type locality for Wairakite.

Wairere Falls over fault line. Map: T14; Classification: B3. Significance: High waterfall seen from many parts of Hauraki Plains held up by ignimbrite over andesite on the uplifted side of the eastern fault of the Hauraki Graben.

Wairere serpentinite, rodingite and rosenhahnite. Map: R17; Classification: B2. Significance: Surface exposure of structurally complex serpentinite body. Contains large metasomatised gabbro xenoliths. Only outcrop of serpentinite in South Auckland. Remains of one of the biggest serpentinite quarries in New Zealand. Only known occurrence of rosenhahnite in New Zealand. Well-exposed example of rodingite.

Waitaia Ridge sinter. Map: T10; Classification: C3. Significance: Excellent example of volcanogenic sinter and silicified greywacke. Partly lacustrine.

Waitawheta Gorge quartz vein structures. Map: T13; Classification: C2. Significance: Good exposure of epithermal quartz vein structures.

Waiteariki Hot Springs. Map: T14; Classification: C2. Significance:

Waitete Bay Oligocene sediments. Map: S10; Classification: C3. Significance: Best exposure of Te Kuiti Group sequence on Coromandel Peninsula.

Waitetoko Hot Springs. Map: T18; Classification: C2. Significance:

Waitoa Hot Springs. Map: T13; Classification: C2. Significance:

Waitomo Glowworm Cave and resurgence karst. Map: S16; Classification: A2. Significance: Glowworms, nationally important tourist asset. Best and most easily accessible area in Waitomo region showing karst resurgence features. Includes sites containing scientific evidence about evolution of karst in the region.

Waitomo Stream headwaters cave system. Map: R16; Classification: B2. Significance: Geomorphology, lengthextent, speleothems - calcite, fossil deposits, very important recreational resources.

Waiwiri Beach unconformity and basal Waitemata Group sediments. Map: R13; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed transgressive basal Waitemata sequence on eroded and bored Te Kuiti Group.

Walton Hot Springs. Map: T14; Classification: C2. Significance:

Watkins' stone kitchen. Map: T15; Classification: C1. Significance: The only known example of the use of 'Hinuera' alluvium in constructing a building. One of the oldest buildings in the Matamata area.

Weavers opencast mine, Huntly. Map: S13; Classification: C4. Significance: Upper Waikato Coal Measures and basal Mangakotuku Formation are well exposed.

Wentworth Falls. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: One of the highest and most scenic waterfalls in the Coromandel Ranges.

Western Dome Belt, Maroa-Taupo area. Map: T17; Classification: C3. Significance: A major dome alignment in the Maroa-Taupo area which may mark fractures associated with Whakamaru caldera volcanism.

Whakaipo Bay old lake levels, Taupo. Map: T18; Classification: C2. Significance: One of the best and most accessible and visible examples of the terraces and low cliff lines formed when Lake Taupo level rose after the 1.8 ka eruption.

Whakaipo Bay uplifted lake benches. Map: T18; Classification: C2. Significance: Well preserved stranded beach ridges on the shore of Lake Taupo formed by uplift and lake basin subsidence. This site is monitored for precise strain measurements by the Earth Deformation Section, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd (New Zealand Geological Survey).

Whakaipo Fault. Map: T18; Classification: C2. Significance: Recent (1922) trace of the Whakaipo Fault with 3 m (W side up) displacement in dry valley near Whakaipo Bay (older motion E side up). Scarps up to 14 m high and 500 m long in the area.

Whakamaru Ignimbrite Maraetai Dam section. Map: T16; Classification: A3. Significance: Type locality for Whakamaru Ignimbrite.

Whakamoenga Caves, Lake Taupo. Map: U18; Classification: C2. Significance: Important archeological site, providing information on the prehistoric environment, economics and land use of the northern Lake Taupo foreshore area. Reference section for Rangitira Point ignimbrite.

Whakatiwai gravel ridges. Map: S12; Classification: B1. Significance: Nationally important area for study of gravel ridge development in a tectonically stable progradational coast. Only known occurrence in the world of a chenier plaingravel ridge association (in conjuction with Miranda chenier plain).

Whakatonga Point ignimbrite cliffs. Map: T18; Classification: C3. Significance: Interesting ignimbrite cliffs are exposed.

Whale Bay lava flow section. Map: R14; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed section of lava flows.

Whangamata cuspate foreland. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: The largest cuspate foreland in Firth of Thames and Bay of Plenty.

Whangamata Fault Zone. Map: T17; Classification: C3. Significance: 1922 displacement along the Whangamata Fault of 1.8 m (W side up). Prominent fault line scarp flanks trace on W side. This site is monitored for precise strain measurements by the Earth Deformation Section, New Zealand Geological Survey.

Whangamata Road tephra section A. Map: T17; Classification: B3. Significance: Type locality for two stratigraphic names, Kawakawa Tephra and Wairakei Formation, applied to 22.6 ka eruptives from Taupo volcano (the terms Oruanui Ignimbrite and Aokautere Ash are used in this inventory).

Whangamata Road tephra section B. Map: T17; Classification: B3. Significance: Exposure of basal deposits of 22.6 ka eruption.

Whangapoua columnar jointed basalt. Map: T10; Classification: B3. Significance: Impressive example of columnar jointed basalt.

Wharekawa Harbour, Opoutere, Coromandel Peninsula. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: One of the least modified harbours on the east coast of Coromandel Peninsula.

Wharepapa South ignimbrite tors. Map: T16; Classification: C2. Significance: Outstanding examples of ignimbrite tors, readily seen from public road.

Whenuakite Dome. Map: T11; Classification: B3. Significance: Well exposed rhyolite dome, possibly youngest in Coromandel.

Whiritoa blowhole. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: Most spectacular active blowhole on Coromandel Peninsula.

White Cliffs, Great Mercury Island. Map: T10; Classification: C3. Significance: Most prominent landform in the Mercury Islands and the highest coastal cliffs on the Coromandel coast.

Whitianga (Shakespeare Cliff) ignimbrite with clastic dikes. Map: T11; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed coastal section through Whitianga Group ignimbrite containing charred logs. Cut by several clastic dikes.

Whitianga Ferry Landing ignimbrites. Map: T11; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed ignimbrite, and contacts between two ignimbrite flows.

Whitianga Ferry Landing stone wharf. Map: T11; Classification: B1. Significance: Oldest stone wharf in New Zealand, 1838.

Wigmore rhyolite dome. Map: T11; Classification: C3. Significance: Excellent example of flow-banding in rhyolite.

Woodstock underground powerhouse. Map: T13; Classification: B2. Significance: The underground pumphouse chamber is the only one of its type constructed by a mining company in New Zealand, as well as being, probably, the most complete dewatering plant still in-situ in any historic mine in New Zealand.

Woody Hill basalt neck. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: Well exposed volcanic neck and dikes.

Woody Hill Forest rhyolite. Map: T12; Classification: C3. Significance: Exposures of fresh rhyolite.