Vanished World Centre
A fossil exhibition centre in the small town of Duntroon, introducing the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark and ancient whale and penguin fossils.
The centre, run by volunteers, displays marine fossils discovered in the Waitaki Valley, including ancient whales, giant penguins and shark teeth. It explains the geological history of the area, which sank beneath the sea about 30 million years ago. Here you can pick up a map for the Vanished World self-drive route, which passes more than 20 sites, including fossil cliffs and limestone rock formations. The centre is small, but its explanations are clear. Entry is about NZ$10, making it a good starting point for a self-drive tour of the geopark.
Opening hours
10:00–16:00; may close Mon–Tue in winter
Nearby sights
- Takiroa Rock Art Shelter
- Elephant Rocks
- Totara Estate
- Ōamaru Public Gardens
- Ōamaru Opera House
- Forrester Gallery
- Victorian Precinct
- Steampunk HQ