top of page

ABOUT OUR GEOPARK

Welcome to the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark!

Incredible forces formed our Geopark under an ancient sea. Volcanoes, mountains, rivers, glaciers, and people then further shaped this region. Written in the stone and in our land is the story of the Waitaki - a geological wonderland, steeped in Kāi Tahu Whānui histories and culture waiting to be explored.

​

Nau mai, haere mai tauati mai rā ki te rohe o Te Rūnanga o Moeraki

​

We are a Charitable Trust dedicated to inspiring our community and visitors to learn, discover and be connected to our living planet and cultural histories. The Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust has been set up to establish and govern a UNESCO-accredited Global Geopark within the Waitaki District. We are New Zealand's first and only UNESCO Global Geopark. Learn more about our UNESCO journey. 

Geopark NZ graphic_1.png
Our vision.jpg

Where we develop a generation of people who care for the planet and its people. This requires understanding the stories of our land, our sky and our ocean. 

​

Understand it. Appreciate it. Protect it for future generations. 

Our goals

  • Enhance Waitaki’s social identity and increase community pride by providing a unifying platform to share the stories of our land, rich culture and heritage.

  • Inspire locals and visitors to learn, discover and connect with the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark through educational programmes and by providing engaging experiences and activities, with a focus on youth.

  • Ensure key geological, cultural, heritage sites and assets are visibly part of the Geopark, well curated, accessible and protected.

  • Increase community well-being through holistic sustainable development supporting economic growth.

bottom of page