Our Land

These items reveal aspects of the history of the Waitaki district. The story of our land begins millions of years ago, when the Waitaki, like much of New Zealand, lay under the sea. During this time, Ōamaru’s famous limestone formed on the seafloor. It preserves some of the most incredible fossils in the world.

Meet the animals and plants that have called this place home – living and extinct, giant and microscopic. This highlight also includes items related to how people have understood and used the amazing geology of our land.