The community -inspired Vanished World Society was formed in the early 2000s to help raise public awareness about the geology of the Waitaki district. The Society is active in promoting the science, conservation and appropriate use of fossils, outcrops, and landforms, through a process of education, science -communication and “hands-on experience”.

Currently Open 7 days a week.

Open Hours: Winter 10.00 am – 4.30 pm

North Otago and the larger surrounding Waitaki district have been renowned for striking and informative features for more than 150 years . These features -including fossils,limestone, volcanic sequences and landforms – have been important in the conceptual origins and ongoing development of geological science at a national level .

Geologist from the University of Otago have developed a positive and ongoing relationship with landowners in the Waitaki district, as part of a research program on local fossils.

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Fossil extraction

Our Society has gained significant technical support and specialist display materials from the Geology Department of the University of Otago

Our Fossil Centre at Duntroon and  the Vanished World Trail with its freely accessible set of locations has provided the Society with the tools to engage  the Waitaki community and visitors with the geology of our Region