Foulden Maar

Foulden Maar is a volcanic crater located in Dunedin City with a width of about 1 kilometer. Its depths contain 200 meters of layered diatomite, a soft sedimentary rock that preserves fossils of ancient plants and animals.

The crater formed roughly 23 million years ago during the Miocene epoch, then slowly accumulated sediment over approximately 130,000 years. This long period of collection created an exceptionally thick and rich layer of fossil-bearing deposits.

The site became a symbol of community action when scientists and residents joined forces in 2019 to stop mining plans. Their effort led to the local council purchasing the land, showing how people can work together to protect places of scientific value.

The site is currently closed to public access while authorities develop management plans for research and education. It's worth checking the current status before planning a visit, as access may change in the future.

The deposits hold billions of preserved diatoms and tens of thousands of fossils that scientists have yet to describe. This combination makes it the most abundant terrestrial fossil site found anywhere in New Zealand.

Location: Dunedin City

Elevation above the sea: 309 m

GPS coordinates: -45.51673,169.93650

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44