Foulden Maar, Paleontological maar crater in Dunedin City, New Zealand.
The Foulden Maar crater measures 1 kilometer in width and contains 200 meters of layered diatomite deposits preserving ancient plant and animal fossils.
The volcanic crater formed 23 million years ago during the Miocene epoch and collected sediments for approximately 130,000 years, creating extensive fossil deposits.
Scientists and local communities united in 2019 to prevent mining operations at the site, leading to its purchase by Dunedin City Council in 2023.
The site remains closed to public access while authorities develop management plans for scientific research and potential educational programs.
The deposits contain billions of preserved diatoms and tens of thousands of undescribed fossils, representing the most substantial terrestrial fossil site in New Zealand.
Location: Dunedin City
Elevation above the sea: 309 m
GPS coordinates: -45.51673,169.93650
Latest update: May 20, 2025 15:40
Taieri Gorge
40.6 km
Maungatua
42.7 km
Lake Roxburgh
47.8 km
Mosgiel Woollen Mill
51.3 km
Millers Flat Bridge
44.2 km
Loganburn Reservoir
3.8 km
Callery's Battery
42.5 km
St Patricks Church School and Hall
48.2 km
War Memorial and Peace Garden
48.3 km
The Poplars
43 km
Silver Peak
46.6 km
F. Martin Building
48.2 km
Lawrence Post Office
48.3 km
Hyde-Macraes Bridge
33.7 km
Gay Tan's Cottage
42.5 km
Bank of New Zealand Building
48.2 km
Alexandra Courthouse
51.5 km
Roxburgh Bridge pier and tower remains
48.2 km
St James' Church
48.5 km
Lawrence Court House
48.3 km
Bank of New South Wales
48.2 km
Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
35 km
Tuapeka Times Office
48.2 km
Middlemarch Museum
14.3 km
Golden Point Historic Area
42.5 km
Simmond's Boarding House
51.4 km
Stanley's Hotel Complex
41.3 km
Shops
48.2 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes