The Vanished World Trail in the Waitaki District covers localities along the Otago coast, and inland to the Vanished World Centre at Duntroon. The trail complements Waitaki's other well-known tourist attractions including the Moeraki Boulders, the Oamaru Blue Penguin colony and the Clay Cliffs at Omarama.
Sites have been selected for their accessibility and their intrinsic value to assist in the telling of our unique Vanished World story.
The Trail can be self-guided by using the distinctive teal-coloured Heritage Trail directional signs. You may start or stop at any point. A general map is shown here.
Interpretive panels are located at trail sites. Major information panels are at: Waianakarua, Oamaru Blue Penguin colony, Awamoko Valley, and Duntroon - Visitor Centre.
To obtain the greatest value from the Trail, buy the purpose-designed Vanished World Fossil Trail Brochure from venues in Dunedin, Oamaru, Duntroon and Kurow. You can also have a more in-depth trail experience by participating in a guided tour (long or mini) organised by approved operators.
The Trail provides the photographer with an opportunity to view ancient limestone landscapes shaped by wind and water, and coastal seascape sculptures eroded from volcanic rock and limestone.
