Auckland Heritage Festival Geoheritage Walk - Stanmore B Ay

Auckland Geoheritage Walks - Stanmore Bay Ancient Submarine Slide

20 million years ago all of the Auckland region was submerged beneath the sea at depths of 1-2 km. During this time, vast quantities of sand and mud eroded off an ancient Northland land swept down the submarine slopes and was deposited in layers across Auckland. These layers were compressed and hardened into the Waitemata Sandstones which have been pushed up out of the sea and can now been seen in many of the eroding sea cliffs around the city. Geologist and author Bruce Hayward will lead you on a short walk around the foreshore at the southern end of Stanmore Bay. He will explain how the layers were deposited, point evidence of animals that once lived in the deep sea sediments and marvel at one of the best examples of folded layers produced by large slides of material that slid down the seafloor slopes.

Rated as relatively easy with 1-3 km walk, some coastal rocks, bring rain and sun gear, drink and cell phone. All free, all welcome, no bookings, no cancellation.