Nuggety Creek

These rocks were deposited in a large syncline (downfold) that started forming about 35 million years ago, as the Alpine Fault was getting established. As the ground sank, sediments were washed in. Over 8 kilometres of sediments eventually accumulated in this sedimentary basin which is aligned roughly north to south in the direction of the Buller River. They comprise a mixture of rock types including mudstone, sandstone and conglomerate. You can see some of these in dramatic exposures in the hills a few kilometres north of Murchison. At this particular locality near Nuggety Creek, it is mainly the mudstones that you will see, containing plant fossils. They were likely deposited in warm humid conditions on the flood plain of a big meandering river.

The best place to look for the fossils is in the rocks that lie at the base of the cliff. Much of the rock is quite soft and easily split with a geological hammer. As well as some coal pieces in the sediments, there are a variety of fossil plants including ferns as well as several tree species such as a relative of the laurel, as well as tawa, mangeao and beech. Take care when splitting the rocks as the fossils can be fragile and easily broken. Freshwater mussels have been found here, but there could also be some animal remains (birds or reptiles). These have not yet been found at this locality, so finding them would be a first! If you are so lucky - please contact a museum, university or GNS Science to have your find recorded. It would be scientifically significant. Similar fossils can also be found in Nuggety Creek itself, a short walk further along the gravel road.