Whatarangi Whale Bone Fossils

Here erosion has exposed fossils that have been washed down onto the shoreline from the blue-grey mudstone formation above. We know that the boulders containing whale bone fossils are not far from their origin (where they formed) because they are large and require a lot of energy to move. The fossils are well preserved and exposed in a number of the boulders along the beach. Attempts to reduce erosion of the coast here have included dumping many other large (non fossiliferous) boulders on the shore. These have buried some of the fossil material that used to be exposed. However there are still several examples visible if you are prepared to search a little.

These fossils are the result of deceased whales decomposing on the ocean floor at depth where there was little energy and mud was able to settle. Over time the mud covered the whale remains completely and left the bones in place to fossilise. The exact species of whale or whales is unknown and they may well now be extinct. As the southern Wairarapa coast has been lifted by tectonic uplift these remains have been exposed in the boulders that we see today.

From the location point on the map, make your way north and keep your eyes focused on each boulder as you go. If you take photos of any whale bones that you see, you could visit Te Papa Museum in Wellington at a later date and compare them with some of the skeletons on display.