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Story: Rock, limestone and clay

Matauri Bay clay pit

Matauri Bay clay pit

The very pure halloysite clay dug at Northland’s Matauri Bay is exceptionally white and bright. It is exported for use in high-quality materials such as porcelain, bone china and technical ceramics.

Using this item

Imerys Tableware

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

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How to cite this page

Carl Walrond, Rock, limestone and clay – Types of clay, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/5251/matauri-bay-clay-pit (accessed 19 June 2026).

Story by Carl Walrond, published 2 March 2009.

Comments

John Macassey
30 June 2020
A French company owns all this clay and we can purchase it in New Zealand without having to bring it back from France.
Natasha Leef
23 February 2012
Is it still possible to take tours of the Matauri Bay clay pit?
Lorraine Hutchison
15 January 2011
Can you please tell me if individuals can purchase small amounts of this clay for their personal use? Many thanks