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Kōrero: Canterbury region

Looking for gemstones, Birdlings Flat

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Looking for gemstones, Birdlings Flat

Although Canterbury does not have many mineral resources, places such as Birdlings Flat, south of Banks Peninsula, are popular among rockhounds. The beach is rich in gemstones, particularly agates, which are sought-after for making jewellery. Inset are polished gemstones from Birdlings Flat: greywacke (grey), quartz (white), volcanic pebbles (pinkish brown), and jasper (reddish brown).

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Private collection

by Judith Nathan

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.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

John Wilson, Canterbury region – Geology, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/10297/looking-for-gemstones-birdlings-flat (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā John Wilson, i tāngia i te 2 March 2009.