LOCATIONS
Beyond the chemistry of pigments and polymers, we've found priceless value in expanding our knowledge of botany and geology.
Discovering the extent to which we are enveloped by a diverse and exceptional assortment of resources and volcanic mineral deposits in New Zealand has been an absolute delight and a source of profound inspiration.
With every step, we realise the richness of our environment, where each location unveils its own remarkable and exquisitely distinct blends of elements, forming a tapestry of unique and precious offerings.
Tūhua | Mayor Island
Oira Bay, Tūhua Island (Mayor Island).
Tūhua Island is the largest single site of obsidian in New Zealand.
Tūhua has a remarkable history of violent volcanic upheaval. The island is the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor and frequent eruptions over the past 120,000 years (the last one was about 6,000 years ago) have produced the great variety of landforms seen today.
The most prominent island, located 35 kilometres off the coast of Tauranga, is Tuhua (Mayor Island). Tuhua is the ancestral home of Te Whānau A Tauwhao ki Tūhua who continue today as kaitiaki/guardians of the island and its resources.
This dormant volcano has been largely protected from the public, so those who do get to visit can really experience something special.
The northern end of the island is a marine reserve, making it a perfect spot for snorkelling and diving. The warm ocean currents bring plenty of subtropical species.
Those with permission to land on the island can enjoy hiking through the island’s pōhutukawa forest and, if time allows, climb to the highest peak at 355 metres above sea level.
The island is pest-free and home to an array of native birds, including bellbirds, tui, kākā, kākāriki karaka, brown kiwi.
The volcanic crator — view overlooking Te Paritu (Black Lake)
Ruapehu is a composite andesitic stratovolcano located at the southern end of the Taupō Volcanic Zone and forming part of the Tongariro Volcanic Center.
Ruapehu has erupted from multiple craters over its lifetime, however, only one crater is presently active, a deep crater at the southern end of the summit plateau which is filled with hot, acidic water, dubbed Crater Lake
(Te Wai ā-moe).
Ruapehu sits on a basement of Mesozoic greywacke overlain by a thin layer of sediments of the Wanganui Basin, composed of sands, silts, shell beds, and limestone.
https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/the-mountain-has-spoken/
https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/highlights/tongariro-national-park/
Ruapuke Beach
Ruapuke Black Sand Beach
Until the 1990s the beach largely remained unknown, used by local residents and a few surfing and surfcasting fishing enthusiasts.
A little off the beaten track, Ruapuke is a bit of a hidden gem. While it can take around 40 minutes to get there, don’t let the winding gravel road put you off, you’ll be treated to a long stretch of raw, uncrowded west coast coastline.
Taupō Moana
The caldera of the Taupō Volcano, a massive rhyolitic supervolcano, has been the source of two of the most powerful eruptions in recent geological history. The eruption in 186 AD was so remarkable that it was recorded by both the Chinese and Romans, who observed unusual atmospheric phenomena during that time.
Taupō Volcano has not erupted for approximately 1,800 years; however, with research beginning in 1979 and published in 2022, the data collated over the 42-year period shows that Taupō Volcano is active with periods of volcanic unrest and has been for some time.
Rejuvenating tranquility.
Let the shoreline lead you away from the village..
Obsidian lies hidden amongst the wave polished rocks.
A devastating explosion of global impact, now a serene and unique environment to rest in.
https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/the-power-of-taupo/
https://www.lovetaupo.com/en/discover/highlights/lake-taupo/
https://www.wired.com/2014/04/changing-the-size-of-the-giant-186-a-d-eruption-of-taupo/
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2020EGUGA..2211852V/abstract
Te Whakarewarewa Forest
Rich dark loam umber ochre.
Volcanic deposits and geothermal minerals
Te Whakarewarewa Valley
Geothermal minerals present in the soil.
Ancient site for red orchre.
Mt Mauao | Maunganui
Mount Maunganui, also known as Mauao, stands as a dormant volcanic cone located at the tip of a peninsula within the town of Mount Maunganui.
Situated near the eastern entry point to Tauranga Harbour in New Zealand, this prominent landmark holds deep cultural significance as well as historical value.
Revered as tapu (sacred) by the local Māori iwi, Mount Maunganui features prominently in local mythology. The summit, reaching an elevation of 232 meters above sea level, offers both a tangible connection to the region's geological past and a symbolic tie to the cultural heritage of the area.
Wairoa River, Te Puna
Red river Clay loam
Te puna / Wairoa River Outlet clay and peat
Waikato Clay and Peat
Natural Earth Loam
Hinuera Stone Quarry
Hinuera Valley
stone
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331502776_Pyroclastic_flow_deposits_Hinuera_Valley_central_North_Island_and_note_on_usage_of_ignimbrite_as_building_material
Whakaari | White Island
Whakaari is an active andesite stratovolcano situated 48 km from the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, in the Bay of Plenty. The island covers an area of approximately 325 ha, which is just the peak of a much larger submarine volcano
Marlborough
Grovetown |
Natural Earth Loam
Deep Clay Loam,
