3 Geological Wonders in New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main islands (North Island and South Island) and 700 smaller islands. New Zealand is part of Zealandia, a microcontinent that gradually submerged after breaking away from the Gondwanan supercontinent millions of years ago. The stunning landscape makes New Zealand one of the most desirable travel destinations in the world. Here we list 3 impressive rock formations that are worth a visit.

SPLIT APPLE ROCK

Split Apple Rock, locally known as Toka Ngawha, is a geological rock formation located on the coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It's a popular tourist attraction in the waters of the Tasman Sea. This intriguing rock formation is made of granite from the cretaceous period and its shape reminds an apple which has been cut in half. Scientists believe that the rock was split through a natural phenomenon known as "ice wedging". Any water that entered the cracks of the rock would have frozen during the ice age, causing it to expand and split at some point. Split Apple Rock is located near Kaiteriteri and it's accessible by a track at low tide. The rock can also be visited on a boat tour.



PANCAKE ROCKS

The Pancake Rocks (Punakaiki Rocks) are certainly one of the most spectacular natural attractions in New Zealand. They are part of a heavily eroded limestone area that was formed 30 million years ago from fragments of dead marine creatures and plants landed on the seabed about 2 km below the surface. Immense water pressure caused the fragments to solidify in hard and soft layers. The Pancake Rocks are located at Dolomite Point on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.


TONGA ARCHES (ARXH POINT)

The Tonga Arches also known as Arch Point are beautiful granite rock formations sculptured by the sea. It's one of the most visited natural attractions in the Abel Tasman National Park. Over the years, the ocean and wind have eroded the granite rocks, leaving behind a stunning landscape with archways and caves that can be visited at low tide. It's also possible to visit this place at high tide by kayaking through the archways. The Tonga Arches are located near the Tonga Quarry headland in the South Island of New Zealand.


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