Dom Post: The fascinating world of fossil finding

Kiran Chug of the Dominion Post reports on a new book, written by GNS scientists, which tells people where to hunt for fossils in New Zealand – according to its authors, fossil locations are particularly accessible here.

The book launch was timed to coincide with the exhibition NZ Fossils: Dead Precious currently on show at Te Papa.  The exhibition showcases some of the fossils found in New Zealand, as well as the people and places involved.

An excerpt: (read in full here)

“Dr Crampton and fellow palaeontologist Marianna Terezow have written a guidebook, The Kiwi Fossil Hunter’s Handbook, pointing explorers to areas rich in in fossils.

“The idea for the book was formed after Dr Crampton spent years being asked where a good place was to find fossils and came to the realisation that so many children went through a stage when they were fascinated by dinosaur fossils in particular.

“Although most fossils in New Zealand were of shellfish and marine life, Dr Crampton said there was “always a chance” of finding reptiles – as dinosaur footprints spotted near Nelson this summer proved.”