A private nature reserve like no other
An enchanting valley with amazing geology

Our 2,400 acre estate is both a working livestock farm and a unique, private nature reserve. The property is flanked by two rivers intertwined with craggy escarpments, precipitous gorges, pretty waterfalls, amazing rock formations, ancient boulders and rolling farmland. - a fascinating destination in its own right.

Here you will discover truly amazing and unique natural geological features. Claremont was the first place in New Zealand where significant fossils were discovered. The remains of many mosasaurs, plesiosaurs and the world’s oldest penguin have all been unearthed from the river beds adjacent to our property, along with a treasure trove of other remarkable finds.

Then there’s the intriguing “KT boundary”, a layer of meteorite dust that led American scientist Louis Alvoraz to conclude it was a meteor impact 65 million years ago which led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. This relatively recent discovery formed a crucial part of the evidence as to the cause of the mass extinction causing the end of the dinosaur period.

As well as dinosaur bones and other fossils, Claremont guests will be enchanted by “God’s marbles”. These fascinating 65 million old limestone spheres are found on the banks of the Waipara river and rival the “Moeraki boulders” (that have been billed as the eighth wonder of the world).

There is a pretty waterfall and a 55 million year old fossilized oyster bed. You can admire a stunning Limestone escarpment reminiscent of the Great Wall of China and visit the dramatic limestone Waipara gorge. You will also be captivated by the amazing gigantic (45m high) “Bishops Head rock”, natural rock sculpture.

Last, but not least, within Claremont’s private nature reserve you’ll find abundant bird-life as well as some seventy species of rare and endangered plants. There’s a conservation area where you’ll see protected native Black Beech, hosts to “honey dew”, undisturbed native New Zealand bush.

A stay in the lodge provides the opportunity to participate and discover the amazing secrets of this remarkable nature reserve through our exhilarating fun-filled morning's Land Rover “Safari” adventure - You can also walk, hike or mountain bike over the estate.

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