This Series of Posts provide an introduction to Gemstone Beach (Orepuki, Southland, New Zealand) and a basic guide to many of the stones commonly found on that beach. This first Part presents the location and geographical context for Gemstone Beach, and describes its carpark and local beach warnings. Part Two sets out the main features of Gemstone Beach. Part Three will refer to some already existing sources of information on Gemstone Beach stones, and will discuss the meaning of “gemstone”. Part Four provides some brief definitions of important geological terms useful in the later Posts that describe individual types of stones in detail. Part Five looks at different types of translucent stones that can be found on Gemstone Beach. Part Six is a Series of Posts on opaque white stones. The Part Seven Posts are on green coloured stones. [More to come.]
WHERE IS GEMSTONE BEACH?
Gemstone Beach lies on the Southern Scenic Route between Dunedin and Queenstown. The middle section of this Route, between Invercargill and Te Anau in Southland, is a drive of 200 kilometres, and Orepuki’s Gemstone Beach is located about one-third along it.
Orepuki is a small coastal country village of about 60 residents, situated 70 kilometres west of the city of Invercargill and 20 kilometres east of the small town of Tuatapere, at the foot of the Longwood Range. It lies on Te Waewae Bay, a long sweeping bay some 27 kilometres long – see Orepuki – Much more than just a place to just pass through. When you drive out of Orepuki heading north along Highway 99, you encounter the sign for “Gemstone Beach” after about 600 metres. The beach carpark is less than 100 metres down that gravel road. NOTE: When coming from Orepuki, about 20 metres before the “Gemstone Beach” sign is a small gravel road signposted in a blue road sign as “Mullens Road West” which can also be taken to get to Gemstone Beach.
WARNING FOR DRIVERS: There is a three to four kilometres stretch of State Highway 99 between Colac Bay and Round Hill Road that is very bumpy, with a number of sudden dips and rises (see below). This stretch of road is from 14 to 17 kilometres from Gemstone Beach. It is best to drive it at a speed of around 80 to 90 kilometres per hour. The two largest of the rises, 200 metres east of Round Hill Road (and 14 kilometres from Gemstone Beach), will throw a vehicle airborne if taken too fast. Campervans and caravans especially should slow down to avoid breakages of crockery etc. The danger is not well sign-posted, with just innocuous “bumpy road” signs west of Colac Bay. The segment of road is on Google Maps here.
WHY AM I WRITING THIS?
I have visited this beach a number of times over the past six years, looking for stones to tumble polish. I collect smooth colourful stones with interesting colours and patterns between the size of about 2 cm and 6 cm. I have also learned a bit about what types of stones these might be, from books and the internet, and from other stone collectors. But the passing motorist is often on the beach once for only a few minutes, maybe half an hour, longer if the weather is fine and the children or dog are having a good time. The name “Gemstone Beach” tends to raise expectations but the stones look fairly ordinary. Where are the precious stones? Can I find something valuable? What do they look like? Nearly everyone becomes confused then disappointed when they fail to spot anything that looks like a “gemstone”. The aim of this Series of Posts is to highlight the beauty of Gemstone Beach’s “ordinary stones” so that “passing motorists” can begin to appreciate what they see.
THE GEMSTONE BEACH CARPARK
The Gemstone Beach Carpark is an informal one – there are no designated parking areas. People tend to park at the front, facing the beach, and then along the sides of the carpark and gravel road, if necessary. Make sure you avoid parking in front of any access gates to properties, especially the one to the right at the front of the carpark (see photo below). There are a number of signs at the front of the carpark advising the following: “No Swimming”, “Beware, Crumbling Cliffs”, No Camping”, and “No Toilets, Toilets available at the Orepuki Hall”. The Orepuki Hall is just over a kilometre away – turn off Highway 99 into Dover Street then right into Oldham Street – the Hall and public toilets are about 100 metres down Oldham Street. Across the road is an information kiosk featuring the history and geography of the area (see photos below).
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Very informative & useful regarding the area. I still havent got there yet. Hopefully this summer.
Thanks, Jo
Thanks for the feedback, Jo. I’m sure you’ll get there soon!