GEOSITES

GEOSITES

On-ground, the Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū / Banks Peninsula Geopark will consist of a framework of:

Geopoints – a specific site e.g. volcanic dome, pa site, totara tree, church.

Geosites – a connected series of geographically related Geopoints strategically placed along a trail.

The Geopark will include multiple Geosites across Banks Peninsula. Geosites are designed to be self-guided with the assistance of interpretation panels.

GEOSITE INTERPRETATION

 

  • The purpose of a Keystone Panel is to introduce the Geosite, the area’s significance, features of the area, stakeholders, and the layout of the Geosite supported by a Geosite map.

    Keystone Panels are placed at a pedestrian’s entry point and provide a marker point within the landscape that visitors will recognise as symbolic of a Geosite gateway.

    Geosites are designed to have a gateway at either end with a Keystone panel at each entry. Both Keystone Panels will have common content, including a Geosite Map and Geosite introduction, but each will incorporate information specific to the panel’s location.

  • A Geopoint Panel is a low profile interpretation panel that acts as a caption for the landscape and illuminating what visitors will see. Low profile panels will be used to minimise the impact on their surroundings and will be the workhorse within the Geopark.

    These panels holistically present information, focussing not just on one theme / view, but as intertwined stories, covering a range of interconnected elements.

    Geopoint panels include information that, illustrates the physical location and what has occurred at the site with links to additional online information.

    Information will be presented at a level appropriate for self-guiding; it will include directions to further information, links to providers within the community, to community-based information hubs, and to community led projects and initiatives.

    Panel content will be dictated by the site characteristics, and will include engaging visuals, compelling titles, interpretive text, quotations, and labels for the landscape and surrounds.

  • Māori place names will be included in all Geopark materials, and will be given precedence. Similarly, information on biophysical elements, e.g. plants, will prioritise the Māori name. Where possible manawhenua values will be supported with visuals that are respectful, endorsed, and supported by rūnanga.

 GEOSITES WILL INCLUDE:

  • Signposting along a trail / track / roadway to individual Geopoints;

  • A main locator map and introductory explanation – guide;

  • Holistically presented interpretation panels - not just one theme / view – but intertwined stories;

  • Information conveying physical location and what has occurred at the site;

  • Information presented at an appropriate level on panels to allow self-guiding;

  • Directions to further information;

  • Linkage to providers within the community and community-based information hubs.

GEOPARK DEVELOPMENT

We are currently working on the development of our initial Geosites within the Geopark.

Each Geosite requires collaboration, so take time to develop.

To see where we are currently at with each Geosite development click on the Geosite links below.

Developing Geosites