Glen Afric Fossil Crabs and more

Glen Afric (or Dovetail Stream) area is a popular fossil collecting area - especially for those wanting good fossil crab specimens (especially Tumidocarcinus giganteus).

How to get there - go north from Christchurch along SH1 until you reach where the Waipara Road and Mount Cass Rd intersect with SH. (around +/-12kms north of Amberly). Turn right into Mount Cass Rd and drive until it ends

(+/-20kms). Near the end you will come across a house near a right angle bend. Park here (you will see notices re fishing/shellfish limits no dogs and so on). If you go a little way further you will end up at the Glenafric Station homestead.

From the carpark you will have to walk the next +/-1km - follow the markers along the paddock then down the steep drive on to the beach. As you walk along note how high the cliffs are and Dovetail stream below. Look for exposed concretions in the cliffs and along the beach. Unless a crab is partially exposed you will need to break open the concretion. Not all concretions have crabs - but do contain other fossil types. Dont make the pack to heavy - its a big climb out!