The cretaceous geology of the Whakarora area, Wairarapa, New Zealand

Abstract A substantially continuous sequence of Cretaceous strata forms a syncline near Tinui, East Wairarapa. The Taitai Series consists of contorted beds of sandstone, siltstone, and conglomerate. The Urutawan Stage at the base of the Clarence Series was not recognised, but may be present. The Motuan Stage is represented by 600 ft of silty conglomerate overlain by 2,600 ft of sandstone and siltstone; the Ngaterian by 3,100 ft of siltstone with occasional sandstone beds. The Raukumara Series consists of glauconitic sandstone and siltstone of Mangaotanean and Arowhanan ages. Greensand and siltstone (Piripauan) and shale (Haumurian) of the Mata Series are exposed in the axis of the syncline and unconformably overlie the lower Raukumara Series. Rank and intensity of deformation of the beds decrease noticeably upwards through the sequence.