Gemstone Beach in July only resulted in two fossicks despite my every intentions of going more! Both the Taunoa Stream and Waimeamea River have changed a little bit in between my two fossicking adventures. There seems to be more patches of stones but large patches of sand also on the beach. There are still a few tourists around making good use of our rather calm winter days. It hasn’t been too cold and it hasn’t rained all that much either. Southland is a pretty cool place to visit in the winter I must admit, especially if the sun is out and the snow is on the Longwoods, the Takitimus or the Princess Mountain ranges that we are surrounded by.
Fossick #1 – Tuesday 1 July, 2025
It was 7 degrees (that’s celsius for anyone still on the imperial system) when I left home, arriving at Gemstone Beach at 11:42am. There were four cars already in the carpark and six or so people on the beach. It is the first week of the school holidays so I wasn’t surprised by the number. The temperature had risen to 10 degrees and it was sunny but a little cool.
Beach Conditions
Low tide was at 11:00am so I was conscious that the tide had turned and was making it way back in. You’ve got to watch the waves at Gemstone Beach because they have a tendency to catch you out every now and again!
The Waimeamea River
The Waimeamea River was open and flowing quite swiftly out to sea. Ohla dog, as usual (photo 2), did a quick trip across to the other side. I, however, did not as the tide was on it’s way in. It looked shallow on my side (photo 1) but quite a bit deeper after half way so I wasn’t willing to get a gumboot full of water for the walk back.
As Ohla and I made our way back to the carpark, fossicking for more stones along the way, I stopped to chat to friend John M. I’ve tumbled stones for John before and he was excited to share that he’d be back off to the outback of Australia to explore once again. As the day was so lovely he was out on his motorbike for a ride.
Photo 4 shows the slip I heard just after Ohla and I walked past. It was much louder than I thought a slip might sound too. It was a timely reminder about being mindful when fossicking close to those cliffs. They can slip at any time!
Back at the carpark at 2:06pm after almost two and half hours on the beach. A lady had collected and stack some driftwood near the Taunoa Stream and had lit a fire. There were several family groups on the beach in front of the carpark which was nice to see. Everyone seemed to be taking advantage of the sun and the school holidays today!
Favourite Finds of the Day – Fossick #1
Fossick #2 – Monday 7 June, 2025
Monday’s still seem to be the day I get out for a fossick these days! Today I met my friend Rochelle at the carpark at 1:36pm. There were already a few cars in the carpark and a few people on the beach. Rochelle is new-to-rock-tumbling but has quite a lovely collection of hydrogrossulars already! I’m looking forward to seeing her tumbling results too! She’s not ever been down to the Waimeamea River before so that’s about to change today!
The change in the Taunoa Stream in a week was mindblowing! I’ve never seen it snake like this before! There was so much more sand around the stream than last week.
Beach Conditions
With low tide expected at 4:08pm, I knew we’d have plenty of time to get down to the Waimeamea River and back. Being Rochelle’s first time to venture that far down the beach, I wanted to make sure we made it! The Goldman and his dog Tig were on the beach so Ohla was very happy as they had their usual play with each other.
There were plenty of patches of stones to explore but the Waimeamea River was closed off. We fossicked to about where it usually comes out and around a few of the seepages. Two ladies on horseback called out hello as they trekked passed. I had put Ohla back on her lead just incase she spooked them without meaning to.
It was such a gorgeous afternoon, quite sunny and warmish. We were back in the carpark at 4:20pm after almost three hours on the beach. I did forget to note how many people where on the beach and number of cars in the carpark but from memory I don’t think there were very many.
Favourite Finds of the Day – Fossick #2
If I’m naming the stones in the captions, please note that I am by no means an expert and they are my “best guess” with some being more confident guesses than others. That being said, I am really keen for any thoughts, corrections, suggestions on my favourite finds from Gemstone Beach so please leave a comment – it’s greatly appreciated!
Next in the Series:
Gemstone Beach in August: Stones, Waves & Whispers Part 11
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