Blackhead (New Zealand)

Notable features of Blackhead relating to its origins include basalt columns, similar to those located at Second Beach, several kilometres to the east.

Some of these are readily viewed by the public, such as the series of columns at the western end, which are accessible from Waldronville and Blackhead Beaches.

Many of the more spectacular formations, such as the "Roman Baths" and "The Docks" are much harder and more hazardous to access, as they lie on the seaward side of the outcrop.

Around 120,000 tonnes of rock aggregate is produced annually,[6] consisting mainly of basalt and with small quantities of natrolite, phillipsite, calcite, olivine, chabazite, and thomsonite.

[4] During the 1980s, Fulton Hogan proposed to quarry the centre of the headland down to 50 m below sea level and form a boat harbour in the northeast.