Pegasus Basin

Basin Summary

Exploration is at a very early stage. There is a thick sedimentary sequence, potential traps, and direct hydrocarbon indicators, but the geology will remain speculative until the 2010 seismic data set is interpreted.

• Pegasus Basin Fact File [775 kB PDF]
• Pegasus Basin Map [299 kB JPEG]
   

Key facts

Location An offshore basin of about 25,000 sq km immediately to the south of the North Island. Geology Pacific Plate basin to seaward of modern subduction zone at north flank of Chatham Rise. Close to the zone of transition where modern oblique convergence translates to dextral strike-slip on the Marlborough faults. Oldest basin-fill believed to be Cretaceous and Paleogene passive margin sequence. Thick Neogene deposits. Modern setting also passive margin. Little deformation.

Wells

No wells in this basin.

Hydrocarbons

Bottom-simulating reflectors assumed to be gas hydrates. Direct hydrocarbon indicators on seismic. Oil seep onshore north of Kaikoura.

Prospects

Unexplored.

Source rocks

Early Cretaceous marine shales; Late Cretaceous and Paleocene Whangai Formation marine mudstone; Late Paleocene Waipawa Formation marine black shale.

Reservoir rocks

Cretaceous, Paleogene and Neogene transgressive and turbidite sandstones; fractured Late Cretaceous to Paleocene shales.

Port facilities

Wellington
www.centreport.co.nz

Picton Port
www.portmarlborough.co.nz

• New Zealand Infrastructure and Port Facilities [1.25 MB PDF]

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