West Coast Basins

Basin Summary

The region has attracted exploration interest since the early 1900s. Surface seeps indicate the existence of effective petroleum systems. Potential exists in both shallow onshore plays and, more importantly, in offshore Cretaceous rift basins. The geology of the latter is poorly known and none has been drilled to date.

• West Coast Basins Fact File [744 kB PDF]
• West Coast Basins Map [408 kB JPEG]
   

Key facts

Location A region of about 25,000 sq km on and offshore the West Coast of the South Island. Geology Up to 7,000 m of mid-Cretaceous to Quaternary fill in several basins, with up to 3,000 m of rift sediments in South Westland, onshore and offshore. Wells Numerous onshore wells drilled, mainly in Westland Basin. Four offshore wells.

Hydrocarbons

Numerous oil seeps; oil and gas shows in onshore wells.

Prospects

Several shallow onshore structures. Potential for large structures offshore.

Source rocks

Cretaceous to Eocene coal measures, Eocene marine mudstones.

Reservoir rocks

Cretaceous to Eocene sandstones, fractured Oligocene limestones, and Miocene turbidite sandstones.

Port facilities

Port of Westport
www.westportharbour.co.nz

Port of Greymouth
www.greymouthport.co.nz

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

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