Sedimentary Basins
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Much of New Zealand was low lying around Mid Eocene-Oligocene times (40-23 Ma). Swamps became widespread, forming coal. The land subsided further, and marine organisms produced limestone deposits. Limestone of Oligocene-Early Miocene age formed in many areas, including the King Country, known for the Waitomo Glowworm Cave. In the South Island, limestone is present in Buller, Nelson, and the West Coast, including the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki in Oligocene-Early Miocene times (34-15 Ma). Many of New Zealand's limestone deposits were formed in relatively cool seas.
Read more about this topic: Geology Of New Zealand