| Waipara Greensand | |
|---|---|
| Stratigraphic range: Palaeocene, ~ Selandian-Thanetian | |
| Type | Geological formation |
| Sub-units | Mount Ellen Member, Stormmont Member |
| Underlies | Ashley Mudstone |
| Overlies | Loburn Formation |
| Lithology | |
| Primary | Sandstone |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 43°04′34″S 172°48′25″E / 43.076°S 172.807°E |
| Region | Canterbury |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Type section | |
| Named for | Waipara River |
The Waipara Greensand is a geological rock unit found in Canterbury, New Zealand. It dates from just after the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event, the Selandian and Thanetian, around 62–58 million years ago in the Palaeocene. It is well known for its fossils, particularly for containing the oldest penguins (Sphenisciformes) and also containing shark and fish fossils.