The world under our feet has risen to the surface as examples of the world's rocks and minerals are displayed in Dunedin.
"It's about nature, and it's about the earth," he said of the hobby.
The New Zealand National Gem and Mineral Show, at Kaikorai Valley College, was bustling with people yesterday keen to take in everything from pounamu to rhodenite.
Otago Rock and Mineral Club president Les Gibson said the show, which was held annually around the country, was back in Dunedin for the first time since 2011.
Otago Rock and Mineral Club president Les Gibson with a piece of aragonite, at the New Zealand National Gem and Mineral Show.
PHOTOS: GERARD O’BRIEN
The club's about 60 members searched for everything from rhodenite in the Dunedin area to agate in North Otago, and for fossils at "quite a few sites" in the region.
People explore the exhibits at the show at Kaikorai Valley College.
"We've got some fabulous rocks and minerals, and geology information under our feet."
Mr Gibson said people tended to just walk over the top of those things.
"It's an exciting sort of hobby."
The show finishes tomorrow.
