” ...The Rakaia Gorge can produce extremely large (over 100 kg) agate nodules. These nodules are found in situ in the gorge wall. They can contain thick white fortification, coarse green to white moss and have crystalline or amethyst centres. However it can be a very difficult and extremely dangerous process to retrieve these agates as the ground they are found in is very steep or near vertical and drops away into the river. All the easily removed material has been collected from this site and the remaining material is usually found in the cliffs high above the river. For this reason very few people collect from this area any more and like more to collect ar other places at the Rakaia River...”

personal report from Malcolm Luxton, Canterbury