Waimumu

If you think landlocked Cosy Dell Farm at Waimumu, Southland, is an unlikely place to find the 18 metre whale-eating shark, which inspired the 2018 movie 'The Meg', think again.
This where New Zealand's largest example of a fossilised Megalodon shark tooth was found, the area being part of a fossil rich seabed from the Late Oligocene (26-2.3 million years ago) Islands. Taking into account tectonic adjustments, and environmental clues, it is supposed the fertile farming plains of Southland were then warm, shallow seas, teeming with marine life, and islands, which probably covered an area of at least 20,000 km2, about the same size as present-day New Caledonia.
Other finds by Otago University Geology department in their 2009-2013 dig are published in a 2014 archaeological report. Several Megalodon teeth are held at Te Papa including one from the Hawkes Bay, but the Waimanu one is 12cm long, the largest known one internationally being 18cm long. Other evidence of the prehistoric shark species is hard to come by, other than the odd vertebrae, because shark skeletons are mainly cartilage.
It is generally believed that the shark species died out when sea temperatures cooled and polar icecaps locked up water, making their prey and habitat scarce. There are still conspiracy theories that the ancient shark lives in the deep ocean, as well as myths that the teeth are tounges of dragons. You can buy a Megalodon tooth if you really want.
The Auckland-made movie starring Kiwi actor Cliff Curtis, was based on a series of books by Steve Alten. It was launched in August 2018, welcomed by shark-thriller lovers and made number one in the USA.
Waimumu is a 'virtual attraction' for visitor purposes. You can't visit the farm or dig for fossils but about 5km to the north is the Croyden Bush Scenic Reserve which is good for a walk.
Since gold mining days, when Waimumu was the home to the mighty Waimumu Queen Gold Dredging company, it has developed into a quiet farming area. Starting in 1982, Waimumu has hosted the increasingly popular 'southern field days', and associated pre-season rugby match at 'Fred Booth park', a paddock owned and well tended by farmer Fred Booth. They have a community arts organisation, a 1953 Memorial Church with Plaque for the District's lost men of WWI and WWII, and a school and hall down the road at Ti Tipua.