The Rock Legends stamp sheet delivered a tongue-in-cheek take on some of New Zealand’s quirkier rock formations, taking us on a tectonic tour of New Zealand’s head-shaped geological wonders.
Issue information
Take a head-banging tour of New Zealand’s bold boulders and radical rockfaces.
Kaiarraara
This rock is also affectionately named after its resemblance to ‘The Iron Duke’, the Duke of Wellington.
Lion Rock
Not just a head, but a whole lion. Arguably our greatest rock legend, this volcanic beast rests undisturbed on the black sand beach at Piha.
Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock lost its glorious trunk a few years ago to the whims of Mother Nature. We commemorated this legend in 2019.
Te Hoho Rock
Guarding the famous Cathedral Cove, this majestic character is a familiar face to anybody who has visited this scenic wonderland.
Castlepoint Reef
Another rock portrait that stares out to sea. This legend tells of a giant wheke (octopus) that sought refuge here in a cave from the great Kupe.
Motukiekie
This iconic sea-stack has become a must-see portrait at dusk. Not just a pretty face either, it’s also host to some of New Zealand’s rarest birdlife.
Tunnel Beach
A colossal cliff face stares out to sea. Beyond the rugged beauty, this area is famous for the tunnel that was cut through to access the beach in 1870.
Punakaiki
30 million years of pressure is starting to show on this face. These limestone ‘pancakes’ have created some interesting coastal characters.
Anapai Bay
This handsome fella stands watch over golden beaches. He’s sometimes referred to as ‘photographer’s rock’ due to him being so naturally photogenic.
Product Listing for Rock Legends
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Set of Stamps | Mint, used or cancelled sheet of nine x $1.30 gummed stamps. | $11.70 |
 |
Set of First Day Covers | Set of two first day covers with nine gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. | $12.70 |
Technical information
| Date of issue: | 7 August 2019 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Nine gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | 9 x $1.30 |
| Stamps and first day covers designed by: | EightyOne Group, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print Ltd by lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours plus metallic |
| Stamp size: | 35mm x 34.55mm |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | Nine |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.286 x 13.895 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint, barcode, logo and value blocks could only be obtained by purchasing a full sheet of stamps. |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 6 August 2020. First day covers remained on sale until 6 October 2019. |