Moeraki Boulders

The Moeraki Boulders are enormous spherical boulders, scattered either as isolated or in clusters along a stretch of Koekohe Beach between Moeraki and Hampden in the South Island of New Zealand. These geological marvels are unique attractions that fascinate visitors.

Scientists explain the boulders as calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago. There are over fifty striking boulders along Koekohe Beach with massive size and spherical shape, some more ovoid-shaped and others slightly elongated. The biggest boulders weigh seven tons and measure over two metres across. Some boulders have tortoise shell type markings, and others are split open revealing hollow and colorful cores.

These boulders are actually concretions that have been exposed through shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs. According to Maori legend, the boulders are the remains of eel baskets, calabashes and kumara, washed ashore from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru, when it was wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand hundreds of years ago.

Besides these enormous boulders, Koekohe beach is also home to some interesting attractions such as: a yellow-eyed penguin sanctuary, a seal colony and Hectors dolphins which can be seen playing in the waves.
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