Imagine walking along a quiet beach and stumbling upon giant stone spheres scattered across the sand. Welcome to the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach, one of New Zealand’s most fascinating natural wonders. These huge, round rocks look like they’ve been carefully placed by an artist, but they’re all Mother Nature’s work—and they’ve been millions of years in the making.
According to Māori legend, these boulders are remnants of the Araiteuru canoe, a mythical waka that carried their ancestors to Aotearoa (New Zealand). The canoe is said to have wrecked near the shore, spilling its cargo of food baskets — with kumara (sweet potatoes) and calabashes (gourds) — into the sea. The surrounding coastline, with its cliffs and formations, is also tied to the tale, symbolizing other parts of the canoe and its journey. For the Māori, the Moeraki Boulders are sacred links to their ancestral past.
Here’s the scientific version: the Moeraki Boulders are large “concretions” formed through a geological process that began around 60 million years ago. Concretions occur when mineral-rich water seeps into sediments, causing minerals like calcite to precipitate and bind sediment particles together. Over time, this buildup happens around a central core, such as a fossil, forming solid, spherical shapes.
These boulders grew slowly—some at a rate of only a few millimeters per century—within ancient marine mudstone. Eventually, coastal forces lifted the rocks up and eroded away the surrounded matter, gradually exposing these remarkable formations. The intricate cracks you can see, known as septaria, were created by shrinkage during the boulders’ formation and later filled with additional minerals like calcite or quartz, adding to their distinctive appearance.
The Moeraki Boulders are an easy stop on New Zealand’s South Island, located about halfway between Dunedin and Oamaru. It’s just a one-hour drive from Dunedin or 30 minutes from Oamaru, and the route takes you through some postcard-worthy scenery. Once you arrive, you can park near the Moeraki Boulders Café and follow a short trail down to the beach. The path is well-marked and easy to navigate, so no excuses—you can totally make it.
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The first time you see the Moeraki Boulders, your jaw might actually drop. These stones are massive, with some measuring over six feet across, and they’re scattered across the sand in all their spherical glory. Some are partially buried, while others sit proudly above the tide line. They look like they belong in a sci-fi movie, not on a quiet New Zealand beach.
For the best experience, plan your visit around low tide. That’s when you can get up close and personal with the boulders, marvel at the intricate cracks and lines, and, of course, snap plenty of photos. Pro tip: come at sunrise or sunset for a seriously Insta-worthy glow. Feeling adventurous? Pair your visit with a stop at the nearby Moeraki Lighthouse or head to Oamaru to check out its blue penguin colony. Between the boulders, wildlife, and stunning coastal views, you’ll leave with stories to tell and photos your friends won’t believe.
So grab your camera, pack your sense of wonder, and make your way to Koekohe Beach. The Moeraki Boulders aren’t just rocks—they’re a glimpse into New Zealand’s ancient past, wrapped up in one unforgettable beach day.
Have you ever visited the Moeraki Boulders? Tell us all about your experience in the comments below!
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