Moeraki Boulders
Facts and practical information
The Moeraki Boulders are a captivating natural phenomenon located on Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast of New Zealand. These spherical stones have intrigued both tourists and scientists alike, with their nearly perfect shapes and immense size, some measuring up to two meters in diameter.
Formed over 60 million years ago, the boulders consist of sedimentary rock and crystallized minerals. They are believed to have been created by the cementation of Paleocene mudstone, with the larger boulders taking up to 4 million years to grow. The Moeraki Boulders have been exposed through shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs that back the beach.
Visitors to the site can walk among these geological giants, which are scattered across the sand and partially submerged in the sea. The boulders are especially picturesque at sunrise and sunset, making them a popular subject for photographers.
The site is not just a wonder of geology but also holds cultural significance. According to Maori legend, the boulders are the remains of eel baskets, calabashes, and sweet potatoes washed ashore from the wreck of a large voyaging canoe.
Canterbury