Natural Wonders on the Otago Coastline
The Moeraki Boulders New Zealand are one of the South Island’s most curious and captivating coastal attractions. Scattered along Koekohe Beach near the small village of Moeraki, these massive spherical stones were formed millions of years ago and slowly revealed by erosion of the coastline.
Each boulder is up to two metres wide, some cracked open to reveal beautiful internal patterns. They make for fantastic photography, especially at sunrise or low tide. The beach walk to see them is short and accessible, making it a popular stop for travellers exploring the scenic route between Dunedin and Oamaru.
Wildlife, History and Scenic Coastal Stops
Beyond the boulders, the Moeraki area is known for its wildlife and peaceful pace. Head into the nearby village of Moeraki to enjoy fresh seafood and harbour views, or drive to Katiki Point Lighthouse for a chance to see yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
The area also holds historical significance, with ties to early Māori legends as well as 19th-century fishing heritage. Whether you’re road-tripping the Otago coast or looking for a peaceful detour, Moeraki offers a lovely mix of natural wonder, coastal beauty and small-town charm.
Top Things to Do at Moeraki Boulders New Zealand
There’s more than just rocks to see—here are top things to do in the area:
- Walk along Koekohe Beach to view the Moeraki Boulders
- Take photos at sunrise or low tide for the best light
- Learn about boulder formation at on-site information panels
- Visit the nearby village of Moeraki for local seafood
- Spot yellow-eyed penguins at Katiki Point Lighthouse
- Look for fur seals and seabirds along the cliffs
- Explore the wider Otago coastline by car or campervan
- Enjoy a peaceful coastal picnic with sea views
- Visit local art galleries or craft shops in nearby towns
- Combine with a trip to Oamaru or Dunedin for a day out
These large, spherical boulders have intrigued both scientists and visitors for centuries, and they have also played an important role in Māori mythology and storytelling. The boulders are also an important cultural landmark for the local Māori community, who continue to tell stories and legends about their origin and significance.
According to Māori legend, the Moeraki Boulders are the remains of eel baskets, kumara (sweet potato) and gourds that washed ashore after the legendary canoe Araiteuru was wrecked near Shag Point, about 40 kilometres north of Koekohe Beach.
Araiteuru was a waka (canoe) that carried the ancestors of the Kāti Huirapa people, who are the local iwi (tribe) in the area. The boulders are said to have been filled with valuable treasures, such as greenstone (pounamu), which were lost when the waka was wrecked.
Another Māori story about the Moeraki Boulders is that they were formed from the remains of a large eel that was caught by the god Maui. Maui was a trickster god who was known for his magical deeds and mischievous behaviour. Legend has it that he caught the giant eel using his grandmother's jawbone as a fishhook. When the eel died, its body became the Moeraki Boulders.
The Moeraki Boulders are a unique geological formation that attracts visitors from all over the world. These boulders are unusually large and round, with some measuring up to three metres in diameter. They are composed of a rare form of sedimentary rock called septarian concretions, which formed around 65 million years ago during the Palaeocene epoch.
The process of septarian concretion formation began with the deposition of fine-grained sediments such as mud, silt, and clay on the seabed. Over time, the sediments became compacted and cemented together by minerals such as calcite, forming solid rock.
As the sediments continued to settle, cracks or fissures developed in the rock, allowing water and minerals to seep in and deposit more calcite and other minerals. This process created the distinctive patterns of septarian concretions, which consist of angular cracks radiating out from a central core.
The Moeraki Boulders are particularly unusual because they are much larger and more spherical than most septarian concretions. It is thought that the unique shape of the boulders is due to the erosion of softer, surrounding rock by waves and other natural forces. As the softer rock was worn away, the harder septarian concretions were left behind, forming the distinctive boulder shape.
The Moeraki Boulders are not the only septarian concretions in the world, but they are among the most famous and easily accessible. Their unusual shape and size make them a popular subject for photography, and their geological significance has led to their protection as a scientific reserve.
If you're traveling from Christchurch to Dunedin and plan to visit the Moeraki Boulders on the way, the most direct route is to take State Highway 1 south along the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island. The drive from Christchurch to the Moeraki Boulders is approximately three and a half hours. There are several towns and attractions to visit along the way, including the city of Timaru, and the historic town of Oamaru, with the nearby Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.
For those driving from Aoraki Mount Cook to the Moeraki Boulders, the most direct route is to drive south from Mount Cook Village to Twizel, then continue on to Omarama. Here turn off the main Queenstown highway towards Otematata and Oamaru. Along the way, you can stop at a number of attractions including the Clay Cliffs, Lake Benmore and the Otematata wetlands. The entire journey takes around three hours without stops.
From the Moeraki Boulders, it's approximately a one hour drive to Dunedin.
