You simply can't drive along the North Otago coast without stopping to stare at the Moeraki Boulders - they're amazing!
Moeraki is now most famous for its boulders; mysteriously spherical stones scattered across a beach. Each boulder weighs several tonnes and is up to two metres high.Scientists explain the boulders as calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago. According to Maori legend, the boulders are gourds washed ashore from the great voyaging canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand hundreds of years ago.
The boulders are located on Koekohe Beach, between the towns of Moeraki and Hampden. It is an easy (and very scenic) drive on State Highway 1 from the north or south.
Coming from the North - Oamaru to Moeraki
The Boulders are about 40km (approx 30 minutes drive) south of Oamaru – along a stunning scenic road! Just follow State Highway 1 towards Hampden.
Coming from the South - Dunedin to Moeraki
The boulders are an approximately 1 hour drive (75km) north of Dunedin up State Highway 1.
