Visit this unique geomorphic valley of rocks and rainforest in the upper reaches of the North Island.

Looking out over the Wairere Valley
Northland & Bay of Islands
Overlooking the Wairere Valley, Northland & Bay of Islands

Visiting the Wairere Boulders is like stepping into a prehistoric world. Hundreds of fluted basalt blocks cluster together in a formation that stretches 1.8 km.

Around 2.8 million years ago, a volcano that once stood near Kaikohe poured a layer of basalt rock over the land. This rock was gradually eroded by rainfall, forming the Wairere Valley. As the water washed the soft clay under the basalt away, the layer broke up into huge boulders, up to 30 metres in diameter. 

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