Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki, Spherical boulders at Koekohe Beach, New Zealand
Moeraki Boulders are round rock spheres at Koekohe Beach in the Otago region, scattered along a stretch of roughly one hundred meters near the waterline. The largest among them reach diameters up to two meters and rest partly free on the sand, partly half in the water.
The formation of these stones began about 60 million years ago through the deposition of sediments on the seafloor. Over long periods, these layers hardened into the spheres visible today, which were later exposed by coastal erosion.
The name Kaihinaki comes from Māori language and refers to the tradition that the stones are remnants of a stranded fleet. Visitors often find small shells and seaweed on the stones, showing how the sea constantly shapes the surface of the rocks.
A short walk from the parking area leads down to the beach and offers easy access to the rocks. The tides determine how close you can get to the stones, so a visit at low tide is especially worthwhile.
Many of the stones show cracks filled with yellow calcite crystal that form a pattern reminiscent of turtle shells. A few specimens are completely broken and reveal their hollow interior, once lined with minerals.
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