Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki, Spherical boulders at Koekohe Beach, New Zealand
Large round stones measuring up to two meters in diameter line the shores of Koekohe Beach, creating a natural geological display along the coastline point.
The formation process of these massive mudstone spheres began approximately 60 million years ago through sedimentary accumulation and natural lithification processes.
The Ngāi Tahu tribe maintains that these stone formations represent eel baskets and provisions from their ancestral canoe Arai-te-uru that washed ashore.
Visitors can reach the boulders via a designated walking path from the parking area, with optimal viewing opportunities during low tide periods.
Each boulder displays natural fissures filled with yellow calcite crystals, forming geometric patterns across their surfaces that resemble a turtle shell design.
Location: Otago Region
Location: Waitaki District
Elevation above the sea: 0 m
GPS coordinates: -45.34528,170.82606
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:20
This collection presents geological formations created through millions of years of natural processes. From the striped sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon in Arizona to the basaltic columns of the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and the calcium terraces of Pamukkale in Turkey, these sites demonstrate the work of wind, water, tectonic forces and volcanic activity. The collection includes diverse geological phenomena across all continents. The Tsingy de Bemaraha in Madagascar consists of sharp limestone pinnacles, while the Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand are large spherical concretions on the beach. The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia forms the world's largest salt flat, and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam displays thousands of karst islands rising from the sea. Many of these formations are accessible to visitors and offer insights into geological processes. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China inspired landscapes in popular films, while the Grand Prismatic Spring in Wyoming derives its colors from thermophilic bacteria. From the Chocolate Hills in the Philippines to the volcanic Jeju Island in South Korea, this collection documents the diversity of Earth's history.
New Zealand provides photographic subjects ranging from the Southern Alps to sand beaches on both coastlines. The landscape includes thermal springs in Rotorua, glaciers like Franz Josef and Tasman, and fjords in Fiordland. Mount Cook dominates the alpine region while the Coromandel Peninsula holds beaches including Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing traverses volcanic terrain and Mount Taranaki rises above Taranaki. Coastal formations like the Moeraki Boulders, Split Apple Rock and Nugget Point demonstrate geological variety. Natural waterfalls including Purakaunui Falls and Whangarei Falls sit among native forests. Cultural sites complement the natural geography. The Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata displays the film location from the Tolkien adaptation. Larnach Castle near Dunedin represents colonial architecture. Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu demonstrate geothermal activity with geysers and colored pools. Waitomo Caves contains glowworm caverns. Lake Tekapo offers clear night skies for stargazing. Viewpoints like Roy's Peak near Wanaka and Queenstown Hill sit above lake landscapes. Remote regions including Cape Reinga at the northern tip and Cape Palliser in the Wairarapa show different coastal environments. The Forgotten World Highway crosses historic mountain country on the North Island.
Katiki Point Lighthouse
6 km
Totara Estate
24.7 km
AH Maude's Stores
29.2 km
Bank of New Zealand Building
29.2 km
Oamaru Historic Area
29.2 km
National Mortgage and Agency Company Limited
29.2 km
Anderson and Co. Flour and Grain Merchants' Store (Former)
29.2 km
Custom House (Former)
29.1 km
Smith's Grain Store
29.2 km
Exchange Chambers (Former)
29.2 km
Union Offices (Former)
29.2 km
Meek's Grain Store
29.2 km
Bushy Beach
27.5 km
Palmerston Public Library
17.7 km
New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company Warehouse
29.1 km
T.H. Brown and Co.'s Auction Mart
29.2 km
St James' Church and Clark Sunday School Hall
17.4 km
Hampden Presbyterian Church
2.1 km
Clark's Mill Complex
21 km
T. H. Brown's Store
29.1 km
Neill Brothers' Store
29.2 km
Waianakarua River Road Bridge
9.4 km
Townsend's Store
29.2 km
Union Bank of Australia
29.2 km
Oamaru Harbour Breakwater and Macandrew Wharf
29.1 km
Sumpter's Grain Store
29.2 km
Columba Presbyterian Church
29 km
St Mary's Church and Sunday School
17.5 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes