Moeraki Boulders
Tomb Coastal beach with large spherical boulders
Large spherical boulders scattered along Koekohe Beach on New Zealand’s South Island; the Moeraki Boulders are accessible at low tide and popular with photographers and beachwalkers.
The Moeraki Boulders are unusually large spherical and egg-shaped concretions that sit along Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast of New Zealand’s South Island near the village of Moeraki. They are notable geological features formed within Paleocene mudstone and now revealed by coastal erosion.
Clusters of dozens of boulders of varying sizes are scattered along stretches of the beach; many of the largest specimens are about 1.5-2 metres in diameter. The formations are scientifically interpreted as septarian concretions that began forming around 60 million years ago and were later exposed by wave action.
The boulders have cultural significance for local Māori and are a popular photographic subject; visitors come to view and walk among the formations at low tide when most boulders are accessible.
The boulders lie at Koekohe Beach near Moeraki on the Otago coastline, easily reached by road from nearby coastal towns.
- Size and age: Many of the largest boulders reach around 2 metres in diameter, formed as septarian concretions approximately 60 million years ago and exposed by coastal erosion.
- Visiting tip: Best viewing is at low tide when more of the spherical boulders are exposed along Koekohe Beach; take care on slippery rocks and check tide times.
How to Get to Moeraki Boulders #
Moeraki and Koekohe Beach sit on State Highway 1 between Oamaru and Palmerston. From Dunedin it’s about a 90-minute drive north; from Oamaru roughly 40 minutes. There is a small car park close to the main cluster of boulders.
Tips for Visiting Moeraki Boulders #
- Visit at low tide to get close to the largest boulders and photograph reflections in the wet sand
- Arrive early in summer or at sunset in shoulder seasons for the best light and fewer people
- Walk the length of Koekohe Beach toward the Moeraki light for different perspectives; keep to marked paths over the fragile dune vegetation
Best Time to Visit Moeraki Boulders #
Summer for warmth and easy access; spring and autumn for better light and smaller crowds.
Weather & Climate near Moeraki Boulders #
Moeraki Boulders's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 1°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (534 mm/year).
January
January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 29 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 56 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
