Wanderyn
Moeraki Boulders
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · NZ

Moeraki Boulders

Getting around: About an hour's drive north of Dunedin, near the small settlement of Moeraki. There's a paid car park with a short walk down to the beach.
Hours: Accessible during daylight hours; best visited around low tide when more of the boulders are exposed and not surrounded by surf.

The Moeraki Boulders are large, near-perfectly spherical stone boulders scattered along a stretch of beach, formed by mineral concretion over millions of years and gradually exposed as the surrounding cliff erodes. Some reach over 2 metres across, and their unusual, uniform roundness makes them look almost deliberately placed.

Low tide is the best time to visit, both for safety and because more boulders are exposed and walkable around; the site can get busy with tour buses in peak season.

Moeraki Boulders FAQs

When is the best time to see them?

Around low tide, when more boulders are exposed on the sand rather than surrounded by surf — check tide times before visiting.

Is there an entry fee?

There's a fee for the car park/beach access via the main entrance; the boulders can also sometimes be viewed from a nearby free access point, though facilities differ.

How were the boulders formed?

Through a natural mineral concretion process over millions of years, gradually exposed as the surrounding mudstone cliff erodes away.

How long does a visit take?

30-45 minutes is typical.

Can I climb on them?

Yes, many visitors climb and photograph themselves on the boulders, though take care as they can be slippery when wet.

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