If you’re road tripping around New Zealand’s South Island, chances are you’ll pass by a small coastal village called Moeraki on the east coast. Just a short detour off State Highway 1 lies Koekohe Beach, home to the mysterious and popular Moeraki Boulders. These enormous, perfectly round stones look like giant marbles scattered along the sand, and it’s one of those places where you can’t help but feel a little awestruck and wonder how they even ended up there.
Where Are the Moeraki Boulders?
You’ll find the boulders on Koekohe Beach / Moeraki Beach, on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s on the coast about halfway between Dunedin and Oamaru. If you’re driving between the two, you’ve got the choice of an inland route or the scenic coastal route. This is just one of the sights to stop at as you drive along the coastal route, on SH1 and definitely worth taking the extra time for the drive.
What Are the Moeraki Boulders?
There’s a technical explanation as to what the boulders are: mud, clay, and calcite cemented together over millions of years. They were slowly revealed as the coastline eroded away over the years to be the Moeraki Boulders we see on the beach these days. But in New Zealand, the science is only half the story. According to Māori legend, the boulders are the remains of gourds and food baskets washed ashore from the wreck of the great voyaging canoe, Araiteuru.
Things to Do at Moeraki Beach
Wander the beach and see the boulders
Let’s be honest, this is the reason most of us visit Moeraki Beach, to see the famous Moeraki boulders! At low tide, you can stroll right up to the boulders, touch their smooth surfaces, and even peek inside the ones that have cracked open. Bring a camera—this is one of the most photogenic beaches in New Zealand.
Photography heaven
Sunrise and sunset are especially magical times to visit. The soft golden light makes the boulders glow, and if the tide is just right, you’ll get stunning reflections in the wet sand. As the beach is on the east coast of the South Island, you’ll be able to see the sun rise over the water so it’s the perfect photography spot at that time!
Enjoy a Scenic Pit Stop
After wandering among the boulders, pop into the café perched just above the beach. From its elevated spot you’ll be able to soak up the sweeping coastal views while you sip a flat white or tuck into some food. Keep an eye on the waves, you might spot seals or even dolphins passing by as you relax with something tasty! If it’s a hot day, the deck outside is the perfect choice.
Say Hi To The Llamas
Next to the car park for Moeraki Beach is an enclosure home to llamas, rabbits and sometimes even a deer. You can buy food from the gift shop to feed them, or just say hi through the fence. It’s a fun added perk to visiting, and great for little ones if you’re travelling with your family. Or if you’re a mid 30s traveller like me who enjoys random animals!
Why wouldn’t there be llamas at a beach? Not something I was expecting, but a pleasant surprise for sure!
Peruse the Gift Shop
The small gift shop next to the cafe is the perfect spot to grab any souvenirs of your visit to Moeraki Boulders, along with any New Zealand memorabilia that you can find in many of the tourist gift shops across the country.
Explore Moeraki village
Just a few minutes’ drive away is the charming fishing village of Moeraki. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy coastal views, stroll the jetty, and tuck into some seriously fresh seafood. If you’re enjoying a slow travel tour of the South Island or want to stay in a quiet spot then Moeraki is a great choice.
How to Get There
The Moeraki Boulders sit on Koekohe Beach, also known as Moeraki Beach, just off State Highway 1 on New Zealand’s South Island.
- From Dunedin: It’s about a 75 km (1 hour) drive north.
- From Oamaru: Around 40 km (30 minutes) south.
- From Christchurch: Roughly 3.5 hours south by car, making it a good pit stop if you’re heading down the coast.
There’s a car park and café right by the main access path to the beach. There are a number of steps down to the beach, but if you can climb a couple of flights of stairs you’ll manage just fine.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you’re looking for Moeraki accommodation and want to stay local rather than just making a quick stop, there are a few options:
- Moeraki village: Offers cozy B&Bs and holiday homes, perfect for a quiet seaside retreat.
- Hampden: A small community just a few minutes from the boulders, with a few additional provisions than Moeraki village
- Oamaru: A larger town with more accommodation choices, from budget motels to boutique hotels. It also has the bonus of the Victorian Precinct and a colony of little blue penguins.
- Dunedin: A vibrant university city with plenty of accommodation, dining, and cultural attractions. Dunedin is ideal if you want a mix of nature and city life, or if you’re road tripping and want to spend a few days in a city exploring.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The boulders are best viewed at low tide as that’s when most of them are visible and they’re easily accessible on foot. If you arrive at high tide, many of the boulders will be partially submerged in the sea. If you’re hoping to get some stunning shots of the Moeraki boulders, aim for sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and the crowds are thinner.
Season wise, the boulders are a year-round attraction, but bear in mind that the coastal weather here can be unpredictable. Summer brings warmer days and longer evenings, while winter mornings often deliver dramatic skies and moody waves.
I visited the boulders in the afternoon during late Autumn and it was a glorious day with no need for a jumper and only 4 other people on the beach with me. New Zealand weather is very hard to plan for!
The Moeraki Boulders aren’t just a quick roadside attraction, they’re a reminder of how incredible nature can be. Whether you come for the science, the stories, or simply the scenery, standing among these massive stone spheres is an experience that lingers long after you’ve brushed the sand from your shoes.
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