After seeing so many pictures of the Moeraki Boulders I knew I had to witness them myself. I was driving from Ranfurly to Mt. Cook and thanks to the Kakanui Mountains I had to go towards the coast. The Moeraki Boulders are located just North of the small fish town of Moeraki. I am so glad I made a quick detour to see these magnificent boulders.
Pro Tip: Most of us are guilty for walking right past these signs but I encourage you to read as many of these as you can! It makes the places I visit even more special after learning about the history, science or legends behind these beautiful landmarks! Here are some pictures of the mind boggling Moeraki Boulders.
It’s so hard to explain this place. You see pictures and you’re just like whhhaaat? And you have the same reaction when you see it in person. Of course there are giant perfectly spherical boulders on a beach in New Zealand, this country never stops surprising me. I learned a lot from the sign but also met a geologist on the beach and he taught more about these boulders! 
I think it is super interesting so I’m going to share some of what he taught me. The Moeraki Boulders started to form 55 million years ago when mud, pebbles, and shells were deposited on the sea floor. These were gradually buried and lime was deposited slowly and evenly around the pebbles to form a hard cemented spherical boulder. 
While still buried some of these spheres split and were filled with walls of yellow crystals of lime. 
The Moeraki Boulders are the product of erosion, as the region was uplifted the sea eroded nearby cliffs of mudstone and freed the boulders to create these land marks!
But as for everything in New Zealand there is a scientific explanation and a legend. And for the type of person I am-I love hearing about the legends! 
The legend states there was a canoe journey across the great Pacific Ocean, the journey was so long the canoe became waterlogged and everything was lost and washed upon the Moeraki Beach. The survivors transformed into the surrounding hillsides and the large boulders are said to be the gourds and small boulders, the kumara.
Pro Tip: Try the kumara in New Zealand. It is similar to a sweet potato. It is one of my favorite veggies, so much wonderful flavor-it takes sweet potato to the next level!
This beach gets busy on the weekends so keep that in mind. If you are camping in the area check it out for sunrise and sunset!
Do you believe in the science or legend of the Moeraki Boulders?! Have you visited before? What’d you think? Comment below!
For other tips and posts about New Zealand click HERE!
