What is special about the Moeraki Boulders?
Moeraki is now most famous for its boulders; mysteriously spherical stones scattered across a beach. Each boulder weighs several tonnes and is up to two metres high. Scientists explain the boulders as calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago.
How many Moeraki Boulders are there?
50 boulders
On Moeraki beach you’ll count over 50 boulders of different sizes. There is one boulder missing though and that’s because it’s on display at Otago Museum.
What is the history of the Moeraki Boulders?
They originally formed on the sea floor when the mudstone was accumulating during the early Tertiary period some 60 million years ago. The largest concretions are traversed by cracks, filled by yellow calcite. In some the upper part is worn away; only a shell remains, looking like discarded segments of orange peel.
When were the Moeraki Boulders found?
The Moeraki Boulders, 1997.
What is inside Moeraki Boulders?
Detailed analysis of the fine-grained rock using optical mineralogy, X-ray crystallography, and electron microprobe has determined that the boulders consist of mud, fine silt and clay, cemented by calcite.
Can you see Moeraki Boulders at high tide?
Can you see the moeraki boulders at high tide? The answer is yes. But more than half of them will be completely in the water. Be careful with your camera and be ready to run away from water.
Who owns the Moeraki Boulders?
The Facilities The Moeraki Boulders Cafe, Bar & Gift Shop is a 7 day a week family run business, operated by Scott and Sarah Johnston.
What is inside the Moeraki Boulders?
Do you have to pay to see Moeraki Boulders?
The Moeraki Boulders is one of the natural wonders of New Zealand that’s not only free to visit but a must on any road trip around the South Island.
Are dogs allowed at Moeraki Boulders?
Best viewing of the boulders is at low tide. Dogs on lead allowed.
Do you have to pay to see the Moeraki Boulders?
Where can I walk my dog Oamaru?
Oamaru:
- Berkeley Place Park (access off Meon St)
- Fenwick Park South.
- Awamoa Park East.
- Cape Wanbrow* (see restrictions for grazed areas above)
- Glen Eden Reserve*(see restrictions for access during lambing season above)
- Glen Warren Reserve* (see restrictions for access during lambing season above)
What is the story behind Moeraki Boulders?
When it comes to Moeraki Boulders, a Maori legend says that the boulders are remains of eel and food basket that washed ashore after the legendary canoe Araiteru wrecked off nearby, and these items were later turned into the stone. Moeraki Boulders lie on Koekohe Beach, although the place is often referred to as Moeraki Boulders Beach.
Are Moeraki Boulders protected?
Today, they are protected by laws; however, that wasn’t always the case. The largest of the New Zealand Moeraki Boulders are up to three metres in diameter, weighing several tonnes. Interestingly, the majority are almost perfectly round rocks.
Can you see the Moeraki Boulders at high tide?
At the high tide. Just 20 minutes past the high tide, and we could already see more of the boulders above sea level. We first learned of the Moeraki Boulders legend in 2007. At the time, we were living on the South Island for the winter ski season, and the house we rented had a photo of them on the wall.
Are New Zealand’s Moeraki Boulders really alien eggs?
Conspiracy theorists tell us the Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand are actually alien eggs sent from space or washed up by the ocean. What do you think? Could the image just below be a hatched egg? Could this be a hatched alien egg? Volcanic activity is a plausible explanation.