This post may contain affiliate links to tours and hotels. These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you. No trip to New Zealand’s south island is complete without a trip to the mysterious Moeraki Boulders, situated on the North Otago coastline. There are lots of theories about how they came to be here (some practical, some magical) but these amazing spherical stones draw tourists from all over the world. There are ‘heaps’ (Kiwi lingo, innit) of these boulders dotted across the beach, each weighing several tonnes and some as tall as 2 metres. The scientific explanation is that they are calcium concretions formed over 60 millions years ago (woooooow!). Maori legend states that the stones are gourds that came from the legendary voyaging canoe Araiteuru, that washed ashore when the vessel was wrecked when it hit rocks hundreds of years ago. Whatever your belief, there is something rather magical about being able to get so close to something so old and mysterious, and freely wander around. We’re not entirely sure what the protocol is but many visitors also touch and climb on the boulders. The setting is also serene, with amazing coastal views – one […]
