New Zealand’s Moeraki Boulders Are Out of This World

Moeraki boulders of New Zealand
Photo by Daniel Lienert on Unsplash

The natural beauty of New Zealand knows no bounds, and some of its natural wonders will leave you questioning reality. That’s the case with Moeraki Boulders, a stretch of unusual rock formations that look straight out of a fairy tale or a sci-fi movie.

Moeraki Boulders can be found at Koekohe Beach, located on the Otago coast, between Moerkai and Hampden. They’re not one of the easiest tourist locations to access, and it’s best to take the scenic State Highway 1 if you want to see them because they’re worth the trip.

Moeraki Boulders are often referred to as New Zealand’s Dragon Eggs due to their unusual shape and texture. Myths and legends that surround them are one of the reasons why so many people want to visit them. If the local Māori legends are to be believed, these boulders are actually the remains of the wrecking that the great sailing canoe Araiteuru left behind.

The scientific explanation is much simpler. Moeraki Boulders were actually formed by wave action and coastal erosion, and most of them are about two meters high. Their unusual shape and gigantic size transformed them into a popular attraction, and tourists adore taking pictures with the boulders, especially the ones that feature hollow interior.