Moeraki Boulders Tours and Activities

Moeraki Boulders showing a sandy beach, rugged coastline and a sunset
Moeraki Boulders showing rugged coastline as well as a small group of people
Moeraki Boulders
Moeraki Boulders showing rugged coastline as well as a large group of people
Moeraki Boulders


These ancient, geological oddities have been capturing the imaginations of scientists and the local people for years.

Marvel at the remarkable size and near-perfect, round shape of the Moeraki Boulders and study the beautiful patterns marking the rocks. Walk along a secluded beach and spot fur seals playing offshore.

Find these mysterious spherical boulders scattered across pretty Koekohe Beach. Each boulder weighs several tons and the larger ones have a diameter of up to 3 metres (10 feet).

Maori legend says that these are eel baskets that were washed up here when the voyaging Araiteuru canoe was wrecked on nearby Shag Point. Scientists explain the obscure objects as mudstone concretions that were formed approximately 60 million years ago.

Look closely at the boulders and notice how some appear cracked while others have flowing lines and lighter colours. These features are believed to be a result of weathering and reactions with minerals such as dolomite and quartz.

Not just the setting for these remarkable natural wonders, Koekohe Beach is also a fantastic spot for a coastal stroll and to simply relax on the sand. Lucky walkers may even see dolphins and fur seals splashing in the water not far from the shore.

Follow a refreshing walk with a trip to the waterfront café found on the hill above the boulders. Enjoy a drink as you take in the view and refuel with a sandwich or some freshly cooked fish. Before you leave, head to the gift shop next door to buy souvenirs, clothes and jewellery that has been created by local artisans.

Koekohe Beach is located on the Otago coast, a 30-minute drive south of Oamaru and an hour north of Dunedin. The beach and boulders can be accessed at any time and the café and shop are open daily.

Popular places to visit


Top Moeraki Boulders Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Moeraki Beach Haven - Otago Beachfront Home

Moeraki Beach Haven - Otago Beachfront Home

Moeraki
Moeraki Beach Haven - Otago Beachfront Home
Moeraki village, family sized house  stunning views, 50m to the beach.

Moeraki village, family sized house stunning views, 50m to the beach.

Moeraki
Moeraki village, family sized house stunning views, 50m to the beach.
The Mill House

The Mill House

3 out of 5
2358 Herbert-Hampden Road, Herbert
The Mill House
Coastal Rural Haven with mind blowing Sea Views! 10 minutes South of Moeraki.

Coastal Rural Haven with mind blowing Sea Views! 10 minutes South of Moeraki.

Shag Point
Coastal Rural Haven with mind blowing Sea Views! 10 minutes South of Moeraki.
Forest Hill Farm by Tiny Away

Forest Hill Farm by Tiny Away

Herbert
Forest Hill Farm by Tiny Away
Cosy Dell Tiny House

Cosy Dell Tiny House

Herbert, Otago
Cosy Dell Tiny House
Watch the weather roll in along the coast with sea views from every room.

Watch the weather roll in along the coast with sea views from every room.

Kakanui
Watch the weather roll in along the coast with sea views from every room.
Beautiful ocean view from this lovely holiday home

Beautiful ocean view from this lovely holiday home

Kakanui
Beautiful ocean view from this lovely holiday home
Sea Breeze Apartment - Kakanui

Sea Breeze Apartment - Kakanui

Kakanui
Sea Breeze Apartment - Kakanui
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Moeraki Boulders

At Moeraki Boulders, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including leisurely strolls along the stunning coastline and sightseeing tours that highlight the area's natural beauty. It's an ideal spot for a family holiday, offering opportunities to explore the fascinating boulders and take in the picturesque scenery. Make the most of your time here by immersing yourself in this unique destination that showcases the charm of New Zealand's Otago region.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience near Moeraki Boulders, visit the Whitestone Cheese Factory, located 30.6km away. If you're up for a drive, you'll find a delightful selection of gourmet cheeses perfect for gifts. Enjoy the local flavours and take home a taste of New Zealand!

Recreation

Experience the Lower Waitaki Golf Course, a scenic 43.5km drive from Moeraki Boulders. Enjoy a round of golf amidst stunning outdoor vibes, perfect for relaxation and connecting with nature while soaking in the beautiful Otago landscape.

Adventure

Experience the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, located 29.0km from Moeraki Boulders. This scenic outdoor trail offers breathtaking views and a thrilling ride through diverse landscapes, perfect for cycling enthusiasts seeking adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the laid-back vibe at the Moeraki Boulders Café, where you can enjoy local wines and stunning ocean views. For a lively atmosphere, venture to the nearby Hampden Tavern, offering a selection of craft beers and occasional live music to keep the night entertaining.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Moeraki Boulders

Moeraki Boulders offers a delightful mix of attractions, including its stunning beach, scenic reserves, and the historic lighthouse. Visitors can marvel at the remarkable Moeraki Boulders, explore the charming village of Moeraki, and venture to nearby Oamaru for further cultural experiences. Whether you're seeking relaxation by the beach or an engaging cultural outing, Moeraki Boulders provides a perfect getaway for every traveller.

  • Hampden Beach: Located 4.8km from Moeraki Boulders, Hampden Beach offers a relaxing beach vibe where you can soak up the sun, take leisurely strolls along the shore, and enjoy the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Moeraki Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse, situated 6.4km away, boasts rich cultural significance and stunning coastal views. It's an ideal spot for photography and learning about maritime history.
  • Shag Point Scenic Reserve: About 14.5km from Moeraki Boulders, this scenic reserve is perfect for nature lovers, featuring breathtaking coastal landscapes and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including sea lions and various bird species.

Best time to go to Moeraki Boulders

The best time to visit Moeraki Boulders can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Moeraki Boulders falls in February, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Moeraki Boulders falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June46.0°F (7.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August45.9°F (7.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September47.5°F (8.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Moeraki Boulders

To save on your trip to Moeraki Boulders, consider visiting in May or July to August when accommodation prices drop. Book about a month in advance for the best deals, particularly on Tuesdays, the cheapest day for stays. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter for eco-certified hotels. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also help cut costs. Lastly, explore the beach and boulders for free, making the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Moeraki Boulders are May and July to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Moeraki Boulders about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Moeraki Boulders is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Moeraki Boulders is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from the lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable accommodation right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Moeraki Boulders hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.