Moeraki Boulders
Moeraki Boulders
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The mystical Moeraki Boulders captured at dawn.
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- SD2606Christchurch, New Zealand2,444 contributionsMarvellous MoerakiI last came here when I was 12. I remembered the Boulders to be much bigger and more of them. A child’s memory.  My children were 3 and 5 when we visited and they loved them. They thought that they were big! It was fun trying to pop them up on top of a rock for a photo without getting wet.  There is a nice café there up the hill with incredible views. Great service and nice food and coffee.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 February 2024
- AndyAquilaLyme Regis, United Kingdom650 contributionsCurious and interestingInteresting to see these boulders, although there is nothing tom explain how they arrived there. Do your own research! There is a café shop at one access point, but a slightly longer walk allows free access. Watch for tide times since they are not always easily accessible!Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 March 2024
- owleseyRolleston, New Zealand987 contributionsSlowly disappearingStill glad I came out for a look. Most of the Boulders left are disappearing into the sand. We did not park at the cafe and gift centre, but at the first carpark and it's a short walk along the beach to the builders. There are quite a few steps down if you park at cafe.Visited October 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 October 2024
- Elida FCairns, Australia44 contributionsSun, sea & boulders…nice!It’s always nice to open the car door and smell the ocean! It’s an easy nice short walk from the gift shop to the boulders and you can loop around via a walking track (again, short & easy) How can you not enjoy a walk on the beach with a bonus of the interesting boulders?! Thoroughly enjoyed the experience.Visited November 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 November 2024
- StonefoxUnited Kingdom207 contributionsDisappointingOur visit had some unexpected aspects. Firstly, there was a $2 charge to access the beach due to the privately funded walkway, which is uncommon in New Zealand. The beach itself was crowded with many tourists, making it challenging to view or photograph the boulders without significant waiting time, if any gap at all were to be found. Overall, this part of our trip to New Zealand differed significantly from our previous experiences. This was a disappointing stop and not one we would recommend.Visited February 2025Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 February 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
1,894 reviews
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Happy Travels at Felicity 888
Auckland, New Zealand55 contributions
Jan 2021
The mysterious boulders on Koekohe Beach. We went early in this place just to see how amazing these huge spheres are. Adults need to give a two-dollar coin donation while kids can visit for FREE.
My kids had fun writing on the white sands and hopping from one giant sphere to another.
My kids had fun writing on the white sands and hopping from one giant sphere to another.
Written 2 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
niamhs456
County Cork, Ireland534 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Stopped to see the boulders early friday afternoon around 11
We didnt really plan much for this on tide or timing .it wasnt too busy as we though during a weekday on a cloudy day .
The boulders are just down the beach a little from the cafe ,there is no carpark or entry fee ,just a $2 donation box
Easy to get to the boulders and they are pretty cool we spent awhile between groups talking photos and chilling on the beach despite the wind .
They aren't as big as we thought but worth a nose
We didnt really plan much for this on tide or timing .it wasnt too busy as we though during a weekday on a cloudy day .
The boulders are just down the beach a little from the cafe ,there is no carpark or entry fee ,just a $2 donation box
Easy to get to the boulders and they are pretty cool we spent awhile between groups talking photos and chilling on the beach despite the wind .
They aren't as big as we thought but worth a nose
Written 18 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aussie_2012
Melbourne, Australia961 contributions
Dec 2022
Get here early or late in the day for both the best light plus I would guess the least crowded at these times as well. The boulders themselves are in small clusters and are approximately the size of a large armchair (some bigger). There is a small gift shop and cafe and display explaining about how these peculiar rocks were formed. A donation is requested at an unattended donation box near the entrance to the stairs leading down to the beach.
Written 9 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elessarfan
Mannheim, Germany27 contributions
Nov 2019
I first visited Moeraki in 2008. It was a peaceful place back then and few tourists traveled there. At night one could see blue penguins come ashore easily. I revisited in 2016 and felt sorry for the place. No focus on nature anymore, three big car parks, a cafe and someone actually wants you to pay an entry fee to "their" beach. If it is someone's beach, then it's the Maori's and not some other bloke's! We didn't pay and accessed from the outer car park by foot.
Moeraki Boulders itself are amazing.
Moeraki Boulders itself are amazing.
Written 30 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E Badd
Cotswolds, UK35 contributions
Dec 2019
The boulders are okay, nice little wonder of nature but busy when we visited. Good if you are looking for a small walk to stretch legs while on a journey down the east coast.
Word of warning, there are two car parks to the boulders, the DOC car park and then walk along the beach to the boulders. Then there is an independent company that has set up a gift shop and cafe, as well as some stairs directly to the boulders, however they ask for payment to use the stairs. Unsure how strict they are with the payment.
Word of warning, there are two car parks to the boulders, the DOC car park and then walk along the beach to the boulders. Then there is an independent company that has set up a gift shop and cafe, as well as some stairs directly to the boulders, however they ask for payment to use the stairs. Unsure how strict they are with the payment.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BBB-MLJ
London, UK367 contributions
Jan 2023
The boulders seem to be sinking since my last visit but worth viewing.
Didn't pay the suggested $2 donation to access the beach. The cafe etc possibly maintain the beach access (or maybe the Dept of Conservation does?) but without the boulders there wouldn't be a need for a cafe or tourist shop - use the profit from your slightly overpriced food & drink to maintain the facilities.
Didn't pay the suggested $2 donation to access the beach. The cafe etc possibly maintain the beach access (or maybe the Dept of Conservation does?) but without the boulders there wouldn't be a need for a cafe or tourist shop - use the profit from your slightly overpriced food & drink to maintain the facilities.
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott Marks
Auckland Central, New Zealand341 contributions
May 2020
When you turn off the road, DO NOT then follow the big signs and turn left, as that road will take you to a cafe/souvenir tourist trap that wants you to pay just to use their stairs down to the beach.
INSTEAD drive straight down the road to a public and free access carpark, which is poorly signposted.
It's about an extra 100m walk, but it's flat and easy.
Make sure you go at low tide or there won't be much to see. The boulders also look particularly cool at sunrise or sunset when they cast shadows.
INSTEAD drive straight down the road to a public and free access carpark, which is poorly signposted.
It's about an extra 100m walk, but it's flat and easy.
Make sure you go at low tide or there won't be much to see. The boulders also look particularly cool at sunrise or sunset when they cast shadows.
Written 14 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yepimmer
Auckland, New Zealand47 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
Cool place to stop if you’re passing by ! It would be a great sunrise spot. There is a cute gift shop and cafe if you turn left or if you turn right you can go to the public parking lot and walk down the beach to the boulders without going on the cafe’s private walk way. The beach around there is nice if you want to spend some extra time there.
Written 26 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ezra710
Christchurch, New Zealand1,406 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
The two access paths from the shop are not very wheel chair friendly, being gravel, but you can get to the lookout on the LH path. At the end of each path is a series of steps. The RH path is steeper, but manageable for most levels of fitness. Makes for an easy round trip of about 10 - 15 minutes, plus viewing time.
Definitely worth a stop to view these unusual formations.
$2 access fee is requested per adult (honesty box system so no change given). I got change from the cafe when purchasing a drink.
Definitely worth a stop to view these unusual formations.
$2 access fee is requested per adult (honesty box system so no change given). I got change from the cafe when purchasing a drink.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KiwiKerry53
Wellington, New Zealand5,059 contributions
Jul 2021
Moeraki Boulders is one of those most do's when you're in the area. About 30 years since I visited them, this trip was about 3 of us and covering more remote places and places one or some of us hadn't visited before.
We had an early start from Oamaru, to ensure we got to closer to low tide than high.
It was a stunning morning for a wander down the beach, encountering only 1 other couple as we went. While the country is struggling without tourism is a wonderful time for Kiwis to explore their own back yard without the crowds.
The unplanned highlight for us was we wangled sunrise here as well. It really was a spectacular sight - and no they're not big, they're just awesome.
We had an early start from Oamaru, to ensure we got to closer to low tide than high.
It was a stunning morning for a wander down the beach, encountering only 1 other couple as we went. While the country is struggling without tourism is a wonderful time for Kiwis to explore their own back yard without the crowds.
The unplanned highlight for us was we wangled sunrise here as well. It really was a spectacular sight - and no they're not big, they're just awesome.
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there public transport to Moeraki boulders from Dunedin? Also the cost
Written 11 November 2020
Hi. Atomic Travel operates a bus from Dunedin to Moeraki Boulders x4 times a week. Tickets cost $30-$40 and takes a 1 hour.
Written 12 November 2020
We bring our luggage to Moeraki Boulders and then go to Oamaru. Is there any place for us to keeping our luggage when visiting the rocks?
Written 18 March 2019
Not sure about the buses, but if you can rent a car for the day, that's definitely a good option for this attraction: easy drive, coastal views, be at your own pace.
Written 3 June 2017
Flying from Syd..where would be my 1st stop?
Written 6 October 2016
Depending where you are landing and how much time you have. Christchurch is a must see & do, so is Auckland. Each island has so much to experience. If i lived closer i would go back and just concentrate on 1 island at a time. If you have limited time make sure you get to the TeAnu glow worm caves and Milford sound both spectacular in their own right, on the south island.
Written 6 October 2016
A Tripadvisor member
Hi, I plan to visit Katiki Point Lighthouse to watch yellow-eyed-penguin near Moeraki Boulders.
Do you know what time this area close on Nov?
Thanks.
Written 30 March 2015
A Tripadvisor member
I was already thaugh the answer of this question.
For more info please visit Katiki Point Lighthouse Q&A page.
Thankyou.
Written 9 April 2015
Hi, I would like to visit this place. Do you know if there is any day tour from Dunedin that will go to this place? Thanks.
Written 25 February 2015
Yes there is - there is a 3 to 4 hour tour - check out awesometours website in New Zealand and look at tours, then day-tours. Had to put it like this because Tripadvisor will not allow HTML or website links in answers. Hope that helps. Regards.
Written 26 February 2015
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