Hotels near Moeraki Boulders Beach, Hampden, New Zealand (31 results)

Moeraki Boulders Beach, Hampden, New Zealand

Moeraki Boulders Beach (or Koekohe Beach) is located on the southeast coast of New Zealand, near Hampden. This beach is a mysterious place with surreal landscapes, surrounded by legends of the Maori people. 

The Moeraki area has become widely known due to the huge mysterious spherical stones scattered along the coastline. At low tide, spectacular stone boulders appear here, whole and cracked. Their height reaches two meters, and their weight is several tons. Their surface resembles the shell of a huge turtle. The Maori legend has it that these stones are the remains of calabashes and kumaras, which were washed ashore after the crash of the Araiteuru canoe off the coast of Hampden hundreds of years ago. 

In fact, the Moeraki Boulders are calcite concretions, and it took these fantastic sights about 65 million years to form into what you can see here today.

This undoubtedly phenomenal beach attracts many photographers. Despite the impressive length of the windswept beach, it can sometimes get too crowded. And with good reason, because there are many opportunities to see and capture the scenes that you will not see anywhere else in the world!

Next to the beach, there is a café with amazing views and a terrace, and this is a great place to unwind after spending some time on the beach admiring the boulders. In the surroundings of Moeraki, you will find local restaurants that will be highly appreciated by true connoisseurs of fish and seafood. Souvenir shops will delight you with a selection of handicrafts from the craftsmen of New Zealand.

The best time to visit Moeraki Boulders Beach is during the local summer, and the warmest months are December, January, February.