Moeraki there are plenty of things to do. Moeraki is a small settlement with a world class selfie, photo hot spot. Round massive boulders scattered on the beach create an otherworldly effect.
MOERAKI BOULDERS
WHERE ARE MOERAKI BOULDERS LOCATED IN THE SOUTH ISLAND?
Moeraki Boulders are located 38 km from Oamaru creating a great day trip exploring the area. The boulders are close to Shag Point and Palmerston.
PHOTO LOCATION
Instagram favourites, Moeraki Boulders are smooth spherical rocks forming a dramatic backdrop to thousands of photographs.
Visit early in the morning as the well known instagram location can be a tad crowded. However the best time to view numerous boulders is LOW TIDE.
Sunrise as the rising light hits the rocks.
From the nearby Moeraki Boulders Cafe take a short loop track (150 metres) to view the boulders from a height. There are several steps.
Geological oddities and rock formations are the makings of a great day. Embark on Geological trails Oamaru and Waitaki Valley places to visit and where to go – Best Bits, find extraordinary karst landscapes where elephant rocks roam and badlands framing sheep grazing nearby.
The Moeraki Boulders Cafe offers takeaway or sit down meals with stunning views of the boulders and Pacific Ocean and there is a gift shop featuring souvenirs, clothing and jewellery from New Zealand artists and craftspeople.
Visiting Katiki Point Lighthouse and Shag Point is a good option with plenty of photo opportunities.
Visit Shag Point/Matakaea for seals, sea lions, shore birds and unique native plants.
Check out DOC’s handy guide to three short walks (Moeraki area) Moeraki area.
For fishing enthusiasts wharf fishing or charter a boat. The majority of fish caught are blue cod and sea perch. There are a number of fishing charter operators that check reviews before booking.
Line fishing from Moeraki Beach itself is a favourite pastime for locals.
Yes, you can go camping near the enormous Moeraki spherical boulders scattered on the beach. Check out Palmerston for motel options and the Department of Conservation Trotter Gorge Camping ground.
Moeraki is home to Moeraki Village Holiday Park. Moeraki Village Holiday Park offers visitors comfortable standard motel accommodation, powered and non-powered tent sites with dump points for motorhomes. There is a small children’s playground.
KATIKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE
See the historic Katiki Point Lighthouse, which still operates today. Its signal is six seconds on followed by six seconds off. It is operated remotely by Maritime New Zealand and switches on and off automatically using a light sensor.
YELLOW EYED PENGUINS
Katiki Point is a breeding ground for marine wildlife including fur seals and the critically endangered yellow-eyed penguin. A variety of sea and shore birds breed here: little blue penguin/kororā, yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho, sooty shearwater/tītī, diving petrel, red-billed gull/tarapuka, spotted shag/koau pāteketeke, white-fronted tern/tara, and the variable oystercatcher/tōrea pango. When viewing the wildlife, please maintain your distance, do not use flash photography and be respectful at all times. The reserve is closed overnight.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE KIDS IN MOERAKI
- Beach fossicking among stupendously huge circular boulders
- Go seal watching at nearby Shag Point
- Discover river sculpted caves or great views out to sea, as well as see and hear many of New Zealand’s bush birds, on these tracks from Trotters Gorge Campsite … read more Trotters Gorge tracks
WHERE TO TAKE A SELFIE IN MOERAKI, OTAGO?
- Above the Moeraki cafe with sweeping views of the beach boulders, the sunrise and ocean beyond
- Yourself trying to fish from the wharf
- Visit Palmerston and find out whether you have the stamina to run to the top of hill in 20 minutes (Kelly’s Canter world beating record)
MOERAKI FESTIVALS
- Check out nearby Oamaru and get your Victorian vibe going
MOERAKI POPULATION
- 108 permanent residents. In the 1870s, local interests believed it could become the main port for the north Otago area and a railway line, the Moeraki Branch, was built to the settlement and opened in 1877. The port eventually opened in Oamaru and the railway line closed.
WHAT MAKES MOERAKI TICK?
- Visitors, recreational and commercial fishing
JUDGEMENT ON MOERAKI
- Not overrated, amazing although it is recommended you avoid ‘rush hour.’
Every town adds to the richness of things to do and see. For more details about the region check Dunedin & Otago Travel Guide nearby attractions and events.
Explore further Oamaru travel facts, Frequently Asked Questions and find out about lesser known trails inland in the Waitaki district.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
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