Walk among near-perfect stone spheres on Koekohe Beach with a self-guided audio tour that mixes Māori legend, geology and practical tips. Plan for low tide, sturdy footwear and 45–60 minutes to explore and photograph the Moeraki Boulders.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The wind off the Pacific sculpts sand into ripples and the beach opens into a field of enormous stone spheres—some cracked like broken eggs, others still perfectly rounded. You arrive at Koekohe Beach with an audio guide in your pocket, the narrator’s voice timing history and instructions to the rhythm of the surf.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45–60 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short, flat beach walking and minimal scrambling over rocks.
Wildlife
History
Māori tradition links the boulders to the wreck of the ancestral canoe Arai-te-Uru; geologically they are septarian concretions formed in Paleocene mudstones.
Conservation
The foredune and intertidal areas are sensitive—stay on marked paths, don’t remove stones, and follow signage to minimize erosion and habitat disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Moeraki Boulders Self Guided Audio Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Time it for low tide
Visit around low tide to see the full boulders and to safely access exposed rock platforms; consult local tide tables before you go.
Wear grippy shoes
Sandy stretches are easy but algae-covered rocks can be slippery—choose footwear with good traction.
Respect the stones
Do not remove or pry at the concretions; many are fragile and protected—observe and photograph only.
Bring a charged phone
The audio guide streams to your device and your phone also serves as map, tide lookup and camera.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on sand and slippery, algae-coated rocks.
Windproof/waterproof jacket
Coastal weather changes quickly—protects against chilling winds and spray.
winter
Phone with audio-ready app
Streams the self-guided narration and serves as camera and tide-check tool.
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)
Useful during summer visits when sun reflects strongly off sand and water.
summer