Top 10 Remarquable Facts about Moeraki Boulders

Moeraki Boulders in Otago Region, South Island of New Zealand. Photo by Krzysztof Golik on Wikimedia

Top 10 Remarquable Facts about Moeraki Boulders

The Moeraki Boulders are unusually large spherical boulders that lie along the stretch of Koekohe beach on the Otago Coast of New Zealand. This area is located between Moeraki and Hampden.

The Moeraki Boulders occur scattered either as isolated or clusters of Boulders within the stretch of the beach. The area where the Moeraki Boulders are located is protected as a scientific reserve.

Some of these boulders are grey with septarian concretions. They have been previously exhumed from the mudstone and bedrock enclosing them and concentrated on the beach by erosion.

The Moeraki Boulders have become a major tourist attraction site as several frequent here to see them. These boulders come in different shapes and sizes.

Some of them have been stolen by visitors who place them at their homes for beautification. This development made the government of New Zealand take the small boulders and reserved them in some museums.

Below are the top 10 Remarquable Facts about Moeraki Boulders;

1. It Took Millions of Years to form the Moeraki Boulders

It has never been proven when the Moeraki Boulders were formed. However, scientists have come up with an estimation of when the boulders might have been formed.

It is believed that it took about four million years for the largest boulders to form up to their current size. The tiny fragments of the Moeraki Boulders are believed to have begun forming about 60 million years ago. This estimation might be debatable among people across the world.

2. The Biggest Boulders are Huge and Measure 7 Tons

Moeraki Boulder on the Koekohe beach. Photo by W. Bulach on Wikimedia

Moeraki Boulders are so magnificent to see and take pictures of. However, the most striking aspect of these boulders is their large size and spherical shape.

Some of them have a distinct bimodal size distribution. One-third of the Moeraki Boulders range in size from about 0.5 to 1.0 metres in diameter.

The other two-thirds of these boulders range from 1.5 to 2.2 metres. Several boulders are spherical or almost spherical.

A small proportion of the boulders are slightly elongated in a parallel way to the bedding plane of the mudstone. The largest Moeraki Boulders weigh approximately 7 tons and measure over 2 metres.

3. The Boulders are Made Up of Various Sea Substances

Moeraki boulders are special in formation, structure and nature. Several scientific studies and analyses using optical mineralogy, X-ray crystallography and electron microprobe have been used to determine what the boulders consist of.

The boulders consist of mud, fine silt and clay which are cemented by calcite. The degree of the cementation varies from the interior to the exterior of the boulders.

Each boulder’s interior is usually weak and quite hard on the outside rim. The outside rim consists of 10 to 20% of calcite as it becomes tighter with silt and clay.

4. A Local Maori Legend Explain the Origin of the Moeraki Boulders

Moeraki Boulders in rainy weather. Natural landmark of New Zealand. Photo by Marek Ślusarczyk on Wikimedia

There are several different stories and legends about the origin of the Moeraki Boulders. A local Maori legend tried to explain the origin of the boulders.

The story stated that the boulders were remains of eel baskets, calabashes and kumara washed ashore from the wreck of a large sailing canoe. This legend went ahead and claimed that the rocky shoals which extend seaward are the hull of that wreck.

The nearby rocky promontory is said to be the body of the canoe’s captain. The reticulated patterning on these boulders is said to be the remains of the canoe’s fishing nets.

5. There are over 50 Boulders on the Beach but not as many as Before

Moeraki boulders lie on the beach in large numbers. However, it is claimed that the current number is not the same as they were before.

It is believed that over fifty boulders are lying on the beaches, slightly fewer than the previous numbers. This is clear from an 1848 sketch by Walter Mantell.

The sketch showed that the beach had more numerous boulders than they currently have. The sketch picture of the previous boulders is kept in the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington.

6. Some Boulders are Claimed to have been taken by Individuals

large numbers on the beach. Photo by W. Bulach on Wikimedia

The smaller boulders on the beaches were not few as they are. In Walter’s sketch, they were plenty and laid closer to the inland.

It is believed that the smaller boulders were ferried to homes by some people. They were put in the backyards and gardens as souvenirs.

7. The Boulders have Legal Protection

Several tourists usually visit the site where the boulders are. They are allowed to take pictures and even have some fun around them.

However, the tourist is not supposed to draw any graffiti, damage or move them. The Moeraki Boulders have been placed under legal protection and anyone found tampering with them might face the law.

8. One Very Large Boulder was Taken for Display at Otago Museum

A Moeraki Boulders. Photo by Bernard Spragg on Wikimedia

Before the Moeraki Boulders were put under legal protection, people could do what they want on the boulders. Some people carried the boulders to their gardens and others took them to national monuments.

Outside the Otago museum in Dunedin is one very large Moeraki museum. It is claimed that the boulders were relocated to this place in the 1800s using a truck.

This large Boulder is located at the old main entrance of the museum on Great King Street. It is 6 feet in height and weighs over 7 tons. There are many smaller boulders on display in the museum.

9. The Boulders are Grey-coloured and have Septarian Concretions

The Moeraki Boulders have one colour in common. They are grey-coloured and don’t have any major differences other than their size differences.

These boulders have septarian concretions which have been removed from the mudstone enclosing them. This removal is believed to be through coastal erosion.

10. The Layout of the Boulders on the Beach is Pretty Magnificent

Moeraki Boulders, New Zealand. Photo by Rowy on Wikimedia

Tourists love visiting the Koekohe beach to have a tour and view the Moeraki Boulders. The various sizes of the Moeraki Boulders can be spotted in various places on the beach.

Some of these boulders occur scattered either isolated or in clusters on the beach. The occurrence of these boulders is magnificent in that one might think that they moved in their current standing point.

This beach might be mistaken for inhabiting dangerous stuff, but a closer approach reveals the beauty of the boulders. The Moeraki Boulders will always paint the perfect image of the Koekohe beach which is attractive.