Strange Dinosaur Eggs? Exploring Moeraki Boulders with Kids
If you find yourself in the South Island of New Zealand with kids in tow, a stop at the Moeraki Boulders is a must. These massive, round boulders look like they were straight out of a dinosaur movie – and kids will love exploring them! In the surroundings of the boulders you can easily spot wildlife such as seals and penguins. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
The Moeraki Boulders are a unique geological formation – large, round boulders that are strewn along the coastline. It’s also a popular spot for penguins and sea lions to rest and sun themselves, and we were lucky enough to see both species while we were there.
What are the Moeraki Boulders?
The Moeraki Boulders in the South Island of New Zealand are a fascinating geological phenomenon. They are giant spherical stones, ranging in size from a few inches to several feet wide. The boulders are found on a short stretch of beach in the south east of the South Island just north of the Otago Peninsula, and they have been gradually eroded by wind and waves over the years. Scientists believe that the boulders were originally formed underwater, tens of millions of years ago. As the land rose up, they were slowly exposed to the elements. Today, they are a popular tourist attraction, and a reminder of the power of nature.
The Location
The Moeraki Boulders are located on the Koekohe Beach, about an hour’s drive north of Dunedin on the South Island. The beach is easily accessible from the parking lot and there’s plenty of parking, making it a great option for families with small children. Just make sure you bring a baby carrier if you are traveling with small kids or a baby. Once you’re there, your kids will be fascinated by the giant rocks strewn about the beach. Some of them are as big as 6 feet wide!
Although they look like eggs that have been laid by some prehistoric creature, the Moeraki Boulders are actually concretions that have formed over time from sedimentary rock. They’re estimated to be between 60 and 65 million years old!
Your kids will want to climb all over the rocks, but be careful – they can be slippery when wet. There are also signs posted around the beach asking visitors not to climb on some of the more fragile boulders. But don’t worry, there are plenty of others that are safe to explore.
When you’re done checking out the Moeraki Boulders, take a walk down the beach. You might just spot some real-life dinosaur remains! Koekohe Beach is one of the best places in New Zealand to find fossils. Keep your eyes peeled for bones from moa – a large bird of the ostrich family that was native to New Zealand until it was hunted to extinction by Maori settlers in the 1300s.
If you don’t find the moa remains, there’s still a great chance of catching sight of some current wildlife like seals, penguins or sea lions. If you don’t see them on your visit to Moeraki, ask for the best locations and right times to spot them at the nearby camp site.
There’s something special about seeing wild animals in their natural habitat. And when those animals are as photogenic as penguins and sea lions, it’s even better! That’s why we were thrilled to visit the Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand, where we had the chance to watch these amazing creatures up close. The penguins were particularly fun to watch, waddling around and scratching their bellies with their flippers. And the sea lions were absolutely huge and not scared of people at all! It was an unforgettable experience!
Final words
No trip to the South Island of New Zealand is complete without a visist to the Moeraki Boulders and their surroundings. They simply are a must-see for any family visiting New Zealand. Kids will love exploring these massive rocks, and you might even spot some real-life dinosaur remains! If not, you’ll have to do with the wild seals, sea lions and penguins!
