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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -45.34701, 170.82610. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 300 m one way
- Walking time
- 10 mins
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Moeraki area
- Dog access
- Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Take a walk to Te Kaihinaki (Moeraki Boulders) – geological marvels exposed by the erosion of surrounding mudstone laid down around 60 million years ago.
This DOC directory entry covers Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki Walk in Otago, within Moeraki area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 300 m one way
- Walking time: 10 mins
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Stroll along the beach from Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki Scenic Reserve carpark and picnic area.
Alternatively, take the track directly to the beach from the cafe at the end of a private road. Or take a short loop track (150 metres) from the cafe to view the boulders from above. These tracks are suitable for pushchairs but not wheelchairs, as they start with several steps.
For more information see: Waitaki Whitestone Geopark
Getting there
Moeraki Boulders are signposted on SH1 3 km south of Hampden.
Know before you go
This section of coastline is exposed. Beware of tide changes and rogue waves.
There are no public toilets at the Waiwherowhero Creek car park. The closest public toilets are in the Moeraki township to the south and on SH1 at Hampden to the north,
Tsunami risk
This track is susceptible to tsunami. If a siren sounds or a tsunami alert is received move to higher ground and stay away from the coast until the risk or alert period is over.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
