Koekohe Beach

Located between the towns of Moeraki and Hampden on the Otago coast of New Zealand, Koekohe Beach - also known as Moeraki Boulders Beach - is a one-mile-long beige sand beach with many rocky portions.  The beach is renowned for the Moeraki Boulders, large and spherical stones that weigh several tons and are up to two meters in diameter.  These perfect, spherical-shaped, cracked, honeycomb-like boulders were formed around 60 million years ago by septarian concretions in sea floor sediments.  Many also believe the boulders are the remains of eel baskets, gourds, and kumara from the wreck of the ancestral canoe, Araiteuru.  The beach has a beautiful backdrop of rugged cliffs, dense vegetation, and a beachfront cafe that offers Instagram-worthy views of the South Pacific Ocean.  It is worth noting that these boulders are protected by law, and visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment.

Koekohe Beach, New Zealand, does not have lifeguards or any other amenities except a cafe, so plan your trip accordingly.

Koekohe Beach offers several fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, tide pooling, and strolling.  If you plan to go in the water near the beach, there is a safe swimming area, and the waves are usually calm.  If you enjoy tidepooling, you may spot an array of marine life, making it a fascinating spot for nature enthusiasts.  The beach is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world to see the Moeraki Boulders.  Dogs are not allowed on the beach, and the beach is open from sunrise until sunset.

Koekohe Beach, Waitaki, offers an access path for people with disabilities.

Getting to Koekohe Beach is easy - the beach has a Moeraki Boulders public parking lot located at 7 Moeraki Boulders Road, near Hampden Camping Ground 9482, New Zealand, which provides easy access to the beach.

The beach is a popular spot for photographers to capture this natural wonder, the Moeraki Boulders, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the light is most dramatic.

There are many attractions near Koekohe Beach.  Moeraki Lighthouse is a prominent landmark situated at Katiki Point that serves as a beacon for ships navigating the waters along the rugged Otago coastline.  This 8-meter-high wooden tower provides an interesting glimpse of the maritime history of the region and offers Instagram-worthy views of the Pacific coastline.  In addition, visitors may spot a variety of wildlife near the lighthouse, including New Zealand fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins, and various seabirds.  The Hampden War Memorial is a significant landmark in the town of Hampden that commemorates the local soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives in World War I, World War II, and other conflicts.  It stands as a poignant reminder of their bravery and dedication, offering a unique insight into local history and the impact of global conflicts on their community.  The Waitaki Museum features a wide range of exhibits that showcase the cultural history of the Waitaki district, from early Maori settlement to European colonization.  It also features exhibits on the local geology, unique wildlife, and landscapes of the Waitaki area through guided tours, interactive displays, educational programs, and workshops, making it a great educational experience for visitors of all ages.  

The Trotters Cave Walk is a 700-meter-long easy hiking trail that follows a tributary of Trotters Creek through beautiful native bush, providing an opportunity to see various native plants and birds.  It is one of the most popular walking tracks where visitors can explore impressive limestone formations and caves that offer a glimpse into the geological history of the area.  If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Oamaru is a historic town renowned for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, shops, art galleries, museums, and the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.  The town's charming heritage buildings, many constructed from locally quarried limestone, reflect its prosperous past during the late 19th century.  The town has a grandstand where visitors can also enjoy a unique wildlife experience by observing the world's smallest penguins returning to shore at dusk.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants on Koekohe Beach.  Moeraki Boulders Cafe is a waterfront restaurant positioned right on the beach that serves soups, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.   Moeraki Tavern serves soups, salads, pizzas, barbecued ribs, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  Boulders Bar, Bistro & Cafe - Hampden serves amazing salads, steaks, burgers, seafood, meat, pork, and poultry dishes.  Cucina serves amazing, pre-designed four-course meals.  If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby restaurant, Del Mar Restaurant - Oamaru serves incredible burgers, ribeye steaks, paella, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.

If you are looking for a hotel near Koekohe Beach, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 5-Star Pen-y-bryn Lodge, Oamaru NZ is 26 minutes away by car and offers several amenities, including a billiards room and a fine-dining restaurant.  A more affordable hotel is the waterfront 4-Star Poshtel, which has a few amenities, including a lounge area and an art gallery.  Another moderately priced option is the 4-Star Teschemakers Resort, which has several amenities, including an outdoor seating area and hot tubs.   A more reasonably priced option is the 3-Star Alma Motel, which offers a few amenities, including rooms with kitchenettes and free WiFi.  If you are looking for another good and affordable nearby hotel, the 3-Star The Mill House offers a few amenities, including an outdoor sitting area and free WiFi.