Driving from Ashburton along the West coast towards Dunedin we left behind the flats of the Canterbury planes and the scenery became more and more spectacular.

Our first stop was the Moeraki Boulders. A bizarre phenomena. Spherical boulders with honeycomb like centre resting on a beach.

Some of these boulders are two meters in diameter, although most of them are partially submerged in the sand. They mostly lay around the tide mark with the water lapping against them forming small pools around their base.

The boulders are a fascinating sight. The smooth outside of each boulder hides a honeycomb like centre, something that is visible in the boulders that have broken apart.

According to the New Zealand Rough Guide:

“The boulders were originally formed around a central core of carbonate of lime crystal that attracted minerals from their surroundings – a process that started 60 million years ago.”

The boulders were once hidden inside the cliffs but as the cliffs eroded the boulders fell out forming a spectacle on the beach. The cliffs were still clinging onto some of the boulders and just parts of them protruded onto the beach. I wondered how many more could be hiding under the earth.

Accompanied by plenty of other tourists attracted y the unusual sight we wandered around the strange phenomenon, taking pictures and marveling at the boulders’ unusual make up.

Our next stop along the way was Shag Point. A secluded cove famous for its penguins, but we were in for a treat.

We walked a short distance through at nature reserve to a wooden hut nestled in the cliff. From here we had a perfect view of the beach. The hut was already in use by some keen nature watchers with their own binoculars. But we were surprised to find binoculars attached to chains for public use.

We stood and watched as three Yellow Eyed Penguins made their way ashore after a hard days fishing.

The cove was fairy small, littered with seaweed and sprinkled with large rocks. One the far side of the beach the cliff gave way to lots of large rocks.

I looked around and spotted one of these rocks moving. It was then I realised that not only were we in the company of penguins but seals as well!

The seals, as nature intended, were incredibly well camouflaged against the rocks. But once I’d seen one it was much easier to spot more. Tens of them were resting on rocks not far from the waters edge.

Soon more eager wildlife watchers entered the hut and we took it as our cue to depart and continue on our way to Dunedin.

Dunedin is the fourth largest city in the world – by area – although most of it is farm land. We found it fairly unremarkable and even more deserted than Ashburton!

* Posted by j150vsc on 10/01/2009.