The Moeraki boulders, also known as “Kaihinaki” in Maori, are a part of a mysterious geological phenomenon found on a remote beach near the town of Oamaru in New Zealand’s South Island. These unusually large spherical boulders, some reaching 2.2 meters in diameter, have puzzled scientists and fascinated tourists for years.
According to Maori legend, the boulders are believed to be the remains of gourds, calabashes, and sweet potatoes from sailing deities. The legend tells of a large canoe, the Araiteuru, carrying the ancestors of the Ngai Tahu tribe, sinking and leaving these unique formations behind.
While there are various theories about the origin of the boulders, modern science suggests that they are concretions formed over millions of years as mineral cement filled the spaces between sediment particles and hardened. The boulders, composed of mud, silt, and clay, have hollow cores with large cracks radiating outward, adding to their mysterious appearance.
The Moeraki Boulders are a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at their size and shape. Despite their popularity, they are fragile and protected by law to prevent damage or removal. Visitors are encouraged to admire them from a distance and respect the natural environment in which they are found.
Similar spherical boulders can be found in other parts of the world, such as Bowling Ball Beach in California and the stone spheres in Costa Rica. In Northland, New Zealand, the Koutu Boulders on Koutu Beach also offer a fascinating geological formation with mysterious origins, adding to the rich tapestry of natural wonders found throughout the Land of the Long White Cloud.
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