Moeraki Boulders feature in geopark revalidation on 6 November

The Moeraki Boulders (Te Kaihinaki) in Moeraki, New Zealand, feature in the renewal of the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark, announced on 6 November 2026. The decision keeps the region within the UNESCO Global Geoparks programme for another four years and gives visitors a current reason to place the coastal landmark in a wider heritage context.

Geopark revalidation includes the Moeraki Boulders

The Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust announced that the geopark had retained its status after a comprehensive international evaluation. The announcement followed a field mission in August and reviews involving mana whenua, local government, experts, educators, landowners and community partners across Waitaki.

The announcement names the Moeraki Boulders among the geological, natural and cultural heritage celebrated across the geopark. The Trust also says the next four-year period will build on work in conservation, research, infrastructure, education and interpretation. The 6 November revalidation announcement identifies the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust as the issuing body.

Coastal geology gives the renewal a local focus

The boulders stand on Koekohe Beach on the North Otago coast, between Moeraki and Hampden. The custodian information for the site describes them as large spherical concretions formed within mudstone, where calcite cement grew around shell fragments or pebbles before erosion exposed the harder forms.

That geological setting connects the current recognition with what travellers encounter on the beach: a landscape shaped by both deep geological processes and continuing coastal erosion. The geopark guide to Te Kaihinaki also presents the site through Kai Tahu cultural traditions, alongside advice on wildlife protection and coastal hazards.

The renewed status is not a new inscription for the beach alone. It applies to the wider Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark, whose first accreditation came in 2023, while the boulders remain one of the named places through which that regional recognition is explained.

Visiting Moeraki Boulders: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The relevant news date is 6 November 2026, when the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust announced the four-year revalidation covering the wider region that includes the boulders.
• The renewal does not announce a closure or a new entrance. Visitors should follow the signposted coastal approaches and the site guidance on tides, wildlife, cliff erosion and uneven or slippery surfaces.
• The boulders are on Koekohe Beach, south of Hampden on State Highway 1, with signs directing travellers from the road. Moeraki is the nearby coastal reference town.
• The beach walk leads to the formations, while an alternative track from the cafe reaches the beach through private-road access. The latter route begins with several steps and is not suitable for wheelchairs.
• The site guide asks visitors to keep dogs on leads, stay at least 10 metres from New Zealand sea lions and avoid approaching yellow-eyed penguins.
• New Zealand uses English alongside Maori and other official languages, and the national currency is the New Zealand dollar.

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Frequently asked questions about Moeraki Boulders

When was the geopark revalidation announced for Moeraki Boulders?

The Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust announced the renewed status on 6 November 2026. The recognition covers the wider geopark, including the boulders.

What is Moeraki Boulders?

It is a coastal group of large spherical concretions on Koekohe Beach, formed within mudstone and exposed by erosion.

Where is Moeraki Boulders and how do you get there?

The site is on Koekohe Beach in North Otago, south of Hampden on State Highway 1, with signposted approaches from the road.