Wednesday 28 November 2012

Penguin Sightseeing Again in Oamaru and Visiting Moeraki Boulders on the Road Trip to Dunedin (Day 4)


Penguins sightseeing at Bushey Beach Road

Both of me and my friend Yen, wanted to sightsee more penguins in a group. So, we decided to drive to the beach again from the hostel early in the morning. It’s about dawn when we reached the beach and I was amazed by the beautiful background at there.





This time we tried to hide far from the penguins so that they won't be surprised by us and run from us. We knew that they’re so shy. Initially, we just saw 2 Yellow-eyed Penguins.



Then we waited and waited. Yes! Finally we saw the cute penguins marching one by one as if in a queue heading to the sea. We were very excited indeed to watch them, they worth our waiting. However, we’re unable to take pictures of them from the faraway distance but it’s easier to take photos of penguins while they’re isolated from a group.


The mission of penguins viewing was over, so we left Oamaru and moved ahead our itinerary to the next destination, Moeraki Boulders.


Set on the Otago coast, Moeraki Boulders is one of the popular attractions in South Island that many travellers will pay a visit. Suggested by Yen, we also took about 35 minute drive and 40 km to visit the tourism site departing from Oamaru. In fact, Moeraki Boulders is within a short distance for those who drive from Dunedin or Cromwell too. To find out the distance, driving time as well as how to get there, simply check at http://www.moerakiboulders.com/getting-there/

You'll see the Moeraki Cafe, Bar and Gift Shop when you reach there. The exact location of the shop is at 7 Moeraki Boulders Rd, RD2, Palmeston, East Otago 9482. The cafe offers a great range of food. You may also visit the shop for some beautiful souvenirs, clothings and jewelry.


The Moeraki Boulders are lying along Koekohe Beach between Moeraki and Hampden. According to Wikipedia, the boulders are grey-colored septarian concretions comprise mud, clay fine silt and cemented by calcite; they created from the mudstone with the effect of coastal erosion. When you arrived at the beach, you'll see the most eye-catching large sphere-shaped boulders with a portion of smaller and non-spherical stones. Amazing!



Moraeki Boulders set along the beach

The bolders are sphere-shaped & large in size

This extraordinary bolder with deep hole & cracks always get attention from visitors
A smaller and non-spherical stone