MOERAKI BOULDERS

The boulders are large, perfectly round stones, which are on the beach. There are two explanations for this phenomenon. According to Maori mythology, which calls them Te Kai-hinak of hinaki ("baskets") and kai ("food"), they would have come to fail here, following the sinking of the Arai-ti-uru canoe which had crossed the large ocean of Kiwa (Pacific) and the tormented waters of Raukawa (Cook Strait) in search of Te Wai Pounamu (jade). The rock near Shag Point represents canoe; spheres are baskets that contain kumaras (sweet potatoes). According to the scientific, less lyrical version, these rocks would consist of limestone, silica, aluminium and iron peroxide, with a crystal mass that would attract the elements of the soil and would be such a special form. The action of the sea would therefore not be responsible. Only a few boulders are still present on the beach, because they have long been the subject of gifts and «little Memories of New Zealand». Those who are still there owe it to their size! New rocks are still in training, they can be seen emerging from the surface of the cliffs facing the beach.