Moeraki.

Moeraki – Information and Trips Library

---

5. 2 February 2022. Combined trampers and hikers. Moeraki. Leaders Valerie Bell & Barbara Shackell, Jay Devlin & Bob Mitchell.

Twenty-eight intrepid beachcombers met together at an overcast Hampden Beach having carpooled up that morning – or camped overnight – and immediately had morning tea.

Low tide was 10.54am which permitted walking along the shore including around the rocky headlands for those who preferred, or joining the Millennium Track before the headlands and enjoying the bush area through into Moeraki Village.

A third option was for those who might have wanted a shorter walk to just go as far as they felt comfortable with, and to meet back at the carpark in time to join everyone for afternoon tea at Vanessa’s on SHI in Hampden village.

Some interesting rock formations were seen along the way and not all of them boulder formation.

It was a beautiful day for the walk, not being too sunny and therefore hot, and not being so cool as to be unpleasant to sit in the playground area for lunch.

At least one leader had assumed that the leading bunch of four women – who took to the headlands as though they were born to it – would continue past the two open eating establishments, past the now closed Fleurs, and up the Millennium Track to the lookout on the Hill above the bay.  That leader was mistaken, as she discovered, with the miscreants arriving back at the playground having eaten their Tavern bought Fish & Chips without taking the trek to the lookout!

After lunch, we straggled out along the beach to return to the cars and enjoy an efficiently produced afternoon tea at Vanessa’s.  Thanks to Dave R for the suggestion.

Depending on the fitbit or app relied on, we walked between 12-14 km.

Leaders: Jay, Bob, Valerie & Barbara

---

4. 2018-08-01. All. Bus trip. Moeraki. Leaders: Adrienne and Bev.

Report Combined Bus Trip – Moeraki 1/8/18

45 outdoor seekers got on the bus at Mosgiel to head to Moeraki for the club’s annual combined bus trip.

We started at the lookout at Moeraki …

… and wandered down the Millennium track with great views of the sea and Moeraki Bay.  The first seal sighting included a baby seal which was eagerly photographed.  A Crested shag was also seen. It was a short wander down to the surrounds of the famous Fleur’s Restaurant.  Here morning tea was partaken …

 

 

 

 

 

… with lovely views of the fishing boats (known for catching blue cod) in the bay. It was a cool start but gradually the cloud cleared and the sun warmed us up.

The track followed the shoreline through trees and shrubs. On one part of the track the big slump in Moeraki was very evident which has affected some roads and properties.

We then walked down onto the beach, the tide being low, and some walkers seeing what seemed like a leopard seal. It was a pleasant walk 2km up the beach to the Moeraki Boulders.  According to Maori legend the boulders represent eel baskets and food that was spilled from the loss of Arai-te-uru, one of the large canoes that came from distant Hawaiki. The Boulders are concretions consisting of mud , fine silt and clay , cemented by calcite. 

After a number of photographs …

… some of the group headed up to Hampden beach. Erosion by the sea was very evident along the low cliffs.

Lunch was had along the beach some near the boulders …

…and others at the picnic tables at Hampden Beach.

The lure of big double icecreams at the store was too much for some.

They were sampled with smiles as we walked back.

We all met up at the Boulders’ carpark around 2pm and then headed down to Shag point.  The drive in was past icon kiwi cribs, some originally belonging to coal miners of the past, to the boat ramp.  We had a wander around the area seeing more lazing seals. There was an old coal mine that used to operate in the cliffs. This was where, years ago, Mollie went to the local school at the age of 5. At that time when the mine was operating the school had a roll of 80.  10 years later when she left the school, it only had 18 students.  The mine closed in the early 70’s and had shafts running underground beneath the sea as well as inland.

It was then back on the bus, with a group of great people for the trip home. Some feeling very relaxed after some good sea air!!

Thanks to President Jill for her superb organisation.

Dave M

---

3. 15/12/1997. Tenth Anniversary Dinner, Moeraki. People pics.

(Click to enlarge)