Moeraki Activities
Things to do in Moeraki:
- Moeraki is a great place for fishing, boating, walking and observing wildlife, including penguins and seal colonies.
- View penguins and seals up close along with the historic lighthouse at the Katiki Point Historic Reserve (approx. 10 minutes drive).
- Enjoy relaxation at Moeraki Tavern near the boat harbour, with great food and a wonderful selection of wine and beer.
- Book a place at world-renowned restaurant Fleur's Place, for lunch or that "Special Dining Experience".
- Breakfast or lunch at the popular Vanessa's Café in nearby Hampden (3 minutes drive).
- Charter a fishing boat to catch blue cod or other local fish.
- Enjoy the popular Moeraki Boulders beach walk and take a rest at the Boulders Café.
About the yellow-eyed penguin
The yellow-eyed penguins are the rarest in the world and are threatened with extinction. Their Maori name is hoiho, meaning noisy and they have a life span of 18-20 years. The best time to view the penguins is during the two hours before sunset, as the birds return to the shore after a days fishing.
In the 1980s a team of volunteers planted trees and created habitat at Katiki Point in an effort to help save these special birds. In 1991 the first eggs were laid and now there is a thriving colony of around 30 nests, monitored and cared for by members of the Katiki Point Penguin Charitable Trust. Members of the trust rehabilitate sick and/or injured penguins. While most patients are yellow-eyed penguins, in the last seven years, nine different species of penguins have been saved by volunteers.
On the southernmost tip of the Moeraki Peninsula is the Katiki Point Historic Reserve. Access is via Lighthouse Road, a metal road from Tenby Street in the Moeraki Village. The reserve is 4km from Moeraki village. The reserve is home to a New Zealand fur seal colony, numerous sea birds, including little blue penguins and a yellow-eyed penguin colony.
To conserve all of these valuable features, all visitors are asked to stay on the tracks, 5m away from all wildlife and not to use the flash on their cameras.
All wild animals carry parasites and it is not safe to approach them. Avoid loud noises and following penguins as they make their way across the grass. Stay out of all fenced-off areas.
To protect both visitors and residents at Katiki Point, the reserve is closed during the hours of darkness (when the lighthouse is operating). The island is cut off during high tide.
Katiki Point has a rich history, beginning with the establishment of a Maori village and pa. Traces of the historical terraces and food pits remain.
In 1878, the lighthouse was completed and has continued to operate until the present day; its signal is six seconds on followed by six seconds off. It is operated remotely by Maritime New Zealand and switches on and off automatically using a light sensor.
Local Interests Nearby
- Moeraki Boulders and beach
- Lighthouse and yellow-eyed penguins
- Blue penguin colonies (Oamaru and Moeraki)
- World-renowned restaurant, Fleur's Place
- Fishing charter trips
- Visit Shag Point
- Macraes Flat gold mine tours
- Dunedin's historic buildings
- Otago Peninsula's wildlife and albatross
- Otago Central Rail Trail
- Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail