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Moeraki, Dunedin.
An easy hours drive north of Dunedin, and 25 minutes south of Oamaru, is the charming seaside village of Moeraki. Why buy a holiday home in Moeraki? Simply summed up by Ewen & Amanda... "We bought our bach at Moeraki because it is just such a beautiful place. We fell in love with the place the first time we drove in there."
A slice of history... According to locals, Moeraki has the best natural anchorage on the east coast of the lower South Island and was intended as the main centre in the days of initial settlement. Unstable ground in Millers Bay conspired against all the best efforts and the railway viaduct constructed at great expense in the early 1900s didn't last out the year. Fresh water was also a problem so Moeraki remained a sleepy hollow and a village for rest and relaxation. Famous for... Moeraki is most well known for its boulders, and BIG they are... an essential must do. |
Exploring Moeraki... Ewen says the best thing about coming to their cottage is chilling out in a very picturesque spot. With the boats at anchor in the bay just across the road it is an irresistible view. Ewen enjoys cooking the catch of the day, of which there is plenty, on the gas bbq outside. For those wanting to dine out, the Kerstens recommend the nearby Fleurs Café. This is a favourite place to visit. Or try the Moeraki Tavern looking out over the harbour.
The harbour itself is a very safe area for swimming and kayaking. The more experienced can venture across the bay or around the point. Moeraki is a great place for mountain biking and there are many very good walks including to Kattiki Point past the old weatherboard lighthouse and along the beach both ways. "Young children always spend countless hours just in front of our cottage, exploring and collecting crabs under the rocks".
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Further exploring... The early settlements (now clusters of baches) at Kaiks 1 and 2 just over the hill are well worth a look. Incidentally Keri Hulme wrote most of the Bone People at Kaik 1.
Secret spots! The township of Hampden, 4 km along the road to the north, is a good place to go for fish & chips. We usually take ours down to the beach there. There are a couple of picnic tables and two tennis courts that anyone can use. Trotters Gorge is another good place for a change of scene. Here you will find a big tree encircled reserve. There is a bush walk you can take that follows the river up through the trees to a great swimming hole. Rainy Day ideas? If you do hit a rainy day - The Kerstens have a selection of books in the cottage, boardgames and cards - drag out Trivial Pursuit for a family challenge! Alternatively there is an indoor pool at Oamaru, a 25 minute drive away.
And lastly... don't forget... A visit to the art gallery two doors along the road from the cottage - well worth a visit. Ewen & Amanda welcome you to their holiday cottage and look forward to you too enjoying a special holiday at Moeraki! If you would like to book this bach or find out more, you can view the listing here. |
