Top 10 Things to Do in Hampden & Moeraki
Moeraki Boulders, Wildlife, Walks + Easy Day Trips (Otago Coast Guide)
If you’re staying with us at Moeraki Boulders Holiday Park @ Hampden Beach (or planning a trip along the Otago coast), you’re perfectly placed for one of the South Island’s most photogenic coastal stretches.
From the iconic Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach to a historic fishing village, dramatic clifftops, wildlife encounters, and famously good seafood, Moeraki and Hampden offer far more than most people expect.
Whether you’re camping, travelling by motorhome or caravan, photographing landscapes, or simply slowing down, here are the best things to do near Hampden and Moeraki
Quick facts for visiting Hampden & Moeraki
· Best time to see the Moeraki Boulders: low tide (aim for within ~3.5 hours either side)
· Best time for photos: sunrise (soft light, fewer people) and golden hour
· Wildlife spotting: early morning and late afternoon
· What to pack: wind layer, walking shoes, and a camera
· Great base for day trips: Oamaru (~30 minutes north) and Dunedin (~1 hour south)
1) Visit the famous Moeraki Boulders (Koekohe Beach)
No trip is complete without seeing the Moeraki Boulders, one of New Zealand’s most fascinating natural wonders. These huge spherical boulders are scattered along Koekohe Beach, just south of Moeraki Village. Formed millions of years ago, they look almost perfectly round—otherworldly against the shoreline.
Best time to visit the Moeraki Boulders
· Within ~3.5 hours either side of low tide
· Sunrise for the best light and fewer crowds
From our holiday park, you can enjoy a scenic 25-minute walk south along the shoreline (great views the whole way). For easier access especially for families or anyone wanting a shorter walk the boulders are also about a 1.5 km drive south on the main road.
2) Explore Moeraki Village & Harbour (seafood + local character)
Moeraki is a working fishing village with strong ties to both Māori and European history. The harbour area is relaxed and scenic, perfect for a slow wander and a good feed.
Things to do in Moeraki Village:
· Walk the Millennium Walkway
· Join a fishing charter (and eat what you catch)
· Enjoy fresh seafood at the Moeraki Tavern or The Fishwife
This is classic Otago coastal life, unpretentious, beautiful, and memorable.
3) Wildlife spotting around Moeraki (a real highlight)
Moeraki is one of the best places in Otago to see native coastal wildlife in its natural habitat. The rugged coastline, rocky platforms, sandy beaches, and nearby farmland create diverse ecosystems supporting a range of species.
What you might see:
· Yellow-eyed penguins / hoiho (one of the world’s rarest penguins)
· New Zealand fur seals
· Sea lions resting on beaches
· Shags, terns, oystercatchers and other coastal seabirds
Best times: early morning and late afternoon.
Please observe wildlife quietly and from a respectful distance.
4) Photography & scenic views (sunrise, cliffs, storms, and calm)
Moeraki is a dream location for photographers. Between the spherical boulders, cliff-top viewpoints, rugged coastline, and changing light over the Pacific, there’s no shortage of striking compositions.
Top photography spots:
· Moeraki Boulders at sunrise
· Katiki Point Lighthouse views over the ocean
· Coastal cliffs and farmland landscapes
· Stormy seas and dramatic wave action
· Wildlife along rocky shores
Golden hour transforms the landscape, especially during calm winter mornings or colourful summer evenings.
5) Visit the small town of Hampden (big ice creams + beach vibes)
Hampden is the perfect base for beachside camping and for exploring the surrounding attractions.
Grab fish ’n’ chips and a famously giant ice cream from the Hampden Store, then head down to the beach where you’ll find:
· A playground for kids
· Great beach walks
· (If you’re lucky) Hector’s dolphins in the surf
Don’t miss:
· The popular antiques store on the main road
· The Hampden Heritage Trail (historic sites including the old hotel, churches, cemetery, war memorial and more)
· A low-tide beach walk where you may even see the Moeraki Boulders in the distance
6) See the famous Katiki Point Lighthouse (history + wildlife + views)
Just a short drive from the village and a short walk from the public car park, Katiki Point Lighthouse was first lit in 1878, later automated, and is monitored today.
Why it’s a must-do:
· One of the best wildlife viewing spots in the region
· Incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and Otago coastline
· Nearby Katiki Point Historic Reserve—cultural and historical significance, with interpretation panels to read as you walk
Most visitors rate the lighthouse as one of the top highlights of the area.
7) Walk coastal tracks & clifftops (easy wins + bigger adventures)
Moeraki offers several scenic walking options with breathtaking coastal views.
Popular walks:
· Katiki Point Track – about 20 min return, easy walk to the lighthouse with wildlife opportunities
· Moeraki Boulders / Kaihinaki Walk – easy walk to the boulders with dog access (on leash)
· Trotters Cave Walk – easy 20 min track through native forest to river-sculpted caves (glowworms can be seen at night in places)
For experienced walkers, consider:
8) Day trip to Oamaru (Victorian heritage + penguins + Steampunk)
We’re perfectly positioned to explore the wider area, and Oamaru is only about 30 minutes north.
Top things to do in Oamaru:
· Explore the Ōamaru Heritage Precinct (historic Victorian streetscape)
· Visit the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony (evening is best when penguins return ashore)
· Discover Steampunk HQ (quirky, creative, and genuinely unique
9) Day trip to Dunedin (food, culture, and iconic stops)
Dunedin is around 1 hour south and punches above its weight for cafés, galleries, street art, festivals, and coastal scenery.
Ideas for a Dunedin day trip:
· Port Chalmers (heritage harbour village + arts scene + great cafés)
· Larnach Castle (NZ’s only castle, plus gardens)
· Dunedin Street Art Trail (self-guided, about 90 minutes)
10) Relax & unplug by the sea (the best part)
Part of the charm here is the simplicity. This isn’t a high-energy tourist hotspot, it’s a place to breathe in sea air, listen to waves, and enjoy a slower pace.
Perfect for:
· Reading by the water
· Beach days (and nights)
· Watching sunrises and sunsets
· Seafood dinners overlooking the harbour
We offer a genuine Kiwi coastal escape, and we’d love to host your stay.
Book your stay at Moeraki Boulders Holiday Park @Hampden Beach here
FAQ: Moeraki & Hampden travel tips
When is the best time to visit the Moeraki Boulders?
Low tide is best, aim for within a few hours either side of low tide. Sunrise is ideal for softer light and fewer people.
Can you walk from Hampden Beach to the Moeraki Boulders?
Yes, at low tide you can walk along the shoreline. It’s a scenic option with great coastal views.
Where are the best wildlife spotting areas near Moeraki?
Katiki Point and nearby coastal platforms are popular. Go early or late in the day and keep a respectful distance.
Is Moeraki a good stop between Dunedin and Oamaru?
Yes, Moeraki and Hampden are excellent “slow travel” stopovers on the Otago coast, with boulders, wildlife, and easy coastal walks.
What are the best day trips from Hampden?
Oamaru (~30 minutes north) and Dunedin (~1 hour south) are both easy and rewarding.