There and Back Again: A Study Abroad Tale: Penguins, Boulders, and Seals

Hello all! It's been a while! University has proven to be a pretty busy time (so much reading to do!) but I finally got to go on another adventure! This past Saturday I was able to go on my first ISA excursion.

First stop of this excursion was the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. These are quite a site to see. You walk along the beach and there by the tide are a bunch of boulders scattered in the sand. How the boulders got there is a bit of a geological mystery. Scientists believe that the boulders are calcite concretions that were formed about 65 millions years ago. The Maori have a legend where they believe that the boulders are gourds that were washed onto the beach from the great canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon landing in New Zealand hundreds of years ago. Its up to you whichever you would like to believe!

Each boulder weighs several tons and is up to two meters high (very difficult to climb on with my short legs).

The first view of the boulders when walking onto the beach

A close up. They look like turtle shells!

Conquering the Moeraki Boulders

A broken boulder

Not only did we get to see these natural wonders, but there were also stunning views of the ocean from Koekohe Beach.

After playing and exploring among the boulders, its was off to the town of Oamaru. Oamaru is the largest town in North Otago, and during the 19th century it was an important port town. Its buildings are made of Omaru stone. This town is also home to a steampunk museum and an adult playground that, from personal experience, is so much fun.

Some of the beautiful old buildings made of Omaru stone

The delicious lunch I had while in town

Next on the docket was a trip over to the elephant rocks along the fossil trail. The elephant rocks are a bunch of weathered limestone rocks that vary from 1-10 meters in size. This location was used as a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. This is where Aslan set up his camp when working to battle against the witch. Also among these rocks is a fossil of a baleen whale.

Some of the Elephant Rocks

Look out White Witch!

Some cool formations in the rock

The baleen whale fossil

After exploring the lands of Narnia, it was up to Katiki Point to go see the seals and penguins! Katiki Point is home to a wildlife reserve where the yellow-eyed penguins and fur seals are free to inhabit the beach without human interference. The Katiki Point lighthouse keeper's house is used as a rehabilitation center for sick and injured penguins and other sea birds.