Moeraki
Moeraki | |
|---|---|
Village | |
View from Moeraki Esplanade Reserve in 2009 | |
Interactive map of Moeraki | |
| Coordinates: 45°21′43″S 170°50′28″E / 45.362°S 170.841°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Otago |
| Territorial authority | Waitaki District |
| Ward | Waihemo Ward |
| Community | Waihemo Community |
| Electorates |
|
| Government | |
| • Territorial authority | Waitaki District Council |
| • Regional council | Otago Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Waitaki | Melanie Tavendale |
| • Waitaki MP | Miles Anderson |
| • Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris |
| Area | |
• Total | 8.53 km2 (3.29 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2025) | |
• Total | 160 |
| • Density | 19/km2 (49/sq mi) |
| Local iwi | Ngāi Tahu |
Moeraki is a small fishing village on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It was once the location of a whaling station. In the 1870s, local interests believed it could become the main port for the north Otago area and a railway line, the Moeraki Branch, was built to the settlement and opened in 1877. However, the port could not compete with Oamaru and the lack of traffic as well as stability problems caused by difficult terrain led to the closure of the railway in 1879 after only two years' operation.
The village is best known for the nearby Moeraki Boulders.