Moeraki Boulders, New Zealand

Mysterious Moeraki Boulders occupy the leading position among the unique natural attractions of New Zealand. They’re situated near the village of the same name, at the picturesque sandy Koekohe Beach. When you see the huge rock formations of ideal spherical shape for the first time, it's difficult to assume that they are creations of entirely natural forces.

Strolling along the coast of 300 meters long you can find hundreds of perfectly round boulders. Their diameter varies and can range from 0.5 to 2.2 meters; stones also differ with their appearance. Surface of some of them is perfectly smooth, while the others are covered with very beautiful patterns strongly resembling of the turtle shell. Modern scientists have used all available technical stuff to explore these mysterious formations.

The result of research was quite expected; the stones represent a mixture of silt, sand and clay cemented by calcite. If the composition of the rock formations mayn't be called outstanding, their ideal shape is still a mystery. Fossilized dinosaur eggs, parts of alien ships and crashes of the mythical Arai-te-uru canoe are just a few versions that are used by people trying to explain this amazing natural phenomenon. A considerable part of scholars tend to think that boulders have begun to form on the ocean floor 60 million years ago and appeared on its surface after the gradual retreat of water. If you believe this version, than take into account that the formation of a single stone took about 5.5 million years. Next - Giants Causeway