New Zealand is along the "Ring of Fire" which makes it quite susceptible to earthquakes. Big ones. On November 4 2016, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake (yes, that's a huge one) took place along multiple fault lines on the South Island. Here, about 83 miles from the epicenter, it caused the land to rise by as much as two meters (six feet) which brought the seafloor to the surface. It exposed an area of seafloor from the Cretaceous-Palaeogene Boundary and you can see from the large spherical boulders that have been shaped by the tides and waves. The beach is at the end of a long unpaved gravel road. There is a parking area and also a camping/caravan spot nearby. Once you park, it's about a mile or so along the beach to the boulders. Look out for sea lions and watch your step in the loose gravel of the beach. [Review 416 of 2024 - 69 in New Zealand - 21449 overall] read more

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