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This surprising geological find on Felix and Rita’s farm near Horeke is very close to the cycle trail and well worth a visit. It is drawing tourists from around the world. The stunning rock formations lay hidden until a Swiss couple stumbled across it, thanks to their goat.
Felix and Rita Schaad bought the overgrown land in 1983 not knowing it had a hidden secret. It was four years after they had moved into their remote valley farm when the couple stumbled over the ancient treasure trove while out catching wild goats with their dog. Approaching the goat, Rita says they found rocks piled on each other looking like a river of stones.There are thousands of boulders stacked on top of each other, some around 30m high. They look like a stream of rocks and boulders flowing down towards the Hokianga Harbour.After discovering their humble home was hiding a geological piece of paradise, it was always their intention to show it off to the world. Their dream was only realised six years ago when the determined couple began building pathways by hand through their jungle oasis.It took 3 million years for nature to create the Wairere Boulders, the only known severely eroded Basalts in the world. Geologists call it a ‘geological nightmare’. The valley features easy walks and tracks that lead you over, between or under the boulders. Walking times are between 40 minutes and 2 hours.
No card facilities; cash or cheque only.