Whitecliffs Boulders

Like Otago's coastal Moeraki Boulders, the Whitecliffs Boulders are magically confounding. The “cannonball concretions” are made from mudstone and lie littered in their dozens on the forest floor like an abandoned game of giant marbles. The way is well signposted and it's 2km from the car park to the boulders themselves. A reasonable level of fitness is needed for the walk back up. Energetic visitors can also see the boulders as part of a self-guided 8.5km hike over farmland, with fantastic views of the Rangitīkei River.

While visitors are welcome to visit unguided, the Robbs, who own Whitecliffs Farm, can offer 4WD access by arrangement. The family has been on the farm for five generations and opened the boulders to the public in the early 1990s. At that time, they put the 2ha of bush surrounding the boulders into a QE2 Trust, and the family reports both bush and birdlife have regenerated dramatically since. Note that access is closed during lambing (August to October). Entry for a self-guided walk is by donation — $5 per person is recommended (children under 12 are free); $10 for the longer hike. Peka Road, Mangaweka. (06) 382 5877, whitecliffsboulders.co.nz