Moeraki Village
Translation 'Sleepy Sky'
  
Just across a small, picturesque bay from the Coastal Sanctuary stands the charming fishing village of Moeraki. Translated it means "sleepy sky" or "a place to sleep by day", a perfect description of this quaint and restful little village. Access is a 20 minute stroll along the beach and Millenium Walkway.
A popular place of rest for Maori, early Europeans also soon latched on to Moeraki's charms and it became an early Pakeha settlement in the 1830s, its sheltered, north facing bay an ideal spot for a whaling station. Today the town maintains the peaceful village atmosphere it has enjoyed for nearly 170 years.
  
The semi-circular bay is a haven for a colourful array of fishing boats which keep local people plied with an abundant array of the freshest possible seafood. Some of that superb seafood finds its way onto the tables of Fleur's Place, one of the region's best café/restaurants, which has a wonderful reputation for its naturally good food, great coffee, and outlook over Moeraki Bay.
Enjoy watching the boats come and go, along with seals, penguins and the occasional dolphins.
The village itself is built on a peninsula and there are plenty of roads and tracks up nearby hills to some stunning look out points with panoramic views up and down the coast.
There is also a local tavern, camping ground, store and up-market gift shop.
A short drive from the village stand Moeraki Lighthouse where there is a bird sanctuary, as well as observation hides where you can go and watch yellow-eyed penguins coming ashore in the evening.
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