Boulder Bank – Glenduan, New Zealand - Atlas Obscura
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Boulder Bank

Glenduan, New Zealand

An unusual snaking bank of boulders caused by longshore drift. 

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View from Boulder Bank Drive. mharward (Atlas Obscura User)
Haulashore Island, now separated from the Boulder Bank by The Cut. mharward (Atlas Obscura User)
North end of the Boulder Bank. mharward (Atlas Obscura User)
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The Boulder Bank is an eight-mile (13 kilometers) stretch of boulders in the Nelson Harbour. The geological origins of this unusual natural formation are not well understood, but it was likely caused by longshore drift. Boulders were pulled off nearby headlands and formed the current structure over thousands of years. This unique formation is composed of granodiorite, the same type of rock from Mackay Bluff.

This structure creates a natural harbor, which was later cut to provide access for larger ships entering the region between 1903 to 1905. The section is now known as Haulashore Island.

Boulder Bank is now protected as a scenic reserve and is the nesting site for several bird species.

Know Before You Go

You can visit the Boulder Bank from either  Boulder Bank Drive or from Glenduan.

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Published
April 29, 2021
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