Split Apple Rock-A Giant Boulder in Crystal clear water of Tasman bay

Split Apple Rock

A giant stone apple cleaved neatly in half and sits within the beautiful crystal clear waters of Tasman Bay. This strange boulder makes for an unusual beach attraction in the area. Split Apple Rock is a geological rock formation off the northern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The rock is in the shape of an apple which has been cut in half. The cleft to produce two sides of the ‘apple’ was a naturally occurring joint. Joints occur commonly in granite and are planes of weakness. It is a popular tourist attraction in the Tasman Sea approximately 50 meters off the coast between Kaiteriteri and Marahau. The rock sits in shallow water at low tide and is easily accessible. many tourist boats and pleasure craft operate along the shores of the Abel Tasman National Park.

According to Maori mythology, the Rock boulder was split by two feuding gods who were fighting to acquire it. To resolve the issue, they used their huge strength to break it in half. The Māori name for the rock is Tokangawhā, which means “burst open rock.” The boulder is entirely composed of granite and is divided into 2 perfect halves, resembling an apple split right down in the middle, sparking the interest of geologists from all around. It is estimated that the rock is 120 million years old.

How did Split Apple Rock form

The apple rock is Visible from the shores, at times of low tide, it is accessible by wading. Or you could kayak up to it. It is quite a popular tourist attraction, and also a point of interest for visitors to the Abel Tasman National Park. Tasman Bay is a nice area to go kayaking, take long walks, or even go hiking/water sporting and other outdoor activities. scientific theory state that the water seeped into a crevice or joints plain in the rock and then froze during an ice age. After the ice age in a dry environment, joints have expanded and thus splitting the stone. The beach can be accessed by walking down a short track just outside the town of Kaiteriteri; alternatively, kayak tours or water boats will let you see the rock from the sea. The apple rock is made of granite of the cretaceous age and is Around 120-160 millions year old.

The sea caves in Tasman park

The sea caves are the best-visited place in the Apple rocks premises at the time of low tide, there may be little water in parts of the caves but that worked perfectly. The walk is very easy and on a well-marked path that takes visitors through a patch of bushland. The track is mainly downhill or flat on the way, it’s a mix of sloped paths and steps. The first cave is on a staircase down to the beach and it’s a long tunnel that is really spectacular. tunnel opening perfectly framing the stunning beach. The other interesting thing about the tunnel is that it’s home to a lot of glow-worm colonies. Visitors can’t see them during the day but at sunset, they popped back in and saw in the ceiling with a Galaxy feel.

There is a number of other Caves that form by the weathering and erosion of seawater. These are perfectly shaped in natural arches, with some pink and green rocks. The beach itself is absolutely gorgeous and an amazing place to visit with huge boulders and steep cliffs covered in a dense forest in the surrounding area. The water was nice and calm and would make a good place for a dip. The rocks at one end of the beach make for a great spot to relax and sit there for over an hour just soaking up the surrounding scenery.

Also read- Painted Cliffs in Maria Island, Tasmania- A must-see Geotourism destination