Split Apple Rock: New Zealand’s Most Curious Rock Formation
Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand is home to one of the most curious rock formations in the world. Geologists are endlessly fascinated by Split Apple Rock, a large granite boulder that appears to be perfectly split down the middle. Scientists are puzzled by the formation of this distinctive cleaved boulder. The most plausible theory currently suggests that a crack in the boulder filled with water, which then froze during the last ice age.
The Maori name for Split Apple Rock is Tokangawha, which translates to ‘burst open rock.’ According to Maori legend, two gods fought over the possession of this round boulder. Since the gods could not settle their dispute, they decided to split the boulder in half so that each of them could have a slice of the stately rock.
Nestled in the azure waters of Tasman Bay, Split Apple Rock is located near the picturesque town of Kaiteriteri. During low tide, visitors can wade through shallow water to reach the small cluster of boulders where Split Apple Rock is situated. During high tide, several local companies offer kayak and boat tours that allow travelers to view Split Apple Rock up-close.
Abel Tasman National Park boasts a stunning crescent-shaped beach with pristine white sand. Visitors can stroll along the beach and view pristine streams that flow into the ocean, the remnants of an ancient Maori fort, and wildlife such as blue penguins and fur seals.
Close to the park, the Kimi Ora Eco Resort provides European-style chalet lodging, spa treatments that employ healing mud masks, and a vegetarian restaurant serving dishes made from locally sourced greens and seaweed. The proprietors of Kimi Ora Eco Resort work diligently to conserve water, recycle, and donate money to a conservation group that strives to keep Tasman Bay’s ecosystem healthy.
Split Apple Rock, a captivating rock formation surrounded by pristine azure waters, is sure to intrigue both the inner scientist and storyteller in you with its unique allure. Abel Tasman National Park offers gorgeous scenery, plenty of nearby amenities, and numerous vantage points to view Split Apple Rock. A Kaiteriteri based company even offers helicopter tours for those seeking an aerial view of one of New Zealand’s most scenic beaches. A bird’s-eye view of Split Apple Rock is truly magnificent.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Split Apple Rock, Tasman Bay, New Zealand
- Coordinates
- -41.0183173, 173.0202219
- Access
- Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock sits just offshore. It can be viewed by boat or kayak; local access guidance describes a short walk to the beach and wading out at low tide. Do not assume safe access across the water: tides, swell and weather matter. Wilsons currently lists guided kayak trips from Kaiteriteri; their trip schedule is separate from public access.
- Admission
- The Department of Conservation says there is no fee for day access to Abel Tasman National Park or its Coast Track. Boat, water-taxi and guided kayak services charge separately; this is not an admission ticket to the rock.
- Time needed
- No standard on-site viewing time is published. A local track listing estimates 10–30 minutes for the short beach-access walk; Wilsons lists about 1.5 hours of paddling for its guided Split Apple kayak outing. The latter is the activity duration, not time spent at the rock.
- Best season
- No official best visitor season is published for the rock. Wilsons lists its guided kayak departures year-round, subject to trip availability, weather and sea conditions. Check tides and local conditions before attempting the beach or a wade.
- Opening hours
- No staffed-site opening hours are published for this natural feature. Access is outdoors and tide/weather dependent. Wilsons’ 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. guided-kayak departures are tour times, not opening hours for the rock.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-08
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-27
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