On Our Doorstep / Exploring Ōamaru and Waitaki
Stretching from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, discover the Waitaki, a region overflowing with natural beauty, rich in culture and heritage and brimming with activities for all types of explorers.
THE WAITAKI IS HOME TO THE WAITAKI WHITESTONE
Aspiring Global Geopark, the first Geopark in New Zealand. It offers the perfect place for a summer holiday break with your loved ones. From fascinating outdoors and unique natural attractions to delicious geo-gastronomy and interesting stories from our past, the Waitaki has all the ingredients to make your stay unforgettable.
The largest town in the Waitaki, Ōamaru, never fails to appeal. Imposing buildings of stone from local limestone quarries grace the town, showcasing its distinctive character. The town has the best-preserved collection of historic commercial buildings in New Zealand and Ōamaru stone has been used in many of New Zealand’s significant buildings including the Custom House in Wellington and the town halls in both Auckland and Dunedin.
The region has seen numerous boom and bust times since the mid-1800s, all which have left their mark on the communities and the stories locals share.
Strolling through Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct, visitors can learn about the town’s colonial past. Here, you will find a vibrant café culture, arts and crafts and locally produced beers and wines. Nearby, Steampunk HQ offers a reimagined world – an art collaboration and mix of futuristic thinking with clever creations in engineering and visual arts.
The Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony is the town’s bestloved natural attraction. The little blue penguins adopted the colony as their home over 20 years ago and are now the town’s cutest residents. At dusk, visitors can live a magical and unforgettable experience, watching the penguins come ashore to their nesting boxes undisturbed.
The heritage site of Totara Estate showcases stories of those who forged their lives as early settlers. This historic farm was the birthplace of New Zealand’s billion-dollar frozen meat industry.
The Waitaki/North Otago wine region in Kurow is well known for its distinctive Pinot Noir, Riesling and Pinot Gris wines, a perfect match alongside the celebrated and locally produced Whitestone Cheese. Award-winning restaurants showcase the region’s geo-gastronomy – Cucina and Riverstone Kitchen, Ōamaru, or Fleurs at Moeraki – using only the best of local and fresh produce.
The extraordinary geosite of Moeraki Boulders is also a must-see. Formed on an ancient seabed more than 55 million years ago, local Māori legends assert the spherical boulders as petrified food baskets washed from an ancient voyaging canoe.
For keen cyclists and walkers, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail provides the perfect way to discover the region. Acclaimed as ‘the jewel in the crown of New Zealand’s cycle trails’, this epic 300 km trail follows glacial lakes, braided
The extraordinary geosite of Moeraki Boulders is a must-see. Local Māori legends assert the spherical boulders as petrified food baskets washed from an ancient voyaging canoe.
rivers, farmlands and rolling hills to end at Ōamaru’s charming port. Hot Tubs at Ōmarama, golfing, fishing and jet boating can all be enjoyed along the way – perfect for an inspiring family holiday or short break with friends.
Discover the highlights of this beautiful region via the numerous touring routes available. Whether you take your car, your bike or your walking shoes, explore the Waitaki, your way.