6 minute read
Road Trip - Journey through Dunedin
Dunedin to Ōamaru via SH 1 1hr 27min, 112km
SIDE TRIP : Palmerston to Macraes via SH 85 28min, 34.1km
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Ōamaru to Ōmarama via SH 1 & SH 83 1hr 29min, 118km
SIDE TRIP : Ōmarama to Lake Ohau via SH 8 1hr, 60.3km
Little blue penguin, Ōamaru © Tourism Waitaki
Depart Dunedin and make your way to Ōamaru which is 112km north on SH 1.
Your imagination will go wild over this creative, original town. And when you’ve had all the culture and wildlife action you can handle,head for Ōmarama via SH 83, venturing through the Waitaki Valley. This much smaller but no less winsome spot is refreshing, interesting and popular for its aviation – gliding in particular. Ōmarama has stolen the heart of many a traveller who has fallen head over heels with its wide blue skies.
It may look like a short trip with only a few hours’drive on the road from Dunedin to Ōmarama,but this route is far from being a whistle-stop tour. There is much to stop for along the way.
© AA Traveller 2021
HIGHLIGHTS
PALMERSTON About half way between Ōamaru and Dunedin, Palmerston has plenty of natural beauty. Take the scenic walkways up to its main landmark, Puketapu or Sacred Hill, which offers outstanding panoramic views.
KĀTIKI POINT At the southern point of Moeraki Peninsula,you’ll find the historic Kātiki Point Lighthouse built in 1878 which stands on Kātiki Point Historic Reserve – the old Te Raka-a-hineatua Pā, a culturally important site. As the most significant breeding site for yellow-eyed penguins, you can also view these charming birds in their natural habitat.
SHAG POINT From early Ngāi Tahu settlement to historic coal mining, ShagPoint/Matakaea Reserve is an area with a rich history and diverse marine life. Its curious geological coastline provides an excellent opportunity to see the seals swimming and basking in the sun.
TAKIROA ROCK ART In Waitaki Valley is a remarkable site featuring Māori rock art.The charcoal and red ochre drawings, made some time between 1400-1900, are quite a mystery. There are two sites accessible by a footpath.
KARITĀNE A township 40km north of Dunedin, this lovely seaside village has a great beach for swimming.
WAIKOUAITI This town, close to the coast and to the mouth of the Waikouaiti River, was intended to be Otago’s main settlement because it was a busy whaling town. Today it is a beachy agricultural resort that’s well known for its historical farm buildings. It’s a great place to enjoy water sports, particularly surf casting, and is a safe swimming spot.
LAKE AVIEMORE Also known as Mahi Tikumu, this man-made lake is popular with boating and fishing enthusiasts. Stop here on your way into Ōmarama.
KUROW Nestled between the braided Waitaki Riverand St Mary’s mountain range, Kurow is a popular stop on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. The town has long attracted those who appreciate fine heritage architecture.
ŌMARAMA Take your seat at the country’s only merino sheep shearing show at The Wrinkly Rams; sink into an outdoor hot tub at Ōmarama Hot Tubs and drive 10 minutes south to Sailor’s Cutting to make the most of this much loved camping and fishing site.
Hot Tubs Ōmarama in winter © Cindy Mottelet
SIDE TRIP : MACRAES
Macraes Flat gold mine © OceanaGold Corporation
MACRAES, WAITAKI The name Macraes pays homage to John McRae who lived in the area from circa 1859 to 1864 while he was employed as a shepherd.
This historic gold-mining town is worth the detour. Learn the ins and outs of a bona fide gold-mining operation and explore the old Gold Point Stamp Battery, which highlights the incredible contrast between past and present gold-mining practices.
The Macraes viewing platform and information hut is a great teacher and allows you to look out over the Frasers Open Pit, the large open cast mine. Stanleys Hotel, an historic asset to the town, will welcome you with open arms when you’re ready to kick your feet back and enjoy some good ol’ Kiwi hospitality.
WAIKOUAITI This town, close to the coast and to the mouth of the Waikouaiti River, was intended to be Otago’s main settlement because it was a busy whaling town. Today it is a beachy agricultural resort that’s well known for its historical farm buildings. It’s a great place to enjoy water sports, particularly surf casting, and is a safe swimming spot. LAKE AVIEMORE Also known as Mahi Tikumu, this man-made lake is popular with boating and fishing enthusiasts. Stop here on your way into Ōmarama. KUROW Nestled between the braided Waitaki Riverand St Mary’s mountain range, Kurow is a popular stop on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. The town has long attracted those who appreciate fine heritage architecture.
SIDE TRIP - LAKE OHAU
FROM ŌMARAMA, 60.3KM1HR Only an hour from Ōmarama, Lake Ohau has no need for ostentatious bells and whistles because its authentic self is enough to charm even the most seasoned and spoilt traveller. It is beautiful.
A GLACIAL LAKE in the Mackenzie Basin, fed by the Hopkins and Dobson rivers, this remote holiday hideaway is the gateway to some spectacular sports including skiing. If you want to take things down a notch, you’ll revel in the slow pace of life.
Cycling Alps 2 Ocean © Rebecca Ryan
THE ALPS 2 OCEAN Currently New Zealand’s longest cycling trail, discover the staggeringly diverse landscape in one, ultimate trip.Travel from the Alps to the ocean over six days or conquer one or two sections over one day or a long weekend.
ŌAMARU
Penguins sign, Ōamaru © Adobe Stock
he handsome historic buildings of Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct boast shapely façades and grant access to traditional bookbinders, woodworkers and crafters. Beautiful buildings include the Forrester Gallery, National Bank and courthouse, all built from locally quarried limestone. Don’t miss Whitestone City which is kitted out like an old colonial town, complete with penny-farthing carousel.
Little blue penguins are the world’s smallest penguins, congregating in Ōamaru every night after a full day of fishing. Come dusk, observe them in their natural habitat as they waddle up the beach at Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony.
Clay Cliffs, Ōmarama © Getty Images
Ōamaru Highlights
> Little blue penguins
> Victorian Heritage Precinct
> Bushy Beach
> Steampunk HQ
> Forrester Gallery
> Kakanui
MOERAKI TOWN
Moeraki Boulders © Adobe Stock
Moeraki is a small but generous fishing town where fresh seafood is in abundance. You can stop here for a long, leisurely lunch on your way from Dunedin to Ōamaru and enjoy the catch of the day before whiling away the hours.
Main Image Above : Moeraki Boulders © Getty Images
