Lots to love in Otago & Southland

THINGS LIKE TO ROLL IN OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND, FROM THE FAMED CHEESE ROLLS TO THE WAY THE LOCALS PRONOUNCE THEIR ‘RS’ – ALL THE WAY TO THE DRAMATIC ROLLING VIEWS.

From the food on your plate to the scenery in your viewfinder, everything about this region is deliciously diverse.

Culinary prowess spans from the famous cheese roll, which requires nothing more than slathering a slice of bread with grated cheese, rolling into a tube and grilling – all the way to the prestigious Bluff oyster, frequently hailed as the best in the world and so revered there’s a festival celebrating its brilliance every May. That’s Otago and Southland for you – don’t come to expect the expected in this neck of the woods, diversity is the order of the day. The fact that the locals often refer to their cheese rolls as ‘Southland Sushi’ might just indicate the quality of humour on offer.

Discover fabled landscapes and charming townships. Eras come and go with the same frequency as the tides; Dunedin boasting some of the best examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the southern hemisphere; Ranfurly with its art deco aesthetics and Ōamaru, where you’re just as likely to see a penny-farthing as you are a Ford pick-up truck.

There is one consistency however. The laid-back lifestyle and warm southern hospitality never waivers.

7 UNIQUE THINGS ABOUT ŌAMARU

THIS QUIRKY SEASIDE TOWN ON THE PACIFIC OCEAN IS PLEASANTLY OFFBEAT.

1. STEAMPUNK mixes historical elements with steam-powered machinery and modern ideas, and in Ōamaru it’s huge. The town has its own Victorian Steampunk museum known as Steampunk HQ. In here you’re encouraged to touch everything and it’s very, very cool.

2. THE WORLD’S SMALLEST PENGUINS Little blue penguins return home every day at dusk. Watch their nightly arrival as they waddle up the beach at Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony. Visitors are able to observe the penguins in their natural (and delightful) environment.

3. THE VICTORIAN PRECINCT With New Zealand’s most comprehensive collection of Victorian buildings, discover this bustling street from a different era. Fully operational with shops, galleries and locals dressed in 19th century attire.

4. WHITESTONE CITY Where history lessons jump straight out of the textbook and into real life. Kitted out like an old colonial town, interactive experiences include dressing up in Victorian clothing and riding a penny-farthing carousel.

5. ALPS 2 OCEAN FINISH LINE Pedal the last kilometre of the 306km Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail which ends at Ōamaru Harbour.

6. JANET FRAME HOUSE Step inside the preserved childhood home of New Zealand writer Janet Frame famed for her autobiography and subsequent film, An Angel at my Table.

7. WHISKY AND CHEESE Whitestone Cheese is both famous and award-winning, so the factory tour is a must-do. Drop into the New Zealand Whisky Collection Cellar Door next to the sea for a wee dram.

Beach near Ōamaru © Getty Images

DISCOVER WILD WAITAKI DISTRICT

WAITAKI IS A GATHERING OF GEOLOGICAL CURIOSITIES STEEPED IN FOLKLORE AND HAUNTING NATURAL BEAUTY.

The elements that make the lower South Island one of the most memorable destinations for travellers are all here in the Waitaki District – mountains, sparkling turquoise lakes and rivers, lush rolling farmland, unusual geological formations and native wildlife encounters.

Ōmarama

is Māori for ‘place of light’ and this small agricultural town is wellregarded for its merino wool, sheep shearing and pilotguided gliding experiences.

Lake Ohau

Near to Omarama is the serene Lake Ohau with its tranquil deep lake, while the surrounding Ohau Snow Fields are popular for high-country skiing and snowboarding.

Ōtematata

Ōtematata’s small population balloons in summer, when temperatures soar to 30ºC. Fishing, cycling and golf are all plentiful, too. You simply can’t miss Waitaki Valley. A top destination for pinot noir, it’s also home to an interesting piece of Māori artwork. Admire the historic drawings of Takiroa Māori Rock Art sheltered under a limestone bluff on SH 83.

Waikouaiti

Once intended to be Otago’s main settlement, this coastal township actually morphed into a popular beach resort, with some of the best swimming spots and water sports (in particular surf casting) in the area. Neighbouring Karitāne has an equally dazzling beach.

Moeraki

Moeraki is home to the Moeraki Boulders that front an all-star line-up with a series of huge spherical stones that reach heights of two metres and assemble on the beach like giant marbles rolled in from the sea.

Moeraki Boulders © Getty Images

Elephant Rocks

One hour north of Moeraki, Elephant Rocks have been sculpted by centuries of wind and rain. Look closely and you’ll spot the shapes of dogs, elephants and even Winnie the Pooh.

Elephant Rocks © Getty Images

Clay Cliffs

From Elephant Rocks you can also tick-off Clay Cliffs. Rising spectacularly from behind Ahuriri River, these enormous stone columns are just like hoodoos, albeit paler than the rocks in Utah, USA.

Ōmarama Hot Tubs

At day’s end, descend on Ōmarama Hot Tubs. These wood-fired tubs are filled with fresh mountain water with front-row seats to mountainside.

MAIN IMAGES: Port Chalmers, Dunedin © Getty Images