ROAD TRIP: A journey through Dunedin

Dunedin to Ōamaru via SH 1 1hr 27min, 112km

SIDE TRIP: Palmerston to Macraes via SH 85

Ōamaru to Ōmarama via SH 1 & SH 83 1hr 29min, 118km

SIDE TRIP: Ōmarama to Lake Ohau via SH 8

Little blue penguin, Ōamaru © Getty Images

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.

Kurow Township © Visit Ōamaru

HIGHLIGHTS

PALMERSTON

About half way between Ōamaru and Dunedin, Palmerston has plenty of natural beauty. Take the scenic walkways up to its mainland mark, Puketapu or Sacred Hill, which offers outstanding panoramic views.

KĀTIKI PT

At the southern point of Moeraki Peninsula,you’ll find the historic Kātiki Pt Lighthouse built in 1878 which stands on Kātiki Pt 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, Shag Pt/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 sometime 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.

Takiroa Māori rock art site © Visit Ōamaru

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 beautiful braided Waitaki River and St Mary’s mountain range, in the Waitaki Valley. Kurow is an important stop on the popular Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail which has revitalised the town – though Kurow has long attracted those who appreciate fine heritage architecture.

HOT TUBS ŌMARAMA

Luxury private hot tubs heated entirely by wood and surrounded by rolling high country. Go on, treat yourself.

SIDE TRIP: Macraes

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.

Macraes Flat gold mine © Oceana Gold Corporation

BY THE SEA IN ŌAMARU

Ōamaru town centre © AATP

Ōamaru is made up of extraordinary heritage, swish restaurants, rare wildlife, views of the Pacific Ocean and dramatic scenery. Yet in spite of its enviable credentials, it’s down-to earth port and town has an endearing, original and quirky personality.

Display at Regalia’s Time Pieces, Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct © Ōamaru Captured

Oamaru has embraced a subculture that is very difficult to put your finger on while at the same time being utterly captivating – Steampunk! This describes retro-futuristic inventions and Ōamaru is renowned for it.

Ōamaru also has some very sophisticated traditions with fine dining options. This classy vibe carries over to its bars, cafés and boutiques, many of which reside in the beloved Victorian Precinct. Another significant attraction in Ōamaru is the resident little blue penguins which you can see from Bushy Beach.

Ōamaru Must-Do's

> Little blue penguins

> Victorian Heritage Precinct

> Bushy Beach

> Steampunk HQ

> Forrester Gallery

> Kakanui

MOERAKI BOULDERS

Moeraki Boulders © Miles Holden/Tourism New Zealand

These strange spherical boulders are 60 million years old and have to be seen to be believed. An easy walk from the café gives you beach access.

MOERAKI TOWN

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 in its natural playground. Stroll along the Millennium Walkway and visit Puke Mataa pā site, rustic wharves and colourful bobbing boats.

ŌAMARU VICTORIAN PRECINCT Some of New Zealand’s most complete Victorian streetscapes are right here in the ‘Harbour & Tyne’ area as it’s known. A recognised national heritage landmark, you’ll feel as though you are in a time warp as the white limestone buildings, vintage-style shops and a steam train chugging by provide authentic flashbacks of the past.

ŌAMARU BLUE PENGUIN COLONY Visit the home of more than 200 of the world’s smallest penguin, the blue penguin; evenings are best, when they’re returning from a day’s fishing.

ŌAMARU PUBLIC GARDENS A riot of colour and fragrance in summer and a place for reflection always, these charming local gardens take pride of place in Chester St.

The Organ Pipes, Mt Cargill © DunedinNZ

CAPE WANBROW A rocky headland overlooking Ōamaru, the mountain biking and walking tracks provide excellent incentive to visit this stunning land populated with native trees and shrubs. On the north side below the cape is a protected area home to the blue penguin colony. Rare yellow-eyed penguins are to the south of the cape.

ORGAN PIPES TRACK A short drive from Dunedin, these hexagonal basalt columns are ample reward for a challenging climb. The path to the organ pipes is 40 minutes return, but it’s an uphill climb at times.

LAKE OHAU TRACK This trail takes you around the lake and serves up stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Part of the national Te Araroa trail; you’ll need to arrange transport for the other end or walk back. Each way 8km, 3hr.

SIDE TRIP: Lake Ohau

FROM ŌMARAMA, 60.3KM 1HR 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.

Snowboarding at Ohau Snow Field © Ohau Snow Field

THE ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is 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.

CLAY CLIFFS

Clay Cliffs © Getty Images

These tall, sand-coloured pinnacles are reminiscent of American hoodoos, albeit paler and originally carved by glaciers. There is a $5 donation fee per vehicle to visit. Between mid-November and February, swathes of vibrant purple lupins add to the magic.

Main Image Moeraki Boulders © Getty Images