ROAD TRIP - Dunedin to Ōmarama

A journey through Dunedin

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

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

SIDE TRIP - Palmerston to Macraes via SH 85 28min, 34.1km

SIDE TRIP - Ōmarama to Lake Ohau via SH 8 1hr, 60.3km

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.

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. 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 Point/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.

Māori rock art, Duntroon

© Visit Ōamaru

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 River and St Mary’s mountain range, Kurow is a popular stop on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. Those who appreciate fine heritage architecture will love this town.

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 ofthis much-loved camping and fishing site.

CLAY CLIFFS Rising spectacularly from behind Ahuriri River, these enormous pinnacles and ridges are as impressive as they are large. A 25-minute drive from Ōmarama.

WHITESTONE CHEESE GUIDED TOURS In Ōamaru, experience cheese making, all the way from make to taste. For the more indulgent foodie, upgrade your tour to include cheese and wine matching.

Ōmarama Clay Cliffs

© Miles Holden

ŌAMARU - BY THE SEA

Ōamaru has embraced a subculture that is very difficult to put your finger on while at the same time being utterly captivating – Steampunk! Steampunk HQ pays homage to this futuristic subgenre and is an experience like no other.

Steampunk HQ, Ōamaru

© AATP

> Forrester Gallery

> Little Blue Penguins

> Victorian Heritage Precinct

> Whitestone City

> Bushy Beach

> Ōamaru Public Gardens

Ōamaru penguin sign

© Adobe Stock

The 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.

Little blue penguins / kororā, Ōamaru

© Tourism Waitaki

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.

MOERAKI BOULDERS A series of huge spherical stones, some of which reach two metres high, have assembled on the beach like a giant set of marbles. An easy walk from the café that has beach access.

Moeraki Boulders

© Adobe Stock

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.

THE ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL 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.

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, Aoraki Mt Cook

© Rachel Gillespie

SIDE TRIP - MACRAES

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. Stanley’s 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 Goldmine truck

© OceanaGold Corporation