Waitak i D i st rict
written by Margaret Munro / photography by Tourism Waitaki
Oamaru: the hub of Waitaki FROM PENGUINS TO HOT TUBS
The Waitaki District is an area rich in cultural histories.
T
he Waitaki is home to the Waitaki Whitestone aspiring Geopark, the first Geopark in New Zealand. This Geo-wonderland stretches from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean and entices outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse range of landscapes, fascinating rock formations, marine fossils and unique natural attractions. It is an area rich in cultural histories. Oamaru never fails to appeal. Imposing buildings constructed using stone from local limestone quarries grace the town and give Oamaru its distinctive character. The town has the best-preserved collection of historic commercial buildings in New Zealand. The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is the town’s best-loved natural attraction. The Little Blue Penguins adopted the colony (previously a disused quarry) as their home over 20 years ago and are now the town’s cutest resident. A fulltime marine biologist and research scientist, along with passionate staff, ensure Little Blues now thrive at the protected colony, thanks to year-round research, monitoring and rehabilitation work. At dusk, visitors view first-hand a magical and unforgettable experience: watching the penguins come ashore to their nesting boxes in their undisturbed habitat. The region has seen numerous boom and bust times since the mid-1800s, all of which have left their mark in some way in the communities, and in the stories that locals share. Strolling through Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct, visitors can learn about the town’s colonial past. Here, you will find a vibrant
pinot noir, riesling and pinot gris varieties, a perfect match alongside local Whitestone Cheese produced in Oamaru. Award-winning restaurants – including Cucina, Fleurs and Riverstone Kitchen – are great showcases for Waitaki’s incredible Geo-gastronomy, celebrating dishes made with local and fresh produce. Rich soils along the North Otago coast support a large organic market-gardening industry. Following the south coast from Oamaru, the extraordinary Moeraki Boulders are worth an excursion.
TOP FIVE TO-DOS 1. OAMARU BLUE PENGUIN COLONY Every evening, the Little Blue Penguins march their way back to their nests for the night. Take delight in being part of their return home, enjoying a close-up view in their protected habitat. A natural wildlife encounter at its cutest! www.penguins.co.nz 2. OAMARU HARBOUR STREET Stole into an era of the past. This historic precinct is a busy enchanting hub filled with eclectic shops, galleries, cafés, bars and a brewery. The place to discover the odd and curious, a world of Steampunk-inspired attractions, including a Steampunk playground by the sea! www.victorianoamaru.co.nz 3. WAITAKI WHITESTONE ASPIRING GEOPARK Discover the memories our land holds. A journey through the Geopark provides a visual experience of the early landforms that have shaped our lives, honouring the land, place and people from the mountains to the sea. www.whitestonegeopark.nz 4. ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE TRAIL Cycle all or parts of this nine-section bike trail over its 300-kilometre course, with an easy to intermediate grade. The A2O Cycle Trail leaves you with a memorable experience and an opportunity to explore the magnificent Mackenzie and Waitaki regions in a 100 per cent sustainable and carbon neutral way. www.alps2ocean.com 5. OMARAMA HOT TUBS Treat yourself to a wonderfully warm and relaxing timeout in a private tub, in a private setting within a world of wellness carefully crafted for you. You will have the high-country views, birdsong or the evening starlight to ponder. www.hottubsomarama.co.nz
café culture, arts and crafts and locally produced beers and whisky. Nearby, Steampunk HQ offers a re-imagined world – an art collaboration and mix of futuristic thinking with
clever creations in engineering and visual arts. Inland at Kurow, the Waitaki/North Otago wine region is becoming increasingly well-known for its distinctive
Formed on an ancient seabed more than 55 million years ago, the spherical boulders are known by the local Māori as petrified food-baskets washed from an ancient voyaging canoe. The Moeraki Village is home to Fleurs Place, where you can taste the best of southern seafoods served in rustic surrounds. For keen cyclists, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail provides the perfect way to journey through the region in a sustainable way. Acclaimed as “the jewel in the crown of New Zealand’s cycle trails”, this epic 300-kilometre trail follows glacial lakes, braided rivers, farmlands and rolling hills to end at Oamaru’s charming port. From gliding at Omarama or hot-tubbing, a realm of activities are on offer – golfing, fishing, jet boating and camping in the Waitaki Lakes District – all can be enjoyed along the journey, and are perfect for an inspiring family holiday or short break with friends. Discover more at
www.waitakinz.com and www.whitestonegeopark.nz
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