Page 10 — Otago Southland Tourist Times, February 2020
OAMARU & WAITAKI DISTRICT Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct
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To Mt Cook Lake 80 Pukaki
To Christchurch
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Ohau Lake Ohau
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Timaru
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Lake Benmore
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Oamaru, meaning ‘place of Maru’ in Maori, is the largest town in the Waitaki district in North Otago. European settlement began in 1853 and by 1860 the town was growing rich serving the pastoralists and gold miners. By the mid 1880’s the town centre had and an impressive array of buildings made from the locally-quarried limestone, many of these buildings remain today and are worth stopping in and viewing if you are in the area, they contain a mixture of shops, galleries and food & drink outlets. Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve is also a top spot to visit, with some stunning vistas from the viewing platforms, and if your lucky you may see some NZ Fur Seals/Kekeno on the rocks below or the Yellow Eyed Penguin (before 9am or after 3pm).
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As you explore Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct, you’ll be surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most complete and beautiful Victorian Streetscapes. Originally the commercial and business district of Oamaru, the buildings in the Precinct were predominantly grain and seed warehouses throughout the late 19th century. The charitable trust, Whitestone Civic Trust, was later established with the aim of preserving the Oamaru Victorian Precinct and it now owns 16 of the Victorian buildings. These beautiful limestone buildings house a mixture of galleries, shops, traditional crafts, food & drink outlets.
OAMARU
Lake Aviemore Waimate Lake Waitaki Hakataramea 82 Lindis Pass Kurow Glenavy To Wanaka, Cromwell W a itaki River Duntroon & Queenstown 83 Ngapara Danseys Pass
83 Otematata
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Naseby
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Ranfurly
To Alexandra
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Oamaru
Maheno 85 Herbert To Dunedin
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Kakanui Waianakarua
OAMARU FARMERS MARKET Meet the growers, farmers and producers of the best seasonal produce our region has to offer. You’ll be sure to find a fantastic selection of fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, plants, baking, preserves, eggs and more. WHEN: Every Sunday from 9:30am - 1;00pm WHERE: corner Wansbeck St and Tyne St,Oamaru NEW ZEALAND
DUNTROON MOERAKI Once used as a whaling station by early Europeans, there is plenty to see and do in this tranquil little fishing village. Fresh fish straight off the boat, or sample at one of the local cafes and restaurants. Charters are also available if you want to catch your own, and while out you may see lots of other wildlife in the area, Hectors Dolphins, seals or maybe even orca. The Moeraki Boulders are just a 5 minute drive from the village, and they will not disappoint, these impressive spherical boulders are definitely the highlight in the area. Katiki Point Lighthouse built in 1878 is also a highlight and worth a visit, it is also a haven for wildlife such as the endangered Yellow-eyed Penguin, Little Penguins and also fur seals. Accommodation is limited so make sure you book ahead to avoid missing out. MOERAKI BOULDERS These spherical boulders are scattered on Koekohe Beach on the Otago coast. A popular tourist attraction, these boulders started forming in ancient sea floor sediments around 60 million years ago with the largest boulder having taken approximately 4 million years to get their current size. They are concretions that have been exposed through shoreline erosion from coastal cliffs. Some of the boulders are over 2 metres wide and weigh several tonnes, one third of the boulders range in size from .5 to 1 metre in diameter and the other two thirds are from 1.5 to 2.2 metres, most a spherical but a small proportion are elongated .
A 30 minute drive inland from Oamaru is the town of Duntroon, small on size but big on character. There may not seem much at first glance but this town is big on cultural, historical and geological history. Some of the unique features the town has restored and maintained is the old goal and Nicol’s Blacksmith, which on certain days has a working blacksmith on site. The local Vanished World Heritage Centre showcases the geology of the Waitaki region, preserving fossils and extinct species that have been found in the area. You can also see some of the amazing geological formations and sites along the Vanished World Trail, this self-guided trail spans from MoerakiOamaru and inland through the Waitaki Valley. With over 20 sites relating to landforms, distinctive rocks, minerals and fossils. Most are sign-posted and have explanatory panels, brochures are also available at the Waitaki District i-Sites and other Waitaki Retailers.
Totara Estate
Takiroa Rock Art Shelter, these drawings have been here between 1400-1900, nobody knows the who first put the charcoal and ochre on these walls, but the presence of Moa and extinct Quail bones suggest it started early. Listed as number 5 on the History of New Zealand in 100 Places List, we think this historical site is worth a visit. Another site in the area worth a look also is the Maerewhenua Maori Rock Painting.
Experience a taste of living history when you visit Totara Estate, the birthplace of the frozen meat industry in New Zealand. Self Guided or guided tours available. Sheep to feed and stories to hear. Try a little colonial deliciousness in the original Cookhouse Café. Our friendly staff are on hand to welcome you every day from 10.00am to 4.00pm from September to May. Admission Fees Apply.
Earthquakes – This geological site is a popular visiting spot for many
8 Kms South of Oamaru - State Highway1 www.totaraestate.co.nz totara estate Ph 03 433 1269
travelers, approximately 10km from Duntroon this valley is remarkable for its huge limestone land formations, originally thought to have been caused by a devastating earthquake. However it was not to be and in fact was caused by a land slump thousands, perhaps millions of years ago. You can find this location at the North end of Duntroon on Earthquake Road.
Elephant Rocks
The Elephant Rocks are only a short picturesque drive from Oamaru and about 5 kms south of Duntroon, they are a collection of large weathered limestone rocks, not necessarily shaped like elephants but very unique in their own way. They vary in size from approximately 1-10 metres across and are naturally scattered over a grassy paddock. They are on privately owned land and sheep may be present, but access is allowed via a paddock directly opposite the parking bay. The location was also used in the first Chronicles of Narnia film in 2005.
CLARKS MILL LIVE OPERATING DAYS
See, hear and feel this historic flour mill come back to life!
Phone: 03 436 0876 Mobile: 027 501 6534 westernhouse.kurow@gmail.com
5469 State Highway 83, Kurow 9494
Built in 1861, Western House, formerly known as Western Hotel, was built to provide a place of rest for weary travelers travelling up the Waitaki River towards Kurow in North Otago. It is one of the first accommodation houses. It has architectural significance as a gold rush era accommodation house & social significance as a relic of the coaching days when these houses were vital stops on long coaching routes between the distant communities. While staying at Western House Bed & Breakfast you get to experience a taste of the local fare, with fresh eggs and produce, and afterwards take a stroll around the property which also has its very own water wheel. It is a great location to stay as it is very central to the region, with Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail right on the doorstep. Fishing, boating and camping are very popular in the area, which has a warm temperate climate for much of the year.
Explore the evolution of marine animals at our Geology & Fossil Centre and see famous marine fossils like Waipatia, the sharked tooth dolphin, ancient whales and giant penguins.Browse our great selection of books and gifts. Dig your own fossils in the ‘Discovery Room’.
Vanished World Fossil Centre Open daily 10am to 4pm 7 Campbell St, Duntroon www.vanishedworld.co.nz *Admission charge applies.
Sunday 26th January Sunday 23rd February Sunday 29th March Open 12noon-4pm
2248400
State Highway One, 12km South of OAMARU
Mill Machinery Operating 1pm • 2pm • 3pm
Entry Fees • Adults $15 • Tertiary Students $5 • Children FREE
Phone: 03 433 1269 Email: totaraestate@heritage.co.nz TotaraEstate www.clarksmill.co.nz
