What’s on in Waitaki?

Waitaki is a region steeped in history, from the prehistoric fossils found within limestone deposits to the importance of the space for early Tangata Whenua and later early settlers seeking out the area and what it had to offer. Now its heritage is acknowledged in many ways, through art and celebration, and more significantly, with the region being declared the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark. There’s plenty on in the coming months, pack your bags and sense of adventure!

The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark was endorsed as New Zealand’s first and Australasia’s only UNESCO Global Geopark in May this year. To celebrate this milestone, the Geopark team is organising a Geopark Festival at the end of October. Join them to celebrate Waitaki’s treasures with a fun and diverse events and activities programme brought to you by Waitaki’s businesses, landowners, community groups, and the Geopark team.

27–29 October

The Ōamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations bring back 19th-century charm in Ōamaru and Waitaki. Limestone buildings set the stage for dances, music, food, talks, a garden party, Victorian fashion, races, concerts, and more. The Harbour Street Victorian Precinct reveals captivating tales of the town’s ‘boom-and-bust’ past. Whether in street clothes, Victorian attire, or your own style, the event caters to all. This year, ‘Migration Stories’ delves into our pursuit of a brighter future.

15–19 November

The Waitaki community has long embraced being bold and fearless. Every two years, throughout the region, the Waitaki Arts Festival unites a community of visionaries and trailblazers. It showcases a diverse array of visual, performing, and literary arts presented by both local and national artists. The festival’s extensive programme celebrates creativity and innovation, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a vibrant world of artistic expression.

13–22 October waitakinz.com

There are few places on earth like Kaikōura, a coastal town offering breathtaking views that will stop you in your tracks. The towering snow-clad mountains provide a stunning backdrop over the town centre, which extends out to the Kaikōura Peninsula, where the waves of the Pacific roll in.

Local tour operators offer the chance to watch whales, dolphins, seabirds, and other species of marine life daily by boat or flight. If you prefer to stay on land, there is quad biking, a visit to a lavender farm, or llama trekking. For those who enjoy a slower journey, there are many walking and cycling tracks to enjoy or explore.

The town itself exudes a laid-back charm, with a vibrant arts and crafts scene, quaint cafés, and seafood restaurants serving up the freshest local delicacies. Kaikōura’s culinary offerings are centred around its abundant seafood, including succulent crayfish (lobster) that has earned the town a reputation as the “Crayfish Capital of New Zealand.” kaikoura.co.nz

Kaikōura is located 2.5 hours drive north of Ōtautahi Christchurch and two hours south of Picton.

We invite you to discover what makes Kaikōura so unique – a place that’s one of a kind, unlike anywhere else.