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SUMMER HOLIDAYS FEATURE
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Penguin encounter
offers a lot much for those staying home for the summer, just down the road in the Waitaki region there is a plethora of excuses to take off for a day or a week starting with the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail truly one of New Zealand’s greatest bike rides! For over 300km visitors can
experience some of the most beautiful scenery New Zealand has to offer. Suitable for all ages, the trail is an easy grade, and offers a pleasing mix of on and off-road trails which link the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. Allow four to six days for the entire ride, or simply try out a day excursion. Whichever option you choose, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is sure to be a memorable experience. Or spend some time in beautiful Oamaru with examples of New Zealand’s best 19th century architecture, particularly in the Victorian precinct of the town, replete with wonderful boutique shops and food. Just down from the precinct lies the Steampunk Museum – a must-see on any traveller’s itinerary. Take the children to the steampunk-themed playground by the sea and then visit the penguin colony. South of Oamaru lies New Zealand’s best-kept secret in the beautiful coastal drive encompassing quaint towns like the fishing village of Moeraki where Fleur’s restaurant serves arguably the best freshly caught fish in all of New Zealand. Heading inland you can inspect the hot heartlands of Kurow, the beautiful hydro lakes and the historic goldfield area surrounding Duntroon. Waitaki has something for everyone!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Come on in for a visit!
Little blue penguins are sensitive to conditions at sea and this year we had stormy weather and large sea swells in June that resulted in a drop in the number of penguins arriving ashore. Subsequently, it took them a while to settle back into their cycle, and egg laying did not begin until the middle of August. Since then we have had 119 breeding pairs lay eggs, with a total of 237 eggs laid and 149 chicks hatch so far. Over the summer we expect there might be a few more to lay eggs but the majority of penguins will now
focus on raising their chicks. We expect the colony will continue to be very active at night with parents coming in to feed their hungry chicks. Lately we have been seeing between 150-200 penguins arriving home each night and expect this to continue through the next few months. After chicks fledge, the parents will then prepare for their annual moult when they grow a nice new set of feathers for the coming year. Experience the world’s smallest penguins in their natural environment at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, open from 10am daily.
Be Captivated by Nature at Oamaru s Blue Penguin Colony! See penguins up close in their burrows during the day… and arriving onshore at night.
Our opening hours are 9am - 4pm Tuesday to Sunday Firday and Saturday evenings – bookings only 932 Seadown Road, RD, Temuka Phone 03 615 9043 www.theshearersquarters.co.nz
www.midcanterburynz.com
Experience Mid Canterbury Phone +64 3 308 2669 Email admin@midcanterburynz.com
Proudly promoting Mid Canterbury Ashburton iSITE, East Street, Ashburton
Discounted rates for locals
www.penguins.co.nz Waterfront Road Oamaru • P: +64 3 433 1195
Open Daily 10am until 1 hour after dusk (We are also open Christmas, ANZAC and Good Friday night for evening viewings)