Waitakiislikeastorybookofbeauty,fromthewild turquoisecoastwithwildanimalstothegeologicalwonders oftheland.Oamaruisaperfectplacetostopandfind deliciousfood,thenstepintoanothertime,wandering throughthestreetsofoldbuildingsfilledwithtreasures andquirkycharacters.
The Waitaki District, located in the Otago-Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island, is well-known for its scenic landscapes, agriculture, geological wonders, wildlife, and vibrant culture.
Māori were the first people to settle and travel in the Waitaki region. They travelled along the Waitaki River, gathering food and supplies such as fish, birds, and feathers and skins for clothing. Then they slept overnight in limestone shelters and caves near
Duntroon, which still feature their drawings today! Europeans arrived in the 1800s, setting up farms, limestone mining operations, and establishing towns, including Waitaki’s largest town, Oamaru, where they exported frozen meat to Europe.
Today, Waitaki is the perfect destination for exploring nature, cycling, tasting delicious local food, and discovering the world of Steampunk and Victorian culture as well as neoclassical architecture.
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“LifeatOamaruwithallits varietyofnewexperienceswas awonderfuladventure.Iwas nowvividlyawareofmyself asapersononearth,feeling akinshipwithother creaturesandfullofjoyat thesightsandsoundsabout meanddrunkwiththe anticipationofplay.
~JanetFrame
Oamaru's Victorian Precinct is a charming area with streets lined by opulent limestone buildings, which house artists, cafes, restaurants, bars, bookshops, and gift shops. The buildings along Harbour and Tyne Streets were constructed in the 1880s during a period of economic prosperity, largely due to the booming export of frozen meat to Europe. However, the town's prosperity was short-lived, as it soon fell into debt.
In the 1990s, the Victorian Precinct experienced a revival. Creatives dressed in Victorian costumes began to occupy the buildings, initiating the annual Victorian Fete, which attracted both locals and visitors to the beauty of this historic area. By the 2000s, the arrival of Steampunk added another layer of excitement to the festivities with the Steampunk NZ Festival, where participants dressed in futuristic Victorian attire. Today, these streets offer a thriving and enchanting experience, transporting visitors to another time and place.
There are many top-notch restaurants in the Waitaki area. In Oamaru, the Whitestone Cheese Diner and Deli, opened in 2023, is an iconic spot featuring meals centered around their locally made cheese. Cucina offers a contemporary dining experience with gourmet food, beer, cocktails and wine. For traditional pub fare, try The Last Post or Fat Sally's
In the Victorian Precinct, you’ll find Scott’s Brewery, known for its pizza and beer, and Craftwork Brewery, which provides a European pub atmosphere with beer on tap. Harbour Street Collective and The Galley is perfect for cafe meals or coffee and cake with friends, while the Criterion Hotel is the place to meet quirky locals over a delicious meal, beer and wine.
Heading north it is hard to miss Riverstone, one of New Zealand's best rated restaurants. It features a menu based on local seasonal produce and offers a range of yummy deserts and breads. Check outside the restaurant which has a wild west style gift shop with homewares and gifts bursting out the door and you might even spot a few wandering cats and peacocks while you are there. Look out for the limestone Riverstone Castle, it even has a mot and a dungeon. Castle tours operate Thursday to Monday between 10am to 3pm.
Going inland to Oamarama? The best place is probably The Wrinkly Rams. It is a bar restaurant with an art gallery, live sheep sharing shows, border collie sheep dog demonstrations and lamb bottle feeding in spring and summer.
Looking for a real New Zealand pie? Well you are in the right place in the Waitaki District! One of the best is Peter Pan Bakery which is a traditional bakery selling all the pies, from steak and cheese, mince to vegetarian. Nearby Badger and Mackerel is a modern cafe, but it is famous for it's dressed pies. Don't forget Lagonda Tearooms, it's an old fashioned diner with cabinets filled with pies, pastries, slices, cups of chips and so much more. Down the road at Harbour Street Bakery they sell homemade style pies with crispy
thick pastry. Other bakeries worth a try are Delectables Bakery and Temptations Bakery
There are yummy ice creams in Waitaki! pop into Itchen Street Dairy, they not only have a fridge with packaged ice creams, they have cone ice creams, pick your favourite combination like hokey poky and goody goody gum drop. You can even get a real fruit ice cream on Wansbeck Street at Rylies Real Fruit Ice Cream. Now for the biggest ice cream head down to Night 'n Day Hampden.
Panda is a Chinese takeaway, but they also make really great burgers, fish and chips. The Galley in Friendly Bay is a picture perfect beach spot to get dine in fish and chips with a side of salad. Cod and Hogget is one of the best in Oamaru, their fish is fresh, the batter is yummy and chips, well they are yummy too! Chain and Anchor is also a top in town. for just a quick drive out to Weston you can experience a genuine fish and chip shop experience. Other places in town include Junction Fish Supply, Eden Takeaways, Turret
Takeaways, Jumbo's Burger Bar and BG's Dairy and Takeaway. If you are heading south, Hampden Takeaways and The Fishwife in Moeraki are very popular with visitors and locals.
Splendid treasures come from small towns like Oamaru, From the bustling Thames Street to the charming Victorian Precinct, and even the quaint side streets, you'll find quirky and cool shops around every corner. If you're on the hunt for stylish preloved fashions, Awamoa Boutique, Mocking Bird Lane, and Revamp Clothing are mustvisits. For second-hand books, Slightly Foxed is the place to go.
For a variety of second-hand bargains, explore the Salvation Army Store, Oamaru Charity Shop, Hato Hone St John Retail Store, and St Vincent De Paul. If you're interested in secondhand homeware, the Waitaki Resource Recovery Trust on Chelmer
Street and Waitaki Trading Post on Thames Street are brimming with shelves of plates, tables, beds, and more. For vintage and steampunk fashions, Regalia's Time Pieces and Studio Realm are essential stops.
If you prefer shopping for something new and shiny, the Victorian Precinct offers a selection of modern, fun, and fabulous fashions and gifts at Housekeepers Design, Inc Design Store, Rose's General Store, Presence on Harbour, and William Bee General Merchants. On Thames Street, be sure to check out Hyde Boutique, Inspirationz, Clementine, and Beautiful Things for a delightful shopping experience.
The Forrester Gallery is an old bank with a neo classical facade and Corinthian pillars. Inside is a modern art museum with a regional art collection & rotating exhibits from around New Zealand.
Renovated in 2022, the Waitaki Museum and Archive has told the stories of the natural and cultural history of Waitaki since 1882.
The Grainstore Gallery is the magical world of local artist Donna Demente, known for her whimsical portrait paintings and masks. The gallery also
hosts regular indie music concerts from touring musicians.
Whitestone City is an interactive museum with dress ups, old style shops with museum treasures, games and even a penny farthing carousel!
The Steampunk HQ is a popular tourist destination featuring a fireblowing train and walls lined with steampunk treasures.
Buggyrobot is an eccentric little gallery/workshop of robot creatures made from recycled materials.
Customs House Gallery is run by the local art society. They run regular art workshops and feature artwork from local artists.
Crafted is a hidden treasure in the Victorian Precinct. It features traditional crafts and contemporary art, created by local Oamaru artists.
Art On Thames is a commercial art gallery with a quirky array of art, sculpture and design objects, from artists around New Zealand.
Janet Frame House was one of the original family homes of world famous author Janet Frame. Open only between November to April.
Totara Estate is an early settler farm with original buildings including the original slaughterhouse, cookhouse, and workers' cottages. In the 1800s, it
operated as a working farm and exported meat to Europe. Guided tours are offered to visitors on Thursday to Monday between September and May
Clarks Mill near Maheno was a 4-story water powered flour mill which operated from 1866. Opening hours are only Thursday and Sunday.
Vanished World is located in Duntroon, this museum showcases fossils and information about the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark
Kurow Museum is a tradional museum with a vintage yellow car and glass cases holding historic treasures.
Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark is the only geopark in Australasia, it features limestone wonders like Elephant Rocks, Valley of Whales, Tokiroa Maori Rock Art, Anatini Fossil Place and Waipata Earthquakes. The limestone rocky outcrops were formed from sea fossils which lived millions of years ago. Moeraki Boulders are made of calcite concretions. Nearby Shag Point is home to more boulders, shags, and seals. Clay Cliffs in Omarama are pinnacles made of silt and gravel eroded by glaciers for millions of years
Discover the hidden gold in Waitaki’s hinterland by visiting Macaes Goldmine, still active today! Then for a bit of gold mining history, visit Nenthorn Goldfields
Kakanui is best for swimming, surfing, rock pool spotting, and building sandcastles at Campbells Bay and All Day Bay. Bushy Beach in Oamaru is perfect for viewing yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho at dusk.
Take a walk in Friendly Bay, it is like an old fishing village with cute colourful
boats floating in the turquoise seaside. Lookout for little penguins and fur seals near Cape Wanbrow, and stop off at Sumpter Wharf to spot the shags. Cape Wanbrow also offers walks and bike tracks around the ancient volcano. Don’t miss the historic Defence Watchhouse, coastal pillow lava and sunrises from Lookout Point.
The Oamaru Public Gardens is a must-see, featuring dreamy fairy tale gardens, a Peter Pan statue, fountains, a red Japanese bridge, Chinese
gardens, archways, birds and an updated playground. Jones Park is a picturesque spot and has views to the Victorian Precinct.
In summer, head inland to the beautiful blue lakes, Lake Aviemore and Lake Benmore. For an adventurous road trip, drive through the scenic Kaikanui Mountains via Dansey’s Pass
Visit Herbert Forest for a scenic road trip. Areas of the forest are perfect for walking and mountain biking.
315km | 6 days
Starting at Aoraki/Mount Cook, ride along the bike trail by Lake Pukaki
From Lake Pukaki, head south to Twizel, before heading west to ride along the shore of Lake Ohau.
Next, head southeast towards Omarama, but don’t miss the Clay Cliffs on the way. Follow the trail to Otematata and check out the Benmore Dam and Sailors Cutting
The trail towards Kurow offers pretty views of Lake Benmore and Lake Aviemore before going inland to Duntroon. Look out for the amazing rock formations, such as Tokiroa Maori Rock Art and Elephant Rocks
The remainder of the trail passes by farmland, meets with an old railway line and goes through Rakis Tunnel. The end of the trail reaches Friendly Bay in Oamaru, a peaceful waterfront near Cape Wanbrow and the Victorian Precinct
Forascenicsidetripfrom LakePukakiridenorthtoTekapo.
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Ohthetrain...andthebottle offizzydrinkyoucouldonly halffinish...thehousesthat cameandwentlikeadream. Clackety-clack...
~JanetFrame
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For a day long train adventure hop on the Victorian train that runs from Dunedin to Oamaru and back once a month and for special events. The trip begins at the Dunedin Railway Station, a pretty Flemish Renaissancestyle building that has been in operation since 1906. The scenic route goes through coastal Otago, passing charming spots like Port Chalmers, Blue Skin Bay, Seacliff, Karitane, Palmerston, and Moeraki. The trip then heads inland to Hampden before arriving in Oamaru, for few hours to explore before the return journey back to Dunedin.
For a local train experience, head to Itchen Street in Oamaru and take the Oamaru Steam Train along the picturesque waterfront. These steam train trips run every Sunday throughout the day.
While in Oamaru, check out some of the interesting train-related attractions. Visit the Steampunk HQ to see a steampunk-themed train that blows fire from its chimney. Also on Humber Street, don't miss the Oamaru Station, a beautiful long wooden building that opened in 1900 and is now run as a restaurant
Reaching into the world of clouds, Aoraki Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand at 3,724 metres. There are many magical experiences in the area, including the drive along Mount Cook Road/State Highway 80 with many beautiful lookouts and walkways to view the glaciers, lakes and mountains.
Local birds of Aoraki Mount Cook include robin, rock wren, alpine parrot/ kea, fantail, and ruru. Alpine plants grow in the area such as Mount Cook buttercup, beech trees and tussock.
The nearest towns to Aoraki Mount Cook are Twizel and Tekapo. In Twizel don’t miss Lake Ruataniwha and the Twizel Playground in Market Square. Tekapo is a must see for it’s cycle trails and walkways around the Lake Tekapo, stargazing and the Church of the Good Shepherd.
The most popular walk is the Hooker Valley Track, it is 10 km/5 hours return and features a well maintained, easy track with several swing bridges and views of Aoraki Mount Cook, Mueller Glacier Lake and Hooker River.
Tasman Glacier View Track features outer worldly views of Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand. It is 1 km/1 hour return from Tasman Valley Road. Don’t miss the Blue Lakes along the side track.
Kea Point Track is an easy walk and is 3 km/2 hours return and has good view over looking Mueller Glacier
Sealy Tarns Track is 5.8 km/4 hours return and features a steep stairway of 2200 steps to views of the valley and mountain peaks.
Mueller Hut Route is 10.4 km/8 hours return. It is a challenging walk up to Mueller Hut, but features panoramic views to the peaks and glaciers.
The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre is not only accommodation, it also includes an Aoraki Mount Cook museum and planetarium.
Glacial Lake Pukaki is a perfect camping spot to view the night sky and has tracks for cycling and walking with amazing lookout points to Aoraki Mount Cook.