Oamaru - North Otago

Where is it? Historic Oamaru is in coastal North Otago on SH1 between Christchurch and Dunedin. The town makes for a relaxing stopover on this route, and the southbound link on to Dunedin offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Roads off various points on SH1 provide access to the hinterland of the South Island, the glorious Southern Alps and the tourist meccas of the Central Otago and Lakes districts.

Why Oamaru? Well placed to break the road journey in either direction, it has a compact town centre with a vibrant Victorian Precinct showcasing some of the country’s best preserved 19th Century streetscape with its original Oamaru stone architecture. Oamaru’s early wealth was founded on gold mined in the hinterland of Otago and then became a significant port and business centre for the growing agricultural industry.

Activities - A range of cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries have sprung up since the town recognised and developed its unique heritage for both locals and tourists. Within easy driving distance are mountain ranges, which feed the mighty Waitaki River as it flows down to the coast from the Southern Alps. Vineyards are a newer feature of the area and further afield still-working gold mines can be visited. Close to town is a Blue Penguin colony and south of Oamaru are the famous Moeraki Boulders. Here on a promontory overlooking the Pacific Ocean is one of the best known restaurants in New Zealand – Fleur’s Place – specializing, not surprisingly in seafood. Fleur has also recently opened in Oamaru itself without the spectacular seaside views but with the same impressive menu.

The Otago Coast south of Oamaru offers a variety of other attractions – a farm settled in 1840 at Waikouaiti with its original buildings in good repair, through fishing villages such as Karitane and the nearby Evansdale Cheese Factory – well worth a visit. There a re ocean view walks and for the energetic even kayaking in semi-underwater caves. An eco- sanctuary at Orokonui has recently been established for endangered species – there is a visitor centre. The coastline is full of interest and scenic views as the road continues south until the Otago Harbour and the city of Dunedin – gateway to Central Otago and the Southern Lakes – is reached.