Lonely PlanetOct 7
Guide to Ōamaru and Waitaki on New Zealand's South Island
Everything you need to know for a break in this stunning and under-explored region of New Zealand.
Follows historic routes through Alps, alongside lakes, takes 5 days.
25 things in this story
- PoshtelHotelDecorated with vintage décor, rooms are tastefully themed.
- Ōamaru Steampunk FestivalFestivalHeld in June, features teapot racing and parasol duelling.
- Ōamaru’s Victorian Heritage CelebrationsFestivalHeld annually in November with races, parade, and garden parties.
- Victorian WardrobePlaceOffers costume hire for Victorian garb, starting from $40.
- Alps 2 Ocean Cycle TrailTrailFollows historic routes through Alps, alongside lakes, takes 5 days.
- Cycle JourneysPlaceOffers bike hire and support for the Alps 2 Ocean trail.
- Adventure South NZPlaceOffers organized tours for exploring the Waitaki Valley.
- Oamaru BackpackersHostelHighly reviewed with a huge, light-filled lounge room.
- Clos OstlerPlaceVineyard with three private villas for accommodation.
- Harbour StreetNeighborhoodPreserved historic warehouses and offices from the late 19th century.
- Steampunk HQArts centreWarehouse-style museum devoted to steampunk with interactive displays.
- Waitaki Valley Wine RegionPlaceKnown for pinot gris and pinot noir, with about nine vineyards.
- River-T EstateRestaurantSip wine while looking out on the vineyards.
- Te Kano EstateRestaurantHas plans to open its own cellar door.
- Friendly BaySight
- Ōamaru penguinsSight
- Elsewhere
- Ahuriri ValleySightŌmarama, New ZealandHigh-alpine tussock landscape, offers fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking.
- The Lindis LodgeHotelŌmarama, New ZealandLuxury complex blending into high-alpine tussocks, award-winning.
- DOC hutHotelŌmarama, New ZealandBudget accommodation in Ahuriri Valley for $15/night.
- Valli WinesRestaurantKurow, New ZealandOffers a high-end tasting experience in Kurow's former post office.
- Hot Tubs ŌmaramaAttractionŌmarama, New ZealandPrivate tubs for up to six people with mountain views.
- Clay CliffsSightŌmarama, New ZealandSharp pinnacles and ridges formed 20 million years ago.
- Whitestone Waitaki GeoparkSightDuntroon, New ZealandNetwork of sites showing ancient sea floor history with fossils.
- Vanished WorldMuseumDuntroon, New ZealandFeatures displays on geology and fossils, with hands-on activities.
- Benmore Peninsula WalkTrailBenmore, New ZealandShort hike with impressive views above Lake Benmore.