Oamaru
Oamaru is situated on New Zealand's South Island, in the Waitaki District. On the east coast, approximately 120 kilometres north of Dunedin and 79 kilometres south of Timaru, the land of Blue Penguins has a population of around 13,000.
Oamaru has a proud heritage that shines through its Victorian precinct and its Victorian Heritage Celebrations held in November each year. Guided tours are held at various locations in town whilst the annual celebrations are one of the biggest annual events in the Waitaki region. The celebrations present a fabulous opportunity for visitors to experience the tastes, sights, sounds and activities of an age gone by. Men, women and children dress up in Victorian costumes and festivities include the traditional Heritage Ball Dance.
The Oamaru Opera House, situated in the historic Thames Street, was built more than a century ago and opened on 7 October 1907. It was designed in an Edwardian baroque style, which was popular for government and civic buildings. The Opera House is used today as the primary venue for coronations, operas, music, theatre, films, meetings and conferencing for the whole region of North Otago. It represents the cultural heart and passion of Oamaru.
Oamaru is perhaps most well-known as home to New Zealand’s largest scientifically monitored Blue Penguin colony. The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony sits on the Waitaki Coast beach front and is only two minutes from the city centre. Admire the colony of blue penguins near to the harbour and see rare yellow-eyed penguins that visit the same stretch of coastline in the late afternoon. Other attractions in town include the Oamaru Public Gardens. Established in 1876, the gardens feature trees over 100 years old. This is a tranquil place where lovers of nature can stroll and relax. Bathing in hot tubs or playing a game of golf are other ways to relax at Oamaru.
The Moeraki boulders are situated a 30 minute drive south of Oamaru, via an exceptionally scenic road. The boulders appear like giant turtle eggs and hundreds of the marble-like stones can be found strewn on the beach. They are best seen at low tide and can be up to a circumference of four metres. The boulders are thought to have formed over millions of years, in a similar way to the formation of oyster pearls.
There is plenty of choice in Oamaru and it should not be difficult to find somewhere suitable to stay. Oamaru accommodation ranges from backpacker-style hostels, bed & breakfast establishments and motor lodges to luxury, boutique five-star hotels. Motor Inns are another cheap option and are especially convenient for travellers with their own vehicles.