Oamaru

With about 13,000 residents, Oamaru is the largest town in North Otago and is an ideal place for visitors to stop while travelling along the Pacific Coast.

Reasons to visit include:

Historic precinct

While so many commercial buildings in New Zealand are modern, and built with steel and glass, Oamaru's central business district has one of the most impressive streetscapes in the country. A great amount of effort has been made to preserve a series of public buildings that were constructed when the town was going through a boom period in the 1880s and 1890s. The Victorian facades and massive pillars are features of many buildings made from local limestone known as Oamaru stone.

Penguins

Two colonies of penguins live close to Oamaru and visitors will have no problem observing them. A colony of little blue penguins lives on the harbour and south of town, ecotourists can observe a colony of yellow-eyed penguins. Sometimes penguins stray onto the towns beach and take up residence beneath buildings there - including the town's music club which is called The Penguin Club.

Moeraki Boulders

The coastal drive from Oamaru to Palmerston provides spectacular Pacific Ocean views and many opportunities to swim, fish, dive or simply to enjoy many uncrowded beaches. One popular stop is at Moeraki where the world famous Moeraki Boulders continue to amaze visitors and are among the most-photographed natural attractions in the country. Centuries of contact with sea, surf and sand have created sets of spherical boulders on the coastline.

Waitaki Valley

Outdoor types can find plenty to do in the Waitaki Valley which linkes North Otago to Central Otago. With mountains in the background, the valley has beautiful rolling farmlands, studded with vineyards, orchards and the Waitaki River which passes through several hydro dams on its way to the sea. The dams provide recreational activities such as water sports, camping and fishing.