WAITAKI VALLEY | COASTAL WAITAKI |

Official Waitaki Visitor Guide 2019 / 2020 WAITAKI VALLEY WAITAKI COASTAL WAITAKI

LAKE BENMORE

WELCOME TO THE HIGHLIGHTS: Culture & Heritage • Cycling Mecca • Absolute Adventure • Unspoilt Landscapes • Unique WAITAKI REGION Wildlife • Geological Wonders

From stunning unique art galleries and seasons – from the snowy Come visit a unique part of OAMARU landscapes, geological quirky cultural attractions to peaks of the rugged South overflowing wonders, the home of the the vines, lakes and dramatic Island high country, down with historic treasures, little blue penguin and seasonal landscapes. river valleys, alongside natural marvels, outright the steampunk capital of Unique geology can be lakes and hydro dams adventure, wining, dining, NZ; the Waitaki region found throughout the through a patchwork of absolute family fun and a has much to explore… district. These formations rolling golden hills to the whole lot more... unspoilt coastline. Amid the stunning are all a part of the Waitaki landscapes that take in Whitestone Geopark, an mountains, lakes, valleys and aspiring global geopark coastline, you’ll uncover a which combines and world of wonder that is like promotes a network of sites no other. of geological, historical and cultural significance. From unique wildlife, The Geopark blankets the geological curiosities and district and as you journey magical coastal scenes, through the Waitaki, you’ll through some of New find incredible variation in Zealand’s best preserved the contrasting landscapes Victorian streetscapes, which change with the

2 #WaitakiNZ @oamaru.waitaki.nz waitakinz.com 3 TRAVEL TIMES TO/FROM OAMARU MT COOK TO Destination Time Distance Tekapo Lake

Christchurch 3hr 19m 250km TEKAPO 1hr 28m 118km 1hr 27m 112km

Queenstown 3hr 34m 287km Pukaki Lake

8 Lake

SKIING HOT TUBS GLIDING CLAY CLIFFS

OMARAMA 1 83

8

Lake Waitaki KUROW

82 VANISHED WORLD DUNTROON MAˉ ORI ROCK DRAWINGS

TO ELEPHANT 83 QUEENSTOWN ROCKS ANATINI

6 OAMARU PENGUINS

OTAGO GOLD 1 FIELD TRAIL

HAMPDEN

85 BOULDERS

Town MOERAKI

WAITAKI Attraction REGION Winery / Wine Region Christchurch PALMERSTON Hydro Dam Queenstown Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail TO DUNEDIN

1 4 #WaitakiNZ @oamaru.waitaki.nz waitakinz.com 5 ELEPHANT ROCKS WAITAKI VALLEY WAITAKI COASTAL WAITAKI

WAITAKI WHITESTONE The karst landscape and its fine limestone architecture. ASPIRING GLOBAL GEOPARK ‘whitestone’ are integral to Today, the Vanished World www.whitestonegeopark.nz the identity of the Waitaki Centre celebrates the region. The first people in wonderous fossils that An abundance of unique geological and the area found shelter in emerge from the region’s geomorphological features including the Moeraki limestone caves, leaving whitestone. This is why our OAMARU Boulders, karsted limestone at Elephant Rocks, as now-treasured rock art. geopark is proudly named well as “badlands” and faults at Clay Cliffs. Waitaki’s largest town, the Waitaki Whitestone Oamaru, is renowned for Aspiring Global Geopark. Our important Geosites Straddling the 45th parallel allow you to explore South, on the east coast volcanic remnants and of the , the discover the past inhabitants Geopark is bounded by CLAY CLIFFS of these places, from mountains and sea, the microscopic diatoms to remnants of fire and ice, and giant prehistoric penguins the powerful . and plesiosaurs. Our expert The park covers just over panel has identified over 2 40 sites of outstanding 7,200km . At the heart of geological significance in the it all are spectacular areas . of karst. Karst landscapes are underlain by limestone Waitaki was formed which has been eroded under an ancient sea and by dissolution, producing is built on the remains of ridges, towers, fissures, HIGHLIGHTS: Elephant Rocks • Clay Cliffs • Moeraki prehistoric creatures from a sinkholes and other Boulders • Earthquakes • • Takiroa Rock Art vanished world. characteristic landforms. • Anatini • Waitaki River • Vanished World

6 #WaitakiNZ @oamaru.waitaki.nz waitakinz.com 7 ELEPHANT CLAY MOERAKI TAKIROA ROCKS CLIFFS BOULDERS ROCK ART WAITAKI VALLEY WAITAKI

Wander through the This stunning landscape Walk amongst geological The Maˉori rock art towering limestone of high, eroded, marvels, exposed by captured here includes rocks at Elephant Rocks. spectacular “badland” erosion of sedimentary images from abstract A geological wonder of outcrops will leave you rocks laid down 60 forms to bird and the Waitaki, this unique wondering how this million years ago. animal life, people landscape has featured in landscape was formed. and first impressions films such as Narnia: the Steeped in Maˉori legend, of European settlers. Lion, the Witch and the Be humbled as you explore it is said that the boulders These limestone Wardrobe. these staggering natural are gourds washed ashore overhangs offered early land forms, where sharp from a voyaging canoe. travellers shelter along The Elephant Rocks area pinnacles and ridges are Contrastingly, scientists say a seasonal route up the has many distinctive large separated by steep and the formations are made Waitaki Valley. hummocky or elephant- narrow ravines. out of calcite and were shaped limestone outcrops. formed 60 million years The “elephants” are The Clay Cliffs were first ago. Whichever story you formed as gravels, sand

formed from Otekaike believe, the boulders are COASTAL WAITAKI Limestone, which originated and silt, in fresh waters. beautiful and mysterious as a fossil‑rich marine sand The sediments, which were and make for a great photo 25 million years ago. The deposited about 4 million opportunity. thick and flat-lying limestone years ago, were buried has many joints (cracks) and compacted, then At the heart of each caused by geological uplift of uplifted and eroded. The boulder is a pebble or fossil, the area. These joints, which finer-grained lower strata which slowly accreted mud cross each other, are readily represent lakes, while the and lime over the millennia. eroded by water. Eventually, upper section includes Larger enough limestone is ancient river gravels. are as big as three metres in eroded away to leave the These river gravels probably diameter and weigh several EARTHQUAKES “elephants” exposed and eroded off the growing tonnes, whilst the smaller isolated from each other. Southern Alps. The Clay boulders can resemble Cliffs were uplifted and an over inflated football. Huge blocks of limestone OAMARU tilted by a recently active These boulders have been tumbled when the land nearby fault. exposed through shoreline slumped thousands of erosion from coastal cliffs. years ago. Fossils including molluscs and baleen whale bones, are visible, still partially embedded in limestone rock. They tell the story of a wide and shallow ancient sea.

8 #WaitakiNZ @oamaru.waitaki.nz waitakinz.com 9 LITTLE BLUE PENGUINS

ACTIVITIES

With striking mountains SCENIC FLIGHTS VALLEY WAITAKI meeting rolling farmland and beautiful coastline, Experience our region’s the Waitaki region offers stunning landscapes by many great activities, air with a scenic flight with stunning seasonal from Omarama, known changes only adding to worldwide as a mecca the experience. for gliding enthusiasts, or from Oamaru. BIKING SNOW SPORTS The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is suitable for all ages Skiers and snowboarders – split into nine easy-to- can hit the slopes in winter intermediate sections. at Ohau Snow Fields or Awakino. There are also numerous

Ohau Snow Fields COASTAL WAITAKI mountain biking trails is around Oamaru, in Herbert a picturesque field Forest, and Cape Wanbrow. overlooking . Awakino is a small club WALKING field for a unique skiing Our region is full of walking experience in New Zealand. and hiking tracks from short FOOD AND DRINK WILDLIFE walks exploring the unique sights of the Geopark or Spend a relaxing afternoon Coastal Waitaki is home SEALS & SEA BIRDS visiting our rare wildlife, to exploring the wineries of to some of the world’s more challenging routes the Waitaki Valley, or enjoy rarest penguins, the Shag Point, near into mountain huts. For the internationally acclaimed Palmerston has a colony more information on the hoiho, and the common restaurants in and around OAMARU species of kororaˉ. of New Zealand fur seals tracks check out the walking Oamaru and Moeraki, or lounging on the rocks. Scan and hiking page on our grab your coffee and lunch The world’s smallest the sea and you may get Waitakinz.com website. from one of our many penguin, the little blue lucky spotting whales or unique cafés throughout penguin (kororaˉ) makes its dolphins. Sea birds adorn the region. home in Oamaru. Along the Waitaki coastline and with the kororaˉ, Coastal you can see plenty of birds Waitaki is home to a small keeping the seals company population of the world’s at Shag Point. rarest penguin, hoiho, the yellow-eyed penguin. You can see the little blue penguins at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony and the yellow-eyed penguins at Bushy Beach in Oamaru and Point near Moeraki.

10 #WaitakiNZ @oamaru.waitaki.nz waitakinz.com 11 DUNTROON • KUROW • OTEMATATA • OMARAMA • OHAU • OMARAMA • OTEMATATA • KUROW • DUNTROON

PENNY FARTHING CAROUSEL LAKE BENMORE & AT WHITESTONE CITY

HERITAGE & CULTURE WAITAKI VALLEY WAITAKI VALLEY WAITAKI

The Waitaki is steeped in OPERA HOUSE Ever-changing seasonal forefathers who navigated Maˉori and early European landscapes and wide‑open the length of the Waitaki The Oamaru Opera settler history. Victorian spaces; intriguing River and sheltered under House will take you from streetscapes, ancient geological features, limestone cliffs by visiting participant to spectator in Maˉori rock art, museum natural alpine lakes and an ancient Maˉori Rock Art luxurious old-world style. collections, Steampunk HQ braided rivers. site. Today the waters of There are a range of shows and gorgeous galleries filled the Waitaki are home to and performances on offer with local art. Views – Enjoy the ski slopes fresh trout and salmon – throughout the year, take a overlooking Lake Ohau and taste the finished product look at oamaruoperahouse. Each November, Oamaru the , walk accompanied by a locally co.nz/whats-on/ to find out brings its Victorian heritage through the spectacular Clay produced wine, from what’s on while you’re here. to life with a five-day Cliffs or take a birds‑eye New Zealand’s newest wine celebration filled with view in a world-renowned region, in one of the many top hats, hoop skirts and gliding experience from great restaurants throughout penny farthings. As winter Omarama. To see the valley the region. descends Oamaru is once from another perspective, more transformed from its ride all or part of the Alps Geology – Visit Duntroon’s Victorian past, but this time 2 Ocean Cycle Trail which Vanished World Centre to the multi-day celebration is starts at Aoraki Mt Cook learn more about the area’s all things steampunk – you or and winds geology, take your measure don’t have to dress up, but around some of the most against a 1.3m tall prehistoric these celebrations give you stunning scenery. penguin replica or discover the perfect excuse. your own fossils. Head inland Culture – Follow in the to explore the limestone footsteps of our Maˉori cliffs called 'Earthquakes'.

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RIVER-T ESTATE WINES

Stunning views of vineyard from the cellar door. Local wine. Local beer. Local food. Great coffee! A SH83 Kurow Duntroon Road P +64 21 190 8875 E [email protected] W rivertestate.co.nz

OSTLER WINES

Cellar door for Ostler Wines’ tastings, glass pours, bottle sales. Open hours: Summer daily 12-5. Group bookings by prior arrangement.

A 45 Bledisloe St, Kurow OTEMATATA • OMARAMA • OHAU • KUROW • DUNTROON P +64 3 436 05435 E [email protected] W ostlerwine.co.nz

BRAIDED RIVER JET BOATING

Customised jet boating experiences on VALLEY WAITAKI the iconic Waitaki River for those who prefer to travel off-the-beaten-track. Prior booking essential. P +64 27 272 4333 E [email protected] W braidedriverjetboating.co.nz

14 BRAIDED#WaitakiNZ WAITAKI RIVER @oamaru.waitaki.nz waitakinz.com 15 activities & attractions activities & attractions DUNTROON • KUROW • OHAU • OMARAMA • OTEMATATA • OMARAMA • OHAU • KUROW • DUNTROON WAITAKI VALLEY WAITAKI

Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment

03 438 9703 www.hottubsomarama.co.nz

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Looking for a great place to stop on your trip through the Waitaki Valley? Look no further than Duntroon - a place of history and discovery... www.duntroon.co.nz

Take a relaxed walk through our wetlands, or be ‘gaoled and bailed’ at our historic Gaol. Picnic on the Village Green, or have a meal at the historic Duntroon Hotel. Explore the legendary ‘Brewery Hole’, and discover our resident Moa. Nicol’sNicol’s Blacksmith Blacksmith Shop Shop OPEN DAILY: Visit a piece of NZ history where on weekends (Oct to May) we have a working blacksmith. Check out the website: www.blacksmith.net.nz if you are interested in a Beginners Blacksmithing course. OTEMATATA • OMARAMA • OHAU • KUROW • DUNTROON Vanished World Centre Vanished World OPEN DAILY 10am - 4.30pm Trail Explore the evolution of marine

animals at our Geology & Fossil VALLEY WAITAKI Centre and see famous marine fossils like Waipatia, the sharked tooth dolphin, ancient whales and Show this giant penguins.Browse our great ad for selection of books and gifts. Dig your 50% OFF own fossils in the ‘Discovery Room’. entry Get a Self-guided Trail map at the Vanished Admission applies www.vanishedworld.co.nz World Centre and explore nearby Elephant Rocks, Anatini and other fossil sites. DuntroonDuntroon Domain Domain Duntroon Stayat CampingCamping Ground Ground Wetlands Enjoy wandering through Stay over for a taste of a bygone camping era with clean, this unique wetland basic camping facilities at of our friendly area, located just off the village – all at reasonable rates! Seasonal workers and highway and next to Alps 2 Ocean cyclists are regular campers. the Duntroon Camping Ground. Explore winding Ph: 027 810 4146 pathways, and spot native wildlife.

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OHAU SNOW FIELDS

Stay Lake Ohau Lodge, Ski/Ride Ohau Snow Fields. Powder snow, friendly people & uncrowded slopes is what sets us apart from the others. A 2295 Lake Ohau Road, Lake Ohau P +64 3 4389 885 E [email protected] W ohau.co.nz

LAKE OHAU LODGE KUROW HOLIDAY PARK

On the Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail, the Peaceful surroundings near lakes and Lodge is known for genuine high rivers for fishing and boating. Family country hospitality & great food. focused with children’s activities from The Lodge has stunning views & four games to kayaks. Pet friendly. accommodation standards.

A 76 Bledisloe Street, Kurow OTEMATATA • OMARAMA • OHAU • KUROW • DUNTROON A 2295 Lake Ohau Road, Lake Ohau P +64 3 436 0725 P +64 3 4389 885 E [email protected] E [email protected] W kurowholidaypark.co.nz W ohau.co.nz

KUROW HOTEL

Great pub food eaten indoors or in our VALLEY WAITAKI secluded walled garden. Bottle store, dining room and function room along with warm and cosy accommodation. En-suites available. Join Ross and Trish for great country hospitality. A 55 Bledisloe St, Kurow P +64 3 436 0850 E [email protected]

20 #WaitakiNZLAKE OHAU @oamaru.waitaki.nz waitakinz.com 21 HERBERT • HAMPDEN • MOERAKI • PALMERSTON MOERAKI • • HAMPDEN • HERBERT

MOERAKI BOULDERS

COASTAL WAITAKI COASTAL WAITAKI

The journey along coastal walkers and mountain bikers Waitaki offers unspoilt, with a selection of trails in expansive sea views with Herbert Forest. There are must-see attractions. a number of walking tracks on offer from a short 1 – 1.5 Moeraki Boulders – hour loop to longer 4.5 hour conveniently located on the circuit. beach for all to explore. As for mountain biking, Gold Rush – Near riders will love the 5km Palmerston, vestiges of single-track descent through New Zealand’s gold-rush is found at New Zealand’s the forest. Take in the views MOERAKI BEACH MOTEL largest operating gold mine from the top of Puketapu at , and you can Hill in Palmerston or Moeraki Beach Motel offers four find the remnants of mid- Trotter’s Gorge and wander two bedroom units. Upstairs 1800’s gold mining at the along some of the stunning bedrooms, all living rooms downstairs. village nearby. beaches from to 50 metres from beach. Great sea views. Palmerston which are home A 1 Cleddy St, Moeraki Walking & Biking – If you to fur seals and sea birds. P +64 3 4384862 want to stretch your legs, E [email protected] Herbert is popular with W moerakibeachmotels.co.nz

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OAMARU HARBOUR OAMARU OAMARU Victorian Precinct – New Zealand’s best preserved Oamaru is the largest Victorian commercial town in the Waitaki streetscape – the original District, most famous for buildings are made from its penguin colony and locally quarried limestone limestone architecture – a testament to Oamaru’s of the Victorian Precinct boom era, when it was – but that’s just the an important port town beginning of what the sending exports around the town has to offer. world. Venture into Oamaru a little further and you’ll Little blue penguins, fur find wonderful shopping, seals and rare seabirds call handmade cheeses and the Oamaru home. With craft beautiful public gardens. beer and whiskey, incredible restaurants, cafés and Steampunk – Allow plenty artisan shopping close by, of time to visit Oamaru Oamaru Harbour is great for where dressing in Victorian everyone with stunning views era attire is not unusual, out to the Pacific Ocean, where steampunks roam and an incredible steampunk- a penny-farthing remains a themed playground and bike perfectly acceptable mode park for the kids. of transport. Friendly locals are a core ingredient of what makes Oamaru great.

24 #WaitakiNZ @oamaru.waitaki.nz waitakinz.com 25 wine & dine wine & dine activities & attractions

RIVERSTONE KITCHEN BANGKOK RECIPE

The perfect combination of tasty Thai flavours with wonderful fresh New Zealand ingredients. Try our genuine Thai dishes. Online ordering available. (Dine-in, takeaways and free delivery). A 220 Thames St, Oamaru P +64 3 434 6245 E [email protected] W bangkokrecipe.co.nz

CUCINA RESTAURANT & BAR

Here at Cucina, we strive towards creating a consistently comfortable

and enjoyable environment, in which you can appreciate Oamaru’s OAMARU finest fare with your friends and family. In 2006, Bevan Smith returned to New Zealand after time spent in Europe and Australia, to establish the now famous Riverstone Kitchen. We believe in supporting local business, in which incorporates fresh Built in a paddock on the family farm, 15 minutes north of Oamaru produce. Our intention is to create a restaurant filled with great in North , the restaurant sits alongside Riverstone Country food, beer and wine, and most importantly, enjoyable times, wherein Giftshops and the newly built Riverstone Castle. It is now a destination maintaining a high standard of integrity. for lucky locals, food-loving kiwis and international visitors alike. A 1 Tees St, Oamaru Bevan’s food ethos is reflected in the all-encompassing gardens that P +64 3 434 5696 surround and define Riverstone Kitchen. He is passionate about E [email protected] showcasing the best that New Zealand has to offer and is a strong W cucinaoamaru.co.nz advocate of sustainability and locally sourced produce. The inspiring gardens provide a daily supply of fresh produce used within the restaurant. The menus change frequently to reflect the seasons and to utilise ingredients at their peak. Award winning restaurant, extensive gardens, giftshops, playground and a castle – there’s something for everyone. ALPS 2 OCEAN CYCLE HIRE

A 1431 State Highway 1, Oamaru We hire cars, vans, trailers, bikes, 4WD, P +64 3 431 3505 Harley Davidson. We shuttle people/ E [email protected] bikes from Oamaru, Christchurch & W riverstonekitchen.co.nz Queenstown airport to Mt Cook. A 1 Meek Street, Oamaru P +64 3 433 1444 E [email protected] W smashpalace.org.nz

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Oamaru T HERI AGE walking tours Step back in time and discover Oamaru’s colourful past OAMARU

Daily walks start at Oamaru I-SITE visitor centre www.waitakinz.com BOOK NOW +64 3 434 1656

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30 #WaitakiNZ @oamaru.waitaki.nz waitakinz.com 31 activities & attractions accommodation accommodation

OAMARU OPERA HOUSE BRYDONE HOTEL

Built from elaborately carved in 1881, The Brydone has been at the centre of Oamaru life for over a century. Providing the finest accommodation in the province, award winning food & unbeatable atmosphere. A 206 Thames Street, Oamaru P +64 3 433 0480 E [email protected] W brydonehotel.co.nz

The beautiful Oamaru Opera House stands resplendent in historic Thames Street, an intact, heritage-listed nineteenth century streetscape. Built over a century ago, the Oamaru Opera House has long been a hub for social, political and cultural activity, and continues to be the first choice for quality entertainment, meetings and conferencing in . The Opera House is open to the public 8:30am to 4pm weekdays and 12pm to 1pm Saturdays. Feel free to come in and have a look around. A 90 Thames Street, Oamaru P +64 3 433 0779 W oamaruoperahouse.co.nz

PEN-Y-BRYN LODGE OAMARU

Pen-y-bryn is a luxury lodge housed in a category-one historic estate WAITAKI WATERS HOLIDAY PARK in the beautiful town of Oamaru. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean from its perch atop South Hill, Pen-y-bryn offers exquisite comfort in five individually decorated guest suites, along with gourmet dining prepared Family friendly, pet friendly, budget from local farms and our own gardens. Pen-y-bryn is the perfect base friendly! Multi award winning for an exploration of all that Oamaru and the Waitaki District have holiday park. Cabins, powered and to offer! unpowered sites. 305 Kaik Road, Oamaru A 41 Towey Street, Holmes Hill A +64 3 431 3880 P +64 3 434 7939 P [email protected] E [email protected] E campingoamaru.co.nz W penybryn.co.nz W

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Enjoy heritage PRESENCE ON HARBOUR OAMARU Enjoy heritage Quality NZ made & Kiwiana gifts. Merino possum knitwear by Koru & and nature Native World, and merino garments. and nature New Zealand art & heaps more. Motels | Units | Cabins | Sites A 1 Harbour Street, Oamaru • BBQ area • Free Wifi • Baby bathroom P +64 274 395 170 Motels | Units | Cabins | Sites E [email protected] • BBQChildren’s area •playground Free Wifi •• JumpingBaby bathroom pillow W presenceonharbour.co.nz • Children’sSpa pool • playgroundMiniature Golf • Jumping pillow • SpaWalking pool distance • Miniature to townGolf centre • WalkingTour Booking distance Desk to town centre • Tour Booking Desk WHITESTONE CHEESE CO Oamaru TOP 10 Holiday Park Take a guided tour and relax with a Oamaru TOP 10 Holiday Park cheese board, fresh coffee, or a glass of 0800 280 202 wine at the Whitestone Cheese Store. 30 Chelmer Street 0800 280 202 A 3 Torridge St, Oamaru 30Oamaru Chelmer Street P 0800 892 433 Oamaru E [email protected] oamarutop10.co.nz LL of FAM A E W whitestonecheese.co.nz H • • 2 6 0 1 1 0 2019 7 2

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