Dunedin & Otago
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Dunedin & Otago
Includes Why Go? Omarama...... 183 Otago has attractions both urban and rural, ranging from Waitaki Valley...... 185 quirky towns to world-class wineries and some of the coun- Oamaru ...... 186 try’s most accessible wildlife. Its historic heart is Dunedin, Moeraki ...... 191 home to a vibrant student culture and arts scene. From the town’s stately Edwardian train station it’s possible to catch Dunedin...... 192 the famous Taieri Gorge Railway inland, and continue on Otago Peninsula. . . . 202 two wheels along the craggily scenic Otago Central Rail Trail. Naseby...... 207 Those seeking colonial New Zealand can soak up the Lauder, Omakau frontier atmosphere of gold-rush towns such as Clyde, St Ba- & Ophir...... 208 thans, Naseby and cute-as-a-button Ophir. For wildlife, head Alexandra...... 208 to the Otago Peninsula, where penguins, albatross, sea lions and seals are easily sighted. Seaside Oamaru has a wonder- Clyde ...... 211 ful historic precinct, resident penguin colonies and a quirky Cromwell...... 212 devotion to steampunk culture. Unhurried and overflowing with picturesque scenery, Otago is generous to explorers who are after a more leisure- ly style of holiday. Best Places to Eat ¨¨Riverstone Kitchen (p191) ¨¨Fleur’s Place (p192) When to Go ¨ ¨¨No 7 Balmac (p199) ¨February and March have settled, sunny weather (usually…), and the juicy appeal of fresh apricots, peaches ¨¨Bracken (p199) and cherries. ¨¨Otago Farmers Market ¨¨At Easter, hook yourself a ‘Southern Man’ at the (p198) Middlemarch Singles Ball, or drown your sorrows at the Clyde Wine & Food Festival. ¨¨Take to two wheels on the Otago Central Rail Trail during Best Places to the quieter month of September. Sleep ¨¨In November, watch the pros battle it out on the Highlands ¨¨Pen-y-bryn Lodge (p190) Motorsport Park, then ride graciously into the past on a ¨¨Oliver’s (p211) penny farthing bicycle at Oamaru’s Victorian Heritage Celebrations. ¨¨Pitches Store (p208) ¨¨Old Bones Backpackers (p189) ¨¨Kiwi’s Nest (p197) 183 Dunedin & Otago WGettiOmaaitraamangki DistriTherec &t Away
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Getting There & Away Getting There & Away 8 8 he only train services are heritage trips he only rail service is the S he main bus routes follow SH 196 T T T WAITAKI DISTRICT WAITAKI POP 267 (p flies to Wellington and Auckland train that heads between Dunedin and Oamaru Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, and Jetstar airnewzealand get to the area, head north To Tubs. ma Hot from town for 3km on SH8, turn left onto services pass through Omarama on their journey Christchurch and Queenstown/Wanaka between No buses traverse the Waitaki Valley Paritea Cliffs Clay (Henburn R of million years scape is the result of two were that of silt and gravel erosion on layers exposed active along the Ostler fault line. land; before setting are on private The cliffs Omara at admission fee the vehicle out, pay 1 At the head of the Waitaki Valley, Omarama Valley, At the head of the Waitaki and fab is surrounded by mountain ranges ulous landscapes. Busy times in this sleepy place include the rodeo (28 December) and the sheepdog trials (March). Omarama Buses stop in Oamaru and Moeraki, en route from Christchurch to Dunedin and T ki/Mt Cook National Park to Oamaru on the Park ki/Mt Cook National town, Oamaru, is main coast. The district’s glorious heritagepenguins and a place of architecture. The broad, braided Waitaki River provides River The Waitaki broad, braided and Otago a clear dividing line between north. The Waita Canterbury to the region’s route is a direct less-travelled but ki Valley to the sea, featuringfrom the Southern Alps freaky limestone formations, fossils. Thepaintings and ancient area is Māori rock newest winemaking regions, also one of NZ’s of the newand a major component 2 Alps (p175 Trail Cycle Ocean 8 . Palmerston to din Air New Zealand 8