Dunedin to Christchurch via Oamaru route planner

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Moeraki Boulders A fresh view at every turn kaka encounter Moeraki Boulders Foodies' Highlights from Mid Canterbury High Country Planking Inside the Cockpit - Southern DC3

By Frédérique in NZ By Julian Apse By Orokonui Eco-Sanctuary By Michael Dawes By Mid Canterbury New Zealand By Mid Canterbury New Zealand By Mid Canterbury New Zealand

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If you want to be surprised by unexpected beauty en route, this classic itinerary is for you.

Dunedin - Oamaru

This roadtrip captures a potpourri of breathtaking coastal scenery, rare wildlife, gourmet delights and hidden gems that combine to inspire a precious getaway. 

Keep your camera handy because Dunedin offers plenty of photo opportunities and reasons to stop on the road ahead. 

Leave Dunedin via Port Chalmers. The road passes Orokonui Eco-Sanctuary - a 300 hectare, wildlife sanctuary. Orokonui is home to many of New Zealand's native birds and reptiles, including the kiwi. Stop for a walk, or a quick coffee in their visitor centre.

The route continues along the coast. The singular beauty of Karitane, Waikouati and Kakanui will leave you speechless – again and again – as you pass these breath-taking white sand beaches.  Make sure you see one New Zealand’s great natural wonders ... the Moeraki Boulders have been perfectly rounded over millions of years old and strewn across the beach, just waiting for your own photo call.  

Just around the corner, at Katiki Point, you’ll find fur seals and yellow-eyed penguin colonies resting on the rocks alongside the Moeraki Lighthouse. At Oamaru – just 30km north – if you’re on the spot at twilight, you can see the evening pilgrimage of little blue (fairy) penguins returning to their nests after a day in the ocean.

Oamaru is a stunning town that’s worthy of a day or two of your time. Oamaru recently described by author, journalist, public speaker and ex Australian rugby international Peter FitzSimons “as New Zealand’s best kept secret, which is itself the world’s best kept secret”.    

Oamaru boasts some of  New Zealand's best 19th century architecture including the famous Opera House, Forrester Gallery and a visit to the working Victorian Precinct adjacent to one of New Zealand's oldest harbours is a must. A highlight on Oamaru's event calendar is the Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations 16-20 November showcasing a myriad of events including the Grand Street Parade, concerts, penny farthing racing in the Victorian Precinct, Heritage Picnic Races at the Race Course and Celebrations High Tea at the magnificent Pen-y-bryn Lodge. 

Around the pretty harbour is the world famous Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony – a must see attraction with day tours and nightly viewing of the birds coming ashore.

You will be treated to Oamaru’s wonderful restaurants including Riverstone Kitchen -Cuisine New Zealand Best Casual Dining Restaurant of the year 2010/2011, cafes & bars complimenting the regions extraordinary cuisine offerings.  Award winning cheese awaits you at the Whitestone Cheese Factory. And don’t miss out on a Steampunk experience while you are here! 

Oamaru - Timaru - Ashburton - Christchurch

Carry on north and you’ll detect the aroma of stunning fare and delectable produce. From Olive Groves to free range Pork, you can indulge in local flavours on two of the Canterbury Food & Wine Trails that capture the best tastes of the regions.

Having satisfied your appetite, you may be tempted to discover South Canterbury’s best kept secret – a selection of Maori rock art sites. The superb Te Ana Rock Art Centre in Timaru offers a window into the rich culture of the South Island Maori tribe Ngai Tahu via an interactive voyage. 

With Christchurch less than two hours away, you’ll have time to stroll around Ashburton and chat to the charming locals at the aviation museum where you’ll uncover fascinating relics of aviation and transport history – a surprising and unique experience. If your lucky you may even bump into the All Blacks rugby team captain Ritchie McCaw who is patron of the museums DC3 aircraft.

At the end of this drive Christchurch will welcome you with open arms. There is lots to do in the “Garden City” so come and stay a night or two.