Dunedin to Christchurch via Oamaru route planner
This classic itinerary will inspire you with dramatic coastal views, rare birdlife and surprising pockets of art, architecture and gourmet cuisine.
- Minimum Length: 388km
- Minimum Duration: 1 day
- Start: Dunedin or Christchurch
- Finish: Christchurch or Dunedin
Trip Planner
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Dunedin
A fresh view at every turn A fresh view at every turn
- Dunedin - Coastal Otago attractions
- Find accommodation in Dunedin
- Find a rental car or motorhome in Dunedin
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.
Hidden Gem: Moeraki Boulders
Moeraki Boulders Moeraki Boulders
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.
Oamaru
Enjoying the view of the Canterbury Plains. Enjoying the view of the Canterbury Plains.
Oamaru boasts some of New Zealand's best 19th century architecture including the Opera House, Forrester Gallery and Victorian Precinct. A highlight on Oamaru's event calendar is the Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations in November which include the Grand Street Parade, concerts and penny farthing racing.
Take advantage of Oamaru’s wonderful restaurant scene which includes Riverstone Kitchen – Cuisine New Zealand's Best Casual Dining Restaurant of the year 2010/2011. And for some award winning cheeses, head to the Whitestone Cheese Factory.
Our tip: Don't miss the penguins!
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.
Timaru
Foodies' Highlights from Mid Canterbury Foodies' Highlights from Mid Canterbury
Hidden gem: Te Ana Rock Art
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.
Ashburton
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.
Christchurch
The Cashel Mall Restart project - a mall made of shipping containers. The Cashel Mall Restart project - a mall made of shipping containers.
- Christchurch and Canterbury attractions
- Find accommodation in Christchurch
- Find a rental car or motorhome in Christchurch
Where to next?
From Christchurch you could go north to Marlborough and Nelson, south towards Queenstown or straight across to the West Coast.
