Dunedin
- Oamaru
119 km (74 miles)
Approximately 1.5 hours
Road Conditions: Motorway/State Highway
In the late 19th century, Dunedin acquired an impressive amount of ostentatious Victorian architecture. No expense was spared. Today you can enjoy the historic public buildings, imposing churches, palatial homes and ornate hotels. There’s even a castle. Eco-tourism is the other face of Dunedin – visit penguin, albatross and seal colonies.
Your journey north is flavoured with history. The town of Palmerston has a museum devoted to the region’s Scottish past. After visiting the mysterious spherical boulders at Moeraki, you could pick up some interesting, ancient stones on the beach at Hampden. Clark’s Mill is next - a limestone flourmill built in 1866. Just before Oamaru is Totara Estate Centennial Park, where you can see restored 1860s farm buildings.
Oamaru has a population of around 12,000 and an impressive heritage. Many of the elegant historic buildings were made from the local sandstone. Visit the Harbour-Tyne area - the best-preserved collection of historic commercial buildings in New Zealand. You should also check out the penguin colony, the museum and the pretty public gardens.
Scenic Highlights
South Hill and Skyline Walks
Work up an appetite with one of Oamaru's scenic walks. Choose the challenging Skyline Walk or the relatively easy South Hill Walkway.
Karitane
Walk, swim, surf, fish or simply relax in this picturesque village on the coast north of Dunedin.
Totara Estate
Explore four carefully restored stone farm buildings and find out about farming life in the 1800s.
St Clair Beach
Only minutes from the city centre, this sweeping surf beach is a place to walk, swim, surf or dine out.
Mount Cargill
Walk to the top of Mount Cargill and enjoy spectacular views of Dunedin, the coast and the surrounding countryside.
Tunnel Beach Walkway
Explore the sea-carved sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves at Tunnel Beach; look for fossils as you descend through the pioneers' hand-carved tunnel.
University of Otago
Of all New Zealand's cities, Dunedin has the largest concentration of grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings. The university's clock tower is a particularly handsome architectural landmark.
Spying on the Little Blue Penguins
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony offers a unique opportunity to observe the world's smallest penguin.
Dunedin Railway Station
Marvel at the size, architecture and rich embellishments of Dunedin Railway Station - it's the grandest 'Gingerbread House' you'll ever see.
Dunedin's inner city heritage walks
Two inner city heritage walks make it easy to explore Dunedin's outstanding collection of Victorian and Edwardian buildings.
Middlemarch
Experience the Central Otago wilderness by making the charming town of Middlemarch your local base for hiking, biking and river fishing.
Dunedin Botanic Garden
Enjoy native birdsong and hillside views as you encounter more than 6,800 plant species in Dunedin's beautiful 28 hectare botanic garden.
Glenfalloch Woodland Garden
Follow the trails around beautiful Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, which has been has been named a "Garden of Regional Significance" by the New Zealand Garden Trust.
Harbour & Tyne Historic Precinct
Steam train rides and a lively market make Sundays fun in Oamaru's Harbour & Tyne Historic Precinct.
Moeraki Boulders
You simply can't drive along the North Otago coast without stopping to stare at the Moeraki Boulders - they're amazing!
Oamaru Public Gardens
A botanical wonderland from Victorian days, the Oamaru Public Gardens are a beautiful place to stroll and dream.
Otago Peninsula
Put a day aside to explore Otago Peninsula, where eco-experiences range from penguin and fur seal colonies to the toe-tingling cliffs of The Chasm and Lovers Leap.
Pineapple Track
Hike along the Pineapple Track high above Dunedin and enjoy magnificent views of the city and Taieri Plains.
Activities
Dunedin - Coastal Otago
Bird Watching (5),
Heritage Attractions (8),
Penguins (4)
Tour and Sightseeing
Dunedin - Coastal Otago
Bird Watching (2),
Heritage Attractions (4),
Penguins (2)
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