PRINT MODULESection One Dunedin + Coastal Otago
SECTION ONE: PAGE FOUR
Coastal Otago - Waitaki Region
Oamaru
Situated 1 hour, 30 mins drive north of Dunedin or four hours south of Christchurch.
- Oamaru's historic limestone (whitestone) precinct: buildings featuring Oamaru stone, a form of local limestone.
- Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony: penguins come ashore at dusk in this colony situated in the local harbour area.
- Oamaru Public Gardens: dating back to 1876, including a lovely Japanese bridge, fragrant garden and Cactus House.
Moeraki
Situated 30 minutes south of Oamaru or one hour and 10 minutes north of Dunedin
This region is home to the Moeraki Boulders. Their history goes back as far as the legendary Arai-te-uru canoe, wrecked along the coast while searching for the precious stone of Te Wai Pounamu.
The reef, which extends seaward near Shag Point represents the hull of the canoe. The huge boulders strewn along Moeraki Beach represent the eel baskets… and the strangely shaped irregular rocks, the kumara (sweet potatoes).
Some of the crew reached land safely, but were overtaken by dawn and turned into hills which bear their names.
South Otago
The Catlins
The Catlins region stretches from Kaka Point to Fortrose and is situated 112 km / 70 miles from Dunedin. It is an area of significant native forest and rocky bush fringed coastline.
- Home to an abundance of wildlife - at dusk along coast visitors can view seals and penguins.
- Rare marine animals can be found - three penguin species (including hoiho, the yellow-eyed penguin), Hooker's sea lions, Hector's dolphins, elephant seals and New Zealand fur seals.
- Of international geological significance is Curio Bay's 160-million-year-old fossilised forest, best viewed at low tide.
- Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail - a short detour off the Southern Scenic Route, the trail takes approximately five hours (including all the walks). It can be accessed from the Fortrose Cemetery, 50 km / 31 miles from Invercargill.
Central Otago
Inland from Dunedin is the area known as Central Otago. It has a true continental climate - hot in summer, cold in winter. Here pinot noir flourishes alongside fruit orchards. Follow a wine trail and check out Old Cromwell - a shopping and heritage experience rolled into one.
The Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail
Allow a day for a round trip from Dunedin through Alexandra and back on SH 85, via Ranfurly and Palmerston. The trail follows the old gold routes that miners took. The main highways are sealed, but some old mining sites are on gravel side roads. The Goldfields Heritage Trail is being progressively sign-posted, and is identified by the distinctive gold and black gold-panning miner logo on pioneer-red flag signs.
Central Otago Rail Trail
www.centralotagorailtrail.co.nz
The Otago Central Rail Trail is a unique recreational facility preserving, largely intact, an important part of Otago’s history. The 150km section of former railway line has been redeveloped by the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust and the Department of Conservation for use by walkers, cyclists and horse riders who can enjoy the unique Central Otago scenery and experience a sense of remoteness and history in the South Island of New Zealand. Visitors can hire bikes from Dunedin.
More information
For more details on the region and for contact details of tourism operators, visit either Tourism New Zealand's consumer website www.newzealand.com or www.dunedinnz.com - a website designed by Tourism Dunedin, Dunedin's Regional Tourism Organisation.
