Oamaru and Moeraki Boulders

Oamaru is a quaint seaside ton about 90 minutes north of Dunedin. Discover a land of enchantment, where grand 19th century Victorian buildings sit comfortably next to fun and funky modern art, cute little penguins, Maori legends and spectacular vistas all vie for attention. Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony in Oamaru’s historic harbour is a world leading conservation and research facility. Adult birds come ashore between May and June to find the perfect nesting site and lay two eggs from August to November. See this nocturnal bird at the ‘blue wing’ viewing facility. You may see young chicks busily eating or parents preparing a nest. Take a short walking tour of Oamaru’s historic precinct, a 2015 winner of a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Stroll past acclaimed 19th century structures and the Steampunk Train, inspired by the writing of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, and a quirky and fun genre of science fiction featuring steam-powered technology. The Otago Coast is a dramatic stretch of coastline through some of the most diverse landscapes. The Moeraki Boulders are geological wonders measuring 2.7 metres in circumference, 1.8 metres tall and weigh several tons. According to Maori legend, the gigantic spherical stones are the washed-up remains of food baskets from a large canoe that sailed from Hawaiki and perished at sea. The unusual rocks were created about 60 million years ago and are the result of erosion, time and concretion.

Photography

Please bring your camera!

Refreshments

Enjoy lunch at your own cost