Oamaru, situated between Dunedin and Timaru on the east coast of the South Island, is the largest town in North Otago.
Otago’s richest resource is its history. The area contains several valuable pre-European archaeological sites, some dating back nearly a thousand years. These include some of the best-preserved Maori rock drawings in the country.
The town prides itself on its Historic Precinct, where many nineteenth century buildings have been beautifully restored. Many are built from the local Oamaru stone. There’s also a vintage train that runs from the Precinct down to the harbour.
Every November Oamaru celebrates Heritage Week, complete with a Penny Farthing race day.
Oamaru is home to colonies of both Yellow-Eyed and Little Blue penguins. The penguins can be watched from hides on the beach.South of Oamaru you will find the Moeraki boulders, a collection of uncannily round boulders which litter the beach and Moeraki, some nearly two metres across.
