tourismwaitaki

Celebrate World Penguin Day in the Waitaki

Every year on April 25th the world raises a glass to the penguin, the adorable seabird whose existence is on the edge. We wouldn’t know waddle do without them. Luckily, here in the Waitaki District we have lots of opportunities to learn about and admire our tuxedoed friends. So, put

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The Goldfields Cavalcade adventure

The horses trekked across the Otago goldfields and the cyclists pedalled. The high country ahead was a long stretch, rugged, and beautiful. Early in March, the Goldfields Cavalcade transported horse riders, walkers, runners, and 51 cyclists back to the days of damper and mutton for lunch, saloons, and gold pans

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Harbour Street Jazz and Blues Festival 2021

Otago Anniversary weekend in Oamaru saw the small seaside town overflow with soaring pipes, harmonica, and guitar. The Oamaru Licencing Trust Harbour Street Jazz and Blues Festival showcased the best jazz talent from Oamaru and beyond. Jazz was lavished across cafes, hotels, restaurants and swung about in breweries, galleries, and

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Celebrating iconic women of Ōamaru

3.82 billion exist. Today’s the day to mark their achievements. It’s International Women’s Day. We’re celebrating by focusing on three unstoppable women who have called Ōamaru home. These women who had struggles (mental health, disabilities, and yes, the patriarchy) but nevertheless they persisted to make a profound difference to their

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Celebrate NZ Children’s Day in the Waitaki

Once upon a time there was a small girl and a small boy who visited the same playground in their village every Te Rā O Ngā Tamariki – Children’s Day. Come March 7th, the two would slide and swing and seesaw. But this year, something was different. They knew every

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Celebrate Wildlife Day in the Waitaki

When you chat with outdoorsy people, animal lovers, adventurers, swapping stories of hikes and creatures in the wild, you might discover there’s beauty in your backyard you just took for granted. In honour of World Wildlife Day, now is the perfect time to explore the far reaches of the Waitaki

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What’s 5 Stars and Free? The Oamaru Public Gardens

There’s a utopia hidden away in Ōamaru that has often been overlooked, but no more! The Oamaru Public Gardens have received a 5 star ‘Garden of National Significance’ rating. Following an on-site assessment, the gardens were evaluated on landscaping and planting design, horticultural maintenance, visitor experience and wow factor. Praising

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Riding the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail for a good cause

“If you’re really fit it’s a good challenge to do.” Wayne Munn said of his recent tour de force in determination. He wasn’t talking about mere squats or push-ups. Wayne and his friend Ben Washington rode the entirety of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail in one day, raising money

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Here Comes the Sunflowers

It’s time to put the petal to the metal! Head out to Topflite’s sunflowers while the fields are still in full bloom—harvesting will begin in March. The vivid flowers are planted in a different location every year to avoid build up of diseases in the soil, and this time they

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