Riverstone Kitchen
Riverstone Kitchen has become a destination for lucky locals, food-loving kiwis, and international visitors alike. And…
Embark on an experience through time and nature as you journey along the Waitaki coastline. This itinerary offers a delightful mix of historical exploration, encounters with unique wildlife, and coastal scenic beauty.
Indulge in regional produce
Just north of Ōamaru on SH1 is the award-winning restaurant, Riverstone Kitchen. Walk through the accompanying gardens, where all the restaurants' vegetables are grown, the Riverstone Country gift shops, enjoy the playground and explore the bird aviaries.
From March to May each year, the Riverstone Castle is open to visitors to explore. Bookings are essential.
1431 Glenavy-Hilderthorpe Road, Waitaki Bridge
Explore the Victorian Precinct
As you wander through the streets of Ōamaru, take a step back in time and wander through the delights of Harbour Street, Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct. This is some of New Zealand’s most complete Victorian Streetscapes.
Steampunk HQ offers an interactive museum which allows for exploration and discovery of the ‘alternate and futuristic’ version of 19th century Victorian England.
1 Humber Street, Ōamaru
Visit the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Some of Ōamaru’s smallest residents spend much of their time at sea during the day but visiting the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony should be high on your list.
You can visit the colony at any time of day but the highlight would be that every evening, you can watch as the little blue penguins waddle back to shore after a day of fishing.
The Blue Penguin colony is a natural protected habitat with a special day viewing area, where you can explore the nesting area and visitors can learn about the research and conservation.
17 Waterfront Road, Ōamaru
Enjoy vistas at Ōamaru Lookout
Head up to the Ōamaru Lookout Point for an excellent view over this beautiful seaside town and snap a pic at the world cities distance sign.
1 Tamar Street, Ōamaru
Spot wildlife at Bushy Beach
Continue on to the end of Bushy Beach Road and follow the track to spot New Zealand fur seals and the rarest penguin in the world, the yellow-eyed penguin, from this short cliff-top walk.
The beach is closed after 3pm to avoid disrupting the penguins coming ashore. However, there is a purpose-built viewing hide in which visitors can watch the yellow eyed penguins cross the beach to return home for the evening.
89 Bushy Beach Road, Ōamaru
Stay in luxurious historic homes
Spend a night in Ōamaru’s first stone dwelling built in 1861, Casa Nova House. This luxurious bed and breakfast is yours to enjoy with elegantly appointed guest rooms, sea views and private surrounds.
1 Alt Street, Ōamaru
Alternatively, Pen-y-bryn Lodge waits to impress. Reputed to be the largest single-storey timber dwelling in Australasia, the house has kept true to its Victorian heritage and today offers discerning guests the perfect combination of old world elegance and modern amenities.
41 Towey Street, Ōamaru
Visit Totara Estate
Totara Estate is a crucial part of New Zealand’s agricultural history being the birthplace of the country’s billion dollar frozen meat industry.
Now operating as a museum, you can take a tour of this heritage sire and hear about the big idea that launched New Zealand farming onto the world stage and changed its fortune forever.
565 Alma-Maheno Road, Ōamaru
See the Moeraki Boulders
Follow the coastal road South as you head towards Dunedin. This drive is very picturesque and make sure you leave time to stop at Moeraki Boulders to view the mysteriously spherical stones scattered along the shore. Best viewing is during low tide.
Conveniently located just off SH1 after the Hampden township, it is a short 5-10 minute walk from the public carpark to the Boulders.
Moeraki Boulders Road, Hampden
Lunch at The Fishwife
With views over Moeraki Bay, The Fishwife is a must visit for seafood lovers. Owned and operated by locals John and Nicky, The Fishwife celebrates simple kai moana and sea to shore goodness – freshly caught crayfish, blue cod and pāua patties are the menu’s stars.
Only open Friday to Sunday, make sure to plan ahead so you don’t miss out!
145 Haven Street, Moeraki
Immerse yourself in nature at Trotters Gorge
Trotters Gorge is a beautiful area of old growth forest, with crystal clear streams and some great views from the bluffs. Come back at night and you will find a completely different world, with the forest and riverbanks illuminated by hundreds and hundreds of glow worms!
Trotters Gorge Road, Hillgrove
From here, you can continue South to Dunedin or take the road inland towards Naseby.
