Waitaki NZ

Waitaki NZ Come Discover Ōamaru & Waitaki - penguins, heritage, wild landscapes and adventures worth wandering for.
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This page is operated by Tourism Waitaki, the Regional Tourism Organisation for the Waitaki District. Welcome to the Waitaki...

From our beautiful coastline, unique wildlife and interesting geological curiosities, through some of New Zealand’s best Victorian streetscapes and wonderfully quirky cultural attractions, to the vines, lakes and dramatic seasonal landscapes of the Waitaki Valley...

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land overflowing with historic treasures, natural marvels, outright adventure and absolute family fun, the Waitaki has the perfect blend of adventure, leisure, recreation and relaxation for you to enjoy. Come see for yourself - come play, come discover, come explore!!

Established in 1877, The Criterion Hotel Bar and Eatery in Ōamaru is one of the most recognised heritage buildings in Ne...
31/08/2026

Established in 1877, The Criterion Hotel Bar and Eatery in Ōamaru is one of the most recognised heritage buildings in New Zealand.

Stop in for a drink, enjoy a delicious meal, or head down for their Sunday Roast from 12pm onwards.

Criterion Hotel

We might be a little bias, but we’re pretty sure it doesn’t get much better than this! Hot Tubs Omarama
27/08/2026

We might be a little bias, but we’re pretty sure it doesn’t get much better than this!

Hot Tubs Omarama

Meet kororā - the world's smallest penguin, standing just 30cm tall and calling Ōamaru home 🐧 Every evening viewing her...
25/08/2026

Meet kororā - the world's smallest penguin, standing just 30cm tall and calling Ōamaru home 🐧

Every evening viewing here supports a genuine conservation story: an on-site research scientist, a rehab programme for sick and injured birds, and decades of protecting this thriving colony.
Come for the waddle, stay for the science. 🐧💙

Find out more Ōamaru Penguins

It’s nearly September. Make the most of the last winter days at Ōhau Snow Fields. An absolute Waitaki winter staple 🏂 La...
19/08/2026

It’s nearly September. Make the most of the last winter days at Ōhau Snow Fields. An absolute Waitaki winter staple 🏂

Lake Ōhau Lodge & Ōhau Snow Fields

One of New Zealand's Great Rides, and in winter it's practically all yours! Fewer riders, crisp mountain air, and some o...
17/08/2026

One of New Zealand's Great Rides, and in winter it's practically all yours! Fewer riders, crisp mountain air, and some of the South Island's most spectacular scenery to yourself - from the peaks of Aoraki all the way to the Ōamaru coast.

Find out more at alps2ocean.com
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

After a day out in the snow, there's no better place to relax than sitting by the fire at Lakefront Ōhau. Grab a good bo...
12/08/2026

After a day out in the snow, there's no better place to relax than sitting by the fire at Lakefront Ōhau. Grab a good book, pour a glass of your favourite, and soak in the views.

Running through the Historic Precinct and down to the harbour, Ōamaru Steam & Rail offers a fun yet relaxed way to see t...
10/08/2026

Running through the Historic Precinct and down to the harbour, Ōamaru Steam & Rail offers a fun yet relaxed way to see the town from a completely different angle.

Hop aboard and let the region roll past your window.

Oamaru Steam and Rail

We are a volunteer group that runs vintage trains around Oamaru's famous Victorian Heritage Precinct and Harbour. The…

It’s National Book Lovers Day! Did you know that during the summer months you can explore the childhood home of one of ...
08/08/2026

It’s National Book Lovers Day!

Did you know that during the summer months you can explore the childhood home of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated writers, Janet Frame?

For more info check out Janet Frame House

TGIF.. and International Beer Day. Looking for a locally crafted beer in Ōamaru? Craftwork Brewery and Scotts Brewing c...
07/08/2026

TGIF.. and International Beer Day.

Looking for a locally crafted beer in Ōamaru? Craftwork Brewery and Scotts Brewing co. will have you sorted 🍻

Craftwork Brewery

Visiting Ōamaru during the weekend? Add the Ōamaru Farmers Market to your Sunday morning agenda. Local growers, artisan ...
05/08/2026

Visiting Ōamaru during the weekend?

Add the Ōamaru Farmers Market to your Sunday morning agenda. Local growers, artisan makers, and a community that genuinely loves what it does.

On every Sunday 9:30am- 1pm.

Address

Oamaru

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