The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is New Zealand’s largest scientifically monitored blue penguin colony. You can see the birds in their breeding area in day tours or view the penguins coming ashore at dusk. Walk Bushy Beach to the viewing platform and see Yellow Eyed penguins come ashore before dusk.

Shag Point has both fur seal and yellow eyed penguin colonies that you can explore along the coastline.

The district has a range of camping facilities including camping areas beside the wonderful hydro dam lakes.

View some of New Zealand’s most interesting land formations at Clay Cliffs (Omarama), Elephant Rocks (Duntroon) and Moeraki Boulders (Moeraki).

The district is home to some incredible fossils that have been preserved by the Historic Places Trust, a trail starting at Duntroon and winding through the Valley is a must see.

Oamaru has one of the oldest and most well established gardens in New Zealand.

The district has some incredible cycle trails and walkways that are waiting to be explored. For more information please visit the Oamaru i-SITE.

Go on a fishing charter at Moeraki and fish for blue cod. On return to Moeraki dine at world famous ‘Fleurs Place’ which is right on the ocean. The beautiful braided Waitaki river provides an opportunity to fish for salmon or trout.

Get close to nature on an abseiling or rock climbing adventure with Vertical Ventures.

The three hydro dam lakes – Waitaki, Aviemore and Benmore are a paradise for those with access to a boat for fishing or other recreational pursuits.

If you want to see a working farm in action then a stay at Dome Hills high country station comes with a complementary tour of their working farm.

Along the coastline from Oamaru to Dunedin are some of the most untouched and unspoilt beaches in New Zealand. For a frolic in the Ocean or a beach walk to yourself, stop in along the coast for some time out.