Coastal North Otago
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Palmerston Moeraki Lighthouse Moeraki Fishing Charters Moeraki Boulders Hampden Sculpture Park Coastal Walk Coastal Life Coastal Beaches Bushy Beach Sealion Coastal Otago

Coastal North Otago

The coastline between Oamaru and Palmerston offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, uncrowded beaches and a host of friendly townships each with their own unique character. The world famous Moeraki boulders are the gateway to the Moeraki village where fishing charters are available and an incredible seafood restaurant right on the ocean. Visitors can explore second hand and vintage shops in coastal towns, see an outdoor sculpture park, do a tour at a working gold mine or wander down to seal and yellow eyed penguin colonies on the coast. The coastal road is well worth exploring, to get off the beaten track and see one of New Zealand’s most unspoilt coastlines.

Kakanui
Kakanui

The small town of Kakanui lies on the coast, 14km south of Oamaru. Campbells Bay is developed as a collection of holiday homes and some permanent residents who enjoy incredible ocean views and the perfect holiday destination.

Campbells Bay provides the surfable break and a safe swimming beach. The beach is approximately 2km long and the Southern end is known as All Day Bay and provides a more sheltered spot.

Kakanui’s rich soil suits intensive horticulture. The township contains a number of glasshouses, primarily used for growing tomatoes. The surrounding land features market gardens growing a large number of vegetables. There are roadside stalls in Kakanui selling fresh produce. Kakanui has a reputation for selling its new season potatoes, which sell throughout the country.

Maheno
Maheno

Just ten minutes south of Oamaru, Maheno is known for its collection of charming churches and Clarks Mill, a New Zealand historic places site. From Maheno visitors can take a winding inland route through farmland to Livingston, Danseys Pass, Duntroon or the Waitaki Valley.

 
Herbert
Herbert

Herbert is a quaint village set on sheltered hills and named after British Secretary of War, Sidney Herbert. The original Maori name Otepopo is still used by the local school and stone Church.

A large forest plantation is a drawcard for hunters and trampers. Close to Herbert, Waianakarua is home to the oldest stone bridge still used on a New Zealand highway. An historic mill house provides dining and accommodation facilities while the nearby Waianakarua River provides swimming and picnic spots.

Hampden
Hampden

Thirty minutes south of Oamaru, Hampden offers a beachside camping ground, stores, tavern and fish and chip shops serving the freshest fish on the coast. Stop for a crayfish in season, or view the unique outdoor sculpture park.

Moeraki
Moeraki

Moeraki is best known for the Moeraki Boulders, which were formed around 60 million years ago and are strewn along the beach. The sea is slowly eroding the boulders and uncovering new ones – some up to four metres in circumference.

The charming fishing village of Moeraki was used by Europeans as an early whaling station. Today Moeraki is home to permanent and temporary residents who enjoy sublime views of the Pacific ocean, accommodation and dining facilities including the world famous Fleurs Place on the waterfront.

There are two companies in Moeraki who do fishing charters where you can go out and catch blue cod for dinner.

Moeraki is also home to iwi Te Runanga o Moeraki and is a popular launching pad for fishing boats.

Palmerston
Palmerston

Palmerston’s main landmark is Puketapu (the sacred hill) a monument to early politician, Sir John McKenzie. Palmerston is a hub for travellers offering a visitors centre, many cafes and dining options, and collection of boutique shops. The town is steeped in history and is the gateway to the Otago Goldfields heritage trail.

Macraes Flat
Macraes Flat

The Macraes area was originally settled by farmers in the 1850s and later by gold miners following the discovery of gold in the 1860s. Visitors go there today to do tours of the current working gold mine which accounts for 50% of the country’s gold production.

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