Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WAITAKI DISTRICT
The broad, braided Waitaki River provides a clear dividing line between Otago and Canter-
bury to the region's north. The Waitaki Valley is a direct but less-travelled route from the
Southern Alps to the sea, featuring freaky limestone formations, Maori rock paintings and
ancient fossils. The area is also one of NZ's newest winemaking regions, and a major com-
ponent of the new Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail (
Click here
)
that links Aoraki/Mt Cook Na-
tional Park to Oamaru on the coast. The district's main town, Oamaru, is a place of pen-
guins and glorious heritage architecture.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Omarama
POP 267
At the head of the Waitaki Valley, Omarama is surrounded by mountain ranges and fab-
ulous landscapes. Busy times in this sleepy place include the rodeo (28 December) and the
sheepdog trials (March).
Sights & Activities
Clay Cliffs Paritea
This bizarre moonscape is the result of two million years of erosion on layers of silt and
gravel that were exposed along the active Ostler fault line. The cliffs are on private land;
before setting out, pay the $5 vehicle admission fee at Omarama Hot Tubs. To get to the
area, head north from town for 4km on SH8, turn left onto Quailburn Rd, and then turn left
after 4km onto unsealed Henburn Rd.
LANDMARK
Wrinkly Rams
( 03-438 9751;
www.thewrinklyrams.co.nz
;
24 Omarama Ave; adult/child $20/10)
A regular stop for tour
buses, Wrinkly Rams stages 30-minute shearing and sheepdog shows, including lamb-feed-
ing in season. Phone ahead to tag along with a tour group, or book your own one-off show.
Attached is one of Omarama's better
cafes
(mains $7-25;
FARM
)
.
7am-4.30pm;
Omarama Hot Tubs
SPA
