Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sea Lions
Sea lions are most easily seen on a tour, but are regularly present at Sandfly Bay,
Allans Beach and Victory Beach on the Otago Peninsula. They are predominantly
bachelor males vacationing from Campbell Island or the Auckland Islands. Give
them plenty of space, as these powerful beasts can really motor over the first 20m.
Vertical Ventures
CYCLING, ROCK CLIMBING
( 03-434 5010;
www.verticalventures.co.nz
)
Rent a mountain bike (from $40 per day), or
join guided mountain-biking trips, including the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail (seven days
including transport, food and accommodation $2700) and helibiking day trips (from
$415). The 'vertical' part comes in the form of rock climbing (from $140 per person).
Tours
Penguins Crossing
WILDLIFE TOUR
( 03-437 0753;
www.travelheadfirst.com
;
adult/child $55/20)
Door-to-door tour taking in
the blue and yellow-eyed colonies. Price includes standard admission to the blue-penguin
colony.
Festivals & Events
Oamaru Wine & Food Festival
WINE, FOOD
(
www.oamaruwineandfoodfest.co.nz
)
Showcasing North Otago's food and wine scene. On the
third Sunday in February.
Victorian Heritage Celebrations
CULTURE
(
www.vhc.co.nz
)
Five days of costumed hijinks, culminating in a grand fete. In mid-
November.
Sleeping
Old Bones Backpackers
HOSTEL $
( 03-434 8115;
www.oldbones.co.nz
; Beach Rd; r $90, campervan per person $20; )
About 5km south of Oamaru on the coast road, this top-notch dorm-free hostel has spa-
