Waitaki District Travel Guide

Canterbury

A beach with waves at sunset, a sandy shore, and houses on a hillside in the background.
A jet ski speeding through turquoise water, creating a large splash.
A coastal town with a mountain range in the background and a large body of water.
A multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
A lone tree in a lake with mountains in the background.

Popular cities in Waitaki District

A street with a cafe and a bank.
Oamaru
Known for Cheese, Museums and Art
Relive the grandeur of Victorian-era prosperity and come face-to-face with waddling penguins as you explore North Otago’s largest town.

Reasons to visit

  • Steampunk HQ
  • Oamaru Harbour
  • Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
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A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, cliffs, and rolling hills in the background.
Moeraki
Known for Monuments
Trip time! Discover the monuments in Moeraki.

Reasons to visit

  • Moeraki Lighthouse
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Rocky formations with seaweed along a coastal area.
Shag Point
Known for Natural parks
Shag Point awaits: its parks and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Shag Point Scenic Reserve
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A beach with large boulders and a hillside with sparse vegetation.
Hampden
Known for Natural parks and Beaches
Experience Hampden: its parks, beaches and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Moeraki Boulders
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A snowy mountain range with a herd of sheep grazing in a field.
Kakanui
Head to Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony and Oamaru Harbour—just two of the sights around Kakanui.
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A sandy beach with scattered driftwood and sparse vegetation.
Awamoa
Check out the local area in Awamoa as you venture to sights like Bushy Beach.
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Stay near popular Waitaki District attractions

A road with a green van, signs indicating 'PENGUINS CROSSING' and 'SLOW', and a speed limit sign of 30.
Photo by YoungAdventuress
Open Photo by YoungAdventuress

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

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Explore the great outdoors at Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, a lovely green space in Oamaru. Amble around the area's marina or experience its museums.
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