Find your escape in Waitaki and get lost in the magical surroundings of the region. The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark will transport you into a world like no other, while rare seabirds and native marine life will captivate you like never before. Immerse yourself in nature with a coastal walk, valley hikes, or a horse trekking adventure and let Waitaki bring you back down to earth and make you feel right at home. 

Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony

A visit to the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony should be high on any wildlife wanderer’s list.

Take the chance to see the world’s smallest little blue penguins / kororā in their natural environment from a special day viewing area or watch them waddle back to shore at dusk after a day of fishing at sea.

Here you can explore their nesting area or learn about the research and conservation programme.     

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Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony

Standing at just 30 centimetres (or 1ft), be captivated by our cutest little residents at the Ōamaru Blue Penguin…

Adventure Horse Trekking

Boutique multiday horseback trips through the Southern Alps will provide you with a truly unique adventure.

Take in the surrounding rivers and lakes, while you explore the South Island’s backcountry. Be treated to fresh food after a day of roaming some of New Zealand’s most picturesque trails.

A journey that will truly inspire you, with a wide selection of trails to suit every ability. 

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Adventure Horse Trekking NZ

Are you a horse crazy Kiwi?

Do you love mountains, rivers and lakes?

Is the backcountry your go to place?

Check out…

A2O Cycle Trail

Come and experience New Zealand’s longest and most varied scenic cycle trail. Offering over 300km of jaw-dropping scenery from the foot of Aoraki Mount Cook out to the Pacific Ocean.

Wind your way through the vast South Island high country terrain and the rugged coastal landscapes of North Otago.

The trail offers visitors a fully sustainable and carbon zero option to explore the district and promises to be an unforgettable experience.

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Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Featured as New Zealand’s longest cycle trail and described by many as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of New Zealand’s 23…

Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark

Waitaki is home to Australasia's only UNESCO Global Geopark, the South Island’s very own geological wonderland.

Take a drive up the coast to visit the Moeraki Boulders, go inland and marvel at Ōmārama’s Clay Cliffs, or stop into Duntroon to see rock formations 25 million years in the making. 

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Vanished World Centre

Marine Fossils Centre

Learn more about the Waitaki’s geology, take your measure against a 1.3m tall prehistoric…

Coastal Walks

The South Island’s East Coast boasts unparalleled panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean and along the picturesque coastline.

Katiki Point is home to the historic Katiki Point Lighthouse and rare marine life including fur seals and Yellow-Eyed Penguins. A special place of cultural and historical significance, it’s a cape-top walk to take your breath away. 

Shag Point/Matakaea Reserve is a great spot for wildlife viewing, with two short walks where visitors can watch New Zealand fur seals swimming and basking in the sun.

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Katiki Historic Reserve

A special place of cultural and historical significance to Moerakitaka and Ngai Tahu.  A cape-top walk to take your…

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Shag Point (Matakaea Reserve)

Shag Point/Matakaea Reserve is a great spot for wildlife viewing and is part of a geologically curious and intriguing…