Wow - is all I can say about Oamaru!!!
I chose this location because the Holiday Top 10 was a ‘superior’ location and trust me, our two bedroom apartment was awesome and spacious. But other than the Moeraki Boulders nearby, I had no idea what there was to do in Oamaru.
Ted and I were both surprised and a little shocked at everything there was to do here and how amazing this little town was; unique, fun, historic, and filled with nature loving activities.
Firstly, our Holiday Top 10 backed onto the Botanical Gardens and they were damn impressive; fountains, a stream running through it, ponds filled with ducks (yes, Ted was taking more bird pictures), benches, so many trees, and lots of flowers, and open areas with gazebos - it really was amazing.
Secondly, WHO knew that Oamaru was the Steampunk Capital of the world and their annual festival is coming up this coming May long weekend. Check out some of the photos of the Steampunk headquarters and the picture of the giant bugs on the side of the building.
Thirdly, WHO also knew that Oamaru was ‘Victorian Oamaru’ - literally, an entire street by the harbour that dates to teh 1800’s still stands. And better yet, the buildings interiors house operating stores. It is like walking back in time or onto a movie set. Check out the picture of Ted peddling away on Harbour Street.
Fourthly, WHO also knew that Oamaru was the finish line for the Alps to Ocean 355km cycle - which we did cycle 38kms from the finish line in reverse. It is quite the cycle and there is a lot of people doing it - so we are going to do some of the start when we get to Mt Cook, where the cycle starts. Bonus: none of the cycle is on the highway (which would be crazy to cycle on), but run’s parallel to the highway and there is a wide berth - even I felt comfortable.
Lastly, and a video will follow, Oamaru has a large little blue penguin colony and we took in a viewing on our last night in Oamaru, where the little guys rush up onto show through crashing waves and waddle up to their nests. We saw about 60 penguins do this over 90 minutes - it was incredible to see. But, on our way back to the Holiday Top 10 we ‘stumbled’ upon a few errant penguins who came up elsewhere along the shore line and they were trying to cross the road - Literally, for the first time in my life I understood why they had those ‘Caution Penguin Crossing’ signs - as we saw 6-8 penguins on our way home and of course took pictures and a wee video …
Oamaru shocked, amazing, and throughly engaged us … We would, without a doubt recommend this place to anyone AND you must try their insane Mini Putt - the most difficult course we’ve ever tried …
Cheers
Robert and Ted
