Driving from Oamaru to Kakanui | Otago | New Zealand | 4K

Categories: Otago Region

Tags: driving, kakanui, new zealand, oamaru, otago

Added: 2 years ago

Driving from Oamaru to Kakanui, in the Otago region on the East Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

Oamaru is the largest town in the Waitaki District in the Otago region, famous for its historical white stone architecture on display in the Victorian Precinct. Here you will find various shops, galleries and traditional crafts, all within some of the Southern Hemispheres most complete Victorian streetscapes and19th century architecture.

The precinct is also the home of the wonderful world of Steampunk. See New Zealand's premiere Steampunk attraction at Steampunk HQ, or take the kids to the steampunk-inspired playground at Friendly Bay (Oamaru Harbour). If you're a big fan, plan your trip to coincide with the Steampunk New Zealand Festival each Queen's Birthday weekend.

You can also see either the world's smallest penguins in their natural environment at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, or you can see the world's rarest penguin – the yellow-eyed penguin – coming ashore at Bushy Beach from the purpose-built viewing hide so the penguins are not disturbed.

There also are great options for walking and biking in Oamaru. The Oamaru Public Gardens are a great option for walking, picnics, or playing on the playground. Enjoy sweeping sea views on the Skyline or South Hill Walks. Cape Wanbrow, part of the South Hill track, is another popular spot for walkers. The Cape is also popular with mountain bikers and has a number of short, fun runs of varying levels of difficulty. Mountain bikers can also find some great tracks at the Oamaru Reservoir.

The small town of Kakanui lies on the coast, 14km south of Oamaru. With rich, fertile soil, the surrounding market gardens produce large quantities of vegetables which you can often purchase at roadside stalls.

The Kakanui River mouth is a popular spot for white baiters, with the river dividing the township in two. Campbell Bay, Kakanui's main beach south of the headland, is 2km long and provides a surf break with safe swimming for all to enjoy, particularly on a hot summers day! The southern end, known as All Day Bay, has less surf but often is more sheltered.

These beaches are often frequented by Hector's Dolphins which are only too happy to play around in the surf. Kai Tahu used to temporarily occupy Kakanui as they traveled north and south evidenced by midden and other artifacts associated with past human occupation in the area.