Driving to Holmes Wharf in Oamaru in Otago New Zealand

Categories: Otago Region

Tags: 4k, dashcam, driving, holmes wharf, new zealand, oamaru, otago, road trip, scenic, scenic drive

Added: 1 Year ago

Driving the road to Holmes Wharf in Oamaru, in the Otago region on the East Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

Holmes Wharf, began life in 1880 as the North Mole, a long, slender finger of rock that protected the wharves from northerly surges. At the beginning of last century, as ships outgrew Sumpter Wharf, Thomas Forrester designed a bigger wharf to run along the mole. It was his last and biggest job in Oamaru. Named after the harbour board chairman of the day, Holmes Wharf opened in 1907 for ships of up to 10,000 tons. The wharf was last modified in the 1960s and last used by cargo vessels in 1974.

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 also 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.