Things to see and do Oamaru

The boulders are large, perfectly round stones, which are on the beach. There are two explanations for this phenomenon. According to Maori mythology, which calls them Te Kai-hinak of hinaki ("baskets") and kai ("food"), they would have come to fail here, following the sinking of the Arai-ti-uru canoe which had crossed the large ocean of Kiwa (Pacific) and the tormented waters of Raukawa (Cook Strait) in search of Te Wai Pounamu (jade). The rock near Shag Point represents canoe; spheres are baskets that contain kumaras (sweet potatoes). According to the scientific, less lyrical version, these rocks would consist of limestone, silica, aluminium and iron peroxide, with a crystal mass that would attract the elements of the soil and would be such a special form. The action of the sea would therefore not be responsible. Only a few boulders are still present on the beach, because they have long been the subject of gifts and «little Memories of New Zealand». Those who are still there owe it to their size! New rocks are still in training, they can be seen emerging from the surface of the cliffs facing the beach.

We have been coming here since 1992 to observe the Oamaru Blue Penguins by day, by night, or both, in their natural environment. If we are lucky, we can also come during the nesting period of the smallest penguins in the world. You can observe these marvels from a specially designed platform. Every evening, the center offers you to contemplate them returning home after their day of fishing at sea. All this is accompanied by comments from the guides.

This bus company is visiting local attractions such as the colony of penguins, Parkside Quarry (limestone quarry), Vanished World, Maori Rock Art or the Moeraki Boulders. A number of artisans work in the old age. It is possible to see them in particular at the Red Sheds (next to the Blue Penguin Colony): wood sculptor (he made all sorts of tools for the Lord of the rings trilogy), a stone tailor, a blacksmith. You can access these workshops and visit them on board an old steam locomotive that leaves De Street every Sunday and public holidays ($ 5). On Tees Street, go to the small gallery and workshop of talented stone tailor (Te Pa Sculptor, tel: (03) 434 3336).

Starting from Duntroon and the center, Vanished World is of archaeological interest. With full signage to guide independent tourists, it is an exciting self-guided tour with maps and explanations (booklet available at Vanished World). The most interesting sites are undoubtedly Elephant Rocks, where erosion has sculpted eloquent shapes in the limestone, and Earthquake, witness to a huge upheaval.