Oamaru Penguin Symposium

There’s plenty to discover beyond the penguins. Ōamaru is a town with a character all its own, famous for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, distinctive local limestone and quirky steampunk culture. Wander through the historic Victorian Precinct to explore galleries, artisan workshops, cafés and heritage buildings, visit Steampunk HQ, or take a stroll through the Ōamaru Public Gardens. The coastline and Cape Wanbrow offer walking, cycling and spectacular ocean views, with the opportunity to discover some of the remarkable geology that lies right on Ōamaru’s doorstep.

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Ōamaru is also part of the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark, New Zealand’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark. Stretching from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, the Geopark brings together millions of years of geological history with the stories, culture and communities of Waitaki. Fossil-rich limestone, ancient volcanoes, braided rivers, glacial landscapes and spectacular rock formations can be explored throughout the region, alongside Māori rock art, historic sites and the heritage of Ōamaru's famous Whitestone buildings.

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Beyond Ōamaru, explore the Moeraki Boulders, Elephant Rocks, the Vanished World fossil trail, or head further inland into the spectacular landscapes of the upper Waitaki. The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passes through some of the region’s most distinctive landscapes before finishing in Ōamaru. From penguins and other wildlife to fossils, geology, history, food, art and outdoor adventures, Waitaki offers plenty of reasons to stay a little longer and explore.