OMARAMA – DUNEDIN (via Oamaru)

Driver Information
New Zealand ItinerariesTravel distance is approximately 221kms (138 miles).
Allow at least 2.5 hours drive time (not including stops).

Today you will travel through the Waitaki Valley as you head out towards the East Coast and Oamaru. Before you get to Oamaru you will have seen New Zealand’s largest earth Dam!

From Oamaru enjoy the coastal views as your follow the State Highway into Dunedin city.

You have two nights to say in Dunedin so there is no rush to get to the city, take your time and enjoy the sights along the way.

Some notable stops along the route to Dunedin include:

BENMORE DAM
New Zealand’s largest earth dam offers tours of the power station at 11am, 1pm and 3pm 7 days a week during Summer.

VANISHED WORLD FOSSIL CENTRE & TRAIL
Part of the National Heritage Trail network, the Vanished World Fossil Centre is an amazing place to visit! View the range of fossils that have been discovered in the region including whale, penguins, dolphins and more.

MAORI ROCK ART
Located in Duntroon, view amazing pieces of art work drawn into the rocks to represent certain areas of the Maori Culture.

New Zealand ItinerariesOAMARU
This pleasant coastal town is a great place to enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes.

OAMARU BLUE PENGUIN COLONY
See the world’s smallest penguins in their natural environment. Within walking distance from Oamaru’s town centre, visitors can enjoy a 25-45 minute day tour or a 1-1.5 hour evening viewing.

MOERAKI BOULDERS
This charming fishing village was once a whaling station, however it is now renowned for its intriguing Moeraki Boulders strewn along the Moeraki Beach. The boulders formed over millions of years.

DUNEDIN
The city of Dunedin is situated at the head of the spectacular Otago Harbour and is the second largest city in the South Island. Along with the famous Otago University, the city is also considered New Zealand’s architectural heritage capital, offering historic Victorian and Edwardian buildings lovingly restored to make this city truly unique.

You will have no problems finding suitable accommodation! From ultra luxurious romantic resorts to holiday houses, self-catering apartments, luxury hotels, motels, bed & breakfast or campgrounds… it’s all here!

As far as dining goes… where do you start? Cheap takeaways to first class, award winning dining, its all here for the tasting! Along with the normal choices of fast food options, there are a great range of cafes and restaurants offering some of the best local cuisine.

Highly recommended Dunedin tourist attractions include…

Otago Peninsula – Take a tour with Elim Wildlife Tours or Monarch Wildlife Cruises to view this spectacular region and wildlife. View the Royal Albatross, penguins, seals and bird life galore!

Larnach Castle & Gardens – If you love New Zealand antiques, carved ceilings, castles, stunning views and beautiful gardens then a visit to historic Larnach Castle is a must! New Zealand’s only castle boasts spectacular tower views and a Garden of International Significance where you can meander through 9 different gardens before enjoying a refreshment break in the Ballroom cafe.

Cadbury World – A must for chocolate lovers! Located in the centre of Dunedin, enjoy a fun filled and fascinating guided tour around the Cadbury chocolate factory and sample Cadbury product along the way!

The Octagon – A well known meeting place with the locals in the heart of the city, this is where you will find plenty of ‘top-notch’ bars and cafes or just sit on the grassy bank and enjoy the bustle of the inner city.

Otago Settlers Museum – Established in 1898, the museum is considered one of the country’s most significant social history museums. Learn about the indigenous Maori, Chinese goldfield workers and other migrant groups. We suggest you pre-arrange a guided tour.

Speight’s Brewery Heritage Tour – The Speight’s Brewery is truly an Otago icon and this 90 minute our of a working brewery and heritage centre is a “must see” for any visitor to the Otago region. Of course at the end of your informative and interactive tour you can enjoy the range of beers in the private Heritage Bar!
New Zealand Itineraries: South Island Suggested Itineraries

Our modern self-drive travel Itineraries have routes specifically for the North Island as well as the South Island, ranging from 5 to 11 days, plus there are some travel routes that take in both the North and South Island’s. Our range of travel itineraries include information regarding travel distances and time to ensure that you can make the best of your time in New Zealand, no longer how short your visit!

  • 5 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Greymouth, Greymouth – Fox Glacier, Franz Josef – Wanaka, Wanaka – Mt Cook and Mt Cook – Christchurch
  • 5 Day Itinerary (route 2): Christchurch – Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs – St Arnuad, St Arnuad – Blenheim, Blenheim – Kaikoura and Kaikoura – Christchurch
  • 5 Day Itinerary (route 3): Christchurch – Mt Cook, Mt Cook – Queenstown, Queenstown – Dunedin, Dunedin – Oamaru and Oamaru – Christchurch
  • 7 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Dunedin, Dunedin – Invercargill, Invercargill – Stewart Island, Stewart Island – Te-anau, Te Anau – Milford Sound, Te Anau – Queenstown and Queenstown – Christchurch
  • 8 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Greymouth, Greymouth – Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier – Wanaka, Wanaka – Queenstown, Queenstown – Te Anau, Te Anau – Dunedin and Dunedin – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Dunedin, Dunedin, Dunedin – Invercragill, Invercargill – Te Anau, Te Anau Milford Sound, Te Anau – Queenstown, Queenstown – Mt Cook, Mt Cook – Lake Tekapo and Lake Tekapo – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary (route 2): Christchurch – Omarama, Omarama – Dunedin, Dunedin, Dunedin – Te Anau, Te Anau – Milford Sound, Te Anau – Queenstown, Queenstown – Haast, Haast – Greymouth and Greymouth – Christchurch
  • 9 Day Itinerary (route 3): Christchurch – Hanmer Springs, Hanmer Springs – Greymouth, Greymouth – Nelson, Nelson – Takaka, Takaka – Motueka, Motueka – Nelson, Nelson – Blenheim, Blenheim – Kaikoura and Kaikoura – Christchurch
  • 11 Day Itinerary: Christchurch – Dunedin, Dunedin – Te Anau, Te Anau – Milford Sound, Milford Sound – Queenstown, Queenstown – Wanaka, Wanaka – Franz Josef, Franz Josef – Greymouth, Greymouth – Nelson, Nelson – Blenheim, Blenheim – Kaikoura and Kaikoura – Christchurch