Oamaru & Around
120km north of Dunedin, Oamaru (pop 14,000) is the main town in North Otago - and a surprisingly fun place to stay.
Many buildings were constructed with the local limestone known as Oamaru stone, and the Victorian precinct ranks as one of New Zealand's most impressive streetscapes. Steampunk HQ features an interesting collection of retro-futuristic sci-fi art, movies, sculpture and sound.
Besides the enthralling Blue Penguin Colony in Oamaru itself, intriguing geological formations in the region include the Moeraki Boulders and Elephant Rocks.
Those after a real Kiwi adventure will enjoy driving over the remote Danseys Pass to Central Otago.