The birthplace of NZ (as opposed to Aotearoa), Waitangi inhabits a special, somewhat complex place in the national psyche – aptly demonstrated by the mixture of celebration, commemoration, protest and apathy that accompanies the nation’s birthday (Waitangi Day, 6 February).
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A pint-sized village where all the street names start with ‘O’, Owhango makes a cosy base for walkers, mountain bikers (the 42 Traverse ends here) and skiers who can’t afford to stay closer to the slopes. Take Omaki Rd for a two-hour loop walk through virgin forest in Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve.
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One of several nondescript North Island towns to adopt a gimmick (we’re looking at you Tirau, Paeroa, Katikati, Bulls and Hobbiton, sorry, Matamata), Otorohanga (Oto to his mates) has a main street lined with cherished icons of Kiwiana. You’ll learn about sheep, gumboots, jandals, No 8 wire, All Blacks, the beloved Buzzy Bee children’s toy [...]
With the most easily accessible variety of wildlife on the South Island, Otago Peninsula is a near compulsory excursion unless you hate animals. Albatross, penguins, fur seals and sea lions are all to be found here, along with some rugged countryside, wild walks and beaches, and interesting historical sites. Despite the host of tours that [...]
Locals have fears that Orewa is turning into NZ’s equivalent of Queensland’s Gold Coast, but until they start exporting retirees and replacing them with bikini-clad parking wardens that’s unlikely to happen. It is, however, very built-up and high-rise apartment towers have begun to sprout.
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This charming town has much to recommend it. The beaches – Ohiwa and Waiotahi – are worth the trip alone, but it’s also the gateway to the East Cape and the rugged forests and river valleys of the Raukumara and nearby ranges. Just recently, an excellent local museum was opened, a credit to the proud [...]
These tranquil settlements near the south head of Hokianga Harbour more or less run into one another. The water’s much clearer here and good for swimming. Views are dominated by the mountainous sand dunes across the water at North Head.
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At the head of the Waitaki Valley, surrounded by mountain ranges, the Omarama area is at the centre of fabulous landscapes. The bizarre moonscape of the Clay Cliffs (admission $5) is the result of two million years of erosion on layers of silt and gravel that were exposed along the active Osler fault line. The [...]
Expect to see carrots crop up all over Ohakune, for this is the country’s carrot capital. Not only do they creep into burgers and pop up on pizzas, they litter the roadside in season. The world’s largest ever carrot, in fact, grown in the area, was preserved and now sits at the entrance to town. [...]
Nothing moves very fast in Oamaru: tourists saunter, locals languish and penguins waddle. Even the chosen forms of transportation – penny-farthings and steam trains – reflect an unhurried pace. For travellers, the town focuses mostly on penguins and the historic district, but eccentric gems such as the South Island’s yummiest cheese factory, cool galleries and [...]