Glad to see you again! Thanks for tuning in to discover some of our favourite hidden gems in New Zealand, and the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme is the best resource to make sure that you armed with all the tips and tricks to create those special itineraries for your clients.
This week, we are exploring two small South Island towns you might not have heard of. International visitors are likely to have to get their tongues around some unfamiliar Māori names – but that’s all part of the charm of visiting parts unknown. So how about Te Anau or Oamaru – a couple of small South Island towns (one in the east, one in the west)?
Oamaru – Gateway to the Waitaki district
On the main road north from Dunedin along the South Island’s east coast, the rural town of Oamaru is emerging as a new visitor destination with an eclectic range of attractions.
The most famous of the ancient natural formations in Oamaru is the Moeraki Boulders – a beach strewn with giant, perfectly round boulders – and that’s just the start of the natural wonders in Oamaru. From towering pinnacles to elephant Rocks, honeycomb rocks, ancient fossils and Maori rock art, there’s something worth pulling your camera out for around every corner in this geologically rich region.
The curious Steampunk museum and the even more quirky annual Steampunk Festival (May) are also well worth a visit, celebrating the weird and wonderful world of steampunk culture.
You’ll eat and drink well in and around Oamaru as well, try the highly recommended Fleur’s Place beside the water at Moeraki, Cucina in town or Riverstone Kitchen just north of town.
Other remarkable locals include penguins – there are two species with colonies that call Oamaru home.. A night time visit to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is recommended as the best time to see these special creatures when they return from a day of foraging in the sea.
Te Anau – Gateway to Fiordland
Te Anau, a picturesque township on the shores of Lake Te Anau, is the gateway to the southern wilderness area of Fiordland National Park and the famous Milford Sound.
Te Anau is a great destination for an overnight visit or a longer stay for those wanting to explore the Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest conservation area. Waterfalls cascade downwards from as high as 1000 metres, dolphins and seals frolic in the pristine waters as penguins watch on from the shore. It’s also a great place to stopover and prepare to tackle the Routeburn Track, Kepler Track or Milford Track.
For a taste of the region, book a table at Redcliffs Cafe to try locally sourced crayfish, venison, hare and lamb. Miles Better Pies serves up the classic Kiwi favourite and their famous venison pies are not to be missed! If you want to join the locals, have a hearty pub meal at the Fat Duck Gastro Pub
If you are feeling inspired, make sure you share your moment as Tourism New Zealand will be giving away a $100 gift card and hamper full of New Zealand treats!
Win $100, and a hamper full of New Zealand treats!
Have a think about what inspires you to sell New Zealand. Maybe it’s a moment from your last trip, seeing Milford Sound or ziplining in Rotorua, or your experience with kiwi hospitality, or somewhere you’d like to visit in the future? Sign up to the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme and share this moment with us with your top selling point of New Zealand, in 25 words or less for your chance to win.
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