Waitaki/Oamaru

Waitaki fascinates and inspires. Still a hidden gem, its diversity appeals broadly and surprises many. The people who live and visit here come from all walks of life and, increasingly, all corners of the globe, but they have one thing in common – they’ve found a place with room to move, room to be themselves.

Striking, uncrowded landscapes from the mountains to the sea tell of deep roots and a rich history. Water (wai) has shaped our place and physical and metaphysical creation stories intertwine. Stories of our volcanic past are highly visible. Rich, marine fossils are embedded in the limestone, aka Whitestone, and this limestone legacy is integral to the identity of our district.

A bustling commercial town in the mid 1800’s, locally quarried limestone architecture remains as a testament of our pioneering past. This entrepreneurial spirit is still vibrant today. You’ll meet some real characters, eclectic artisans: it’s OK to do things your own way here.

We specialise in slow, sustainable tourism and drink our coffees freshly roasted, crafted with a smile.

Ōamaru is a bite sized treat, allowing your conference cohort to inhabit the space and navigate the delights of the town with ease. Further afield are a selection of wineries, beautiful vistas, smaller villages with quaint main streets and access to the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, making it the perfect destination for your next business event.

Read more about how you can experience Waitaki for you next event in our Business Events Brochure
 

Ditch the typical sterile conference venue and spark creativity in your team with a business event in Ōamaru and the Waitaki. Here, amidst New Zealand's first UNESCO Global Geopark, your delegates can break free from the boardroom and delve into a landscape that tells a story millions of years in the making.

Step back in time at the Victorian Precinct which boasts the largest collection of Victorian heritage buildings in New Zealand. This isn't just a backdrop, it's an experience. Imagine brainstorming sessions fuelled by the whimsical spirit of Steampunk HQ or team-building exercises inspired by the tenacity of the world's smallest penguins at the iconic Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony.

When it's time to unwind, trade the boardroom for captivating landscapes of Waitaki. The 316km Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, New Zealand's longest, offers a chance to bond over breathtaking scenery and a shared sense of accomplishment. Back in town, unwind with freshly roasted coffee and connect with the friendly locals.

Forget the cookie-cutter conference experience. Waitaki offers a unique blend of history, innovation, and stunning landscapes, all guaranteed to inspire and surprise your team. So ditch the ordinary and ignite extraordinary ideas in Waitaki.

Waitaki is the perfect destination to relax, adventure, or explore. After a long day in a conference, kick your feet up at one of the many bars, restaurants, and eateries dotted around historic Harbour Street in Ōamaru. Go from Harbour Street to the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony in a single evening and enjoy a unique experience watching the world’s smallest penguins return from foraging at sea. Or check out Steampunk HQ, an interactive museum full of sci-fi and retro-futuristic art, sculpture, image, and sound.  

If your group has time for adventure, follow a self-guided tour with the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark app. Discover the wonders of ancient limestone and karst carved by the changing landscapes that make up the region. Whether you are on foot or can drive, the app has a library of itineraries to suit every visitor. Drive from Ōamaru before stopping off at Anatini, Elephant Rocks, and Kurow, or head in the opposite direction to witness the Moeraki Boulders (extremely picturesque at sunset). If you’re keeping close to Ōamaru, follow a 1-hour walking tour to soak in the history and the harbour views.  

If wellness is on the agenda, head to Ōmārama for a relaxing soak in a wood-fired hot tub. Enjoy pizza and drinks on tap, before heading to the geological wonder of the Clay Cliffs. If you need to stretch your legs, stop for a nature walk on the drive back to Ōamaru. Explore the Benmore Peninsula, and wetlands, or spot a seal at Bushy Beach. 

Waitaki is lucky to be nature’s playground all year round. Summer is the perfect time to surf at Campbell’s Bay, cycle New Zealand’s longest cycle trail (Alps 2 Ocean), or camp the traditional kiwi way. Balmy evenings are yours to take, with a selection of award-winning and beloved bars, restaurants, and eateries open early until late.  

As the leaves turn gold on the trees, take a scenic drive through Anatini, Duntroon, Kurow, and Lake Benmore for stunning views over geological hotspots, as well as rivers and lakes. Settle into the evening with a nightcap at the Harbour Street Jazz and Blues Festival or witness the world’s smallest penguins at the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony.

Visit during winter for snow-capped mountain vistas, snowboarding, and skiing at Ōhau Snow Fields – perfect for beginners. If culture and heritage is more your style, head to the annual Steampunk NZ Festival held in June or stay cosy strolling through galleries and boutiques in Ōamaru.  

Springtime brings lush green landscapes, lambs, and the buzz of the Ōamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations. Meander along streams and ponds in the Ōamaru Public Gardens or stretch out with a picnic on the grass between meetings. Get out and about as a group with plenty of easy walks, tours, and cycle trails on offer.
 

Whether you're planning a strategic board meeting or a large-scale conference, Ōamaru and the Waitaki district offer a variety of venues to suit your needs.

For intimate gatherings, consider charming boutique hotels or historic function rooms. Need more space? For a truly grand event, impress your delegates with a conference held within the ornate walls of the Ōamaru Opera House. Waitaki has the perfect offering to make your next business event, big or small, a success.