Discover Oamaru to Dunedin: Why the Scenic Journey is a Must-See in New Zealand

Our itinerary is designed to be leisurely, with departures around 9 AM each day. We keep driving time to a maximum of 3-4 hours to avoid travel fatigue and to make the most of the shorter daylight hours in winter. Additionally, since most hotels only allow check-in from 2 PM, there’s no rush to arrive too early.

A one-night stay in Oamaru is perfect, after which we continue our journey southward…
Itinerary: Oamaru🚗Dunedin, with several scenic stops along the way

1. Moeraki Boulders (P2-3)
These spherical boulders are a natural wonder, and a brief stop for photos is all you need. There’s ample parking on-site, and a path next to the gift shop leads directly to the beach, making it easy to access these unique formations.

2. Katiki Point Lighthouse (P4-8)
Highly recommended👍! Just follow the navigation. As you pass through the charming town of Moeraki, you’ll likely spot flocks of sheep 🐑 grazing peacefully. Upon reaching the lighthouse, take a short walk to the end of the road, where you can often see a group of seals 🦭 basking in the sun. It’s an adorable sight!

3.
Another must-visit👍. Remember to bundle up in the winter.
We started our day at Tunnel Beach before heading back to the town. The hike along the track takes about an hour and a half round trip, and the return uphill can be a bit challenging. The wind 💨 was incredibly strong, adding an extra layer of adventure to the experience.

To our delight, we also encountered a seal 🦭 at Tunnel Beach, making the trip even more memorable.
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The town center of Dunedin was quite quiet during the winter, and I personally found the attractions along the route from Oamaru to Dunedin more captivating.

🏩Hotel: Ebb
Note: This hotel is centrally located and boasts a stylish design. Private parking is available for NZD 25/night, but breakfast is not included. While the hotel advertises a gym, they actually provide free access to the fantastic Les Mills gym in the opposite shopping center, which is a great perk 🏋️.

[Drinking milk tea R] Food
Recommend Beam Me Up Bagels (P15)

Try the Men-in-Black!
You can choose from a variety of flavors for your bagel.
By the way, it’s better to take away rather than dine in, as the smell of cooking oil can be quite strong…