The Waitaki is one of New Zealand's largest rivers and a major source of hydro electric power for this country. The scenery is quite breathtaking!
Heading inland from the coast on Highway 83, you'l find Duntroon, a small village with many geological and historical assets. This town still has a working village Smithy, who forges furniture, using the original bellows from his 100 year old workshop, Nicol's Forge. The Rapuwai and Waitaha people while travelling up the Waitaki River to cross over the Southern Alps, left many rock drawings on the local limestone cliffs here. The two public sites are called Takiroa (Long Echo) and Maerewhenua. Two other features are the 'Earthquakes' and the 'Elephant Rocks'. Both sets of geological formations are on private land. Please show courtesy and respect when visiting these sites.
Otekaieke is the site of Cambell Park Estate with New Zealand's first mansion and many other historical buildings.
Kurow (from Te Kohurau, the mountain of 'many mists') has long been a farming service centre and contains many historic limestone buildings. Kurow has a warm community spirit, welcoming visitors and offering a good range of accommdation. Trout fishing is world renowned in the Waitaki and Hakataramea Rivers and also in the hydro lakes. The Waitaki is popular for jetboating, and the lakes for windsurfing, yachting and waterskiing. The hills hold a variety of game for hunters and magnificent walking, tramping and 4wd routes, as well as the Awakino Club Ski field. In the township visitors can play golf, bowls, tennis and other sports. Ask at the Kurow Visitor Centre for details.
Otematata (the place of good quartz, of flint, or the Place of Tematata) was created in 1958 as a construction base for the Aviemore and Benmore Power projects. Today, many of those homes have taken on a new lease of life as holiday homes as people from Otago and Canterbury flock to this scenic area throughout all the seasons. There are a variety of exciting activities for the vistor, including water sports, bowls and golf, so call in at the Otematata Visitor Centre for details. The imposing Benmore Dam is only a short drive from Otematata, and the Eletricorp Information Centre there is impressive.
Further inland lies Omarama (the place of moon, or light) on the junction of State Highways 83 and 8. Originally an overnight stop for the Cobb & Co. coaches, Omarama is now a resting stop for the many vistors travelling through the McKenzie Basin. The town is well endowed with accommodation, and vistors can ski, glide, fish, play golf or visit the amazing fluted Clay Cliffs, similar to those found in Arizona. Ask at the Omarama Visitor Centre for details. Omarama is most famous for the unparalleled gliding conditions provided by the inland mountain ringed basin. Two world records have been set in the area, which is possibly why the World Gliding Championships were held there during the summer of 1994-95.
Lake Ohau (the 'place of Hau' - wind) Skifield is the smallest commercial field in New Zealand, and some say in the world. But if you want a truly unique skiing experience, try friendly Ohau. Accommodation is available, and there are a variety of walks and tramping in the Ohau Forest area.
Dunedin
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