Things to do in Moeraki

Shipping virtually shut down here in 1974, but the Oamaru Harbour, a registered historic place, is still a bustling spot to visit in Otago. Enjoy fishing, boating and blue penguin viewing, among other interesting activities for all ages.

Marvel at the remarkable size and near-perfect, round shape of the Moeraki Boulders and study the beautiful patterns marking the rocks. Walk along a secluded beach and spot fur seals playing offshore.

Steampunk HQ is an unusual art gallery in the heritage center of Oamaru, on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Both historic and futuristic, industrial and artistic, this interactive gallery celebrates a theme that could be described as steam-powered neo-Victorian industrial, with a large slice of fun.

Visit Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct in November and you may see locals in their finest Victorian costumes in honor of the region’s history. The five-day celebration culminates with the fun Victorian Fete. Throughout the rest of the year, the district remains open to visitors who want to appreciate the boom era history of Oamaru, viewing its original buildings, crafted from locally quarried limestone.

At the heart of Oamaru’s Victorian precinct find the Grainstore Gallery, one of the forward-thinking institutions responsible for a resurgence of visitors and cultural events in the town. The Grainstore Gallery is the brainchild of local artist Donna Dementé and, as its name suggests, is housed within a 19th-century Victorian grain house. Visit the gallery to discover the work of a group of local artists whose quirky take on art has helped cement the city as an integral part of New Zealand’s cultural landscape.

With a campground and a café, Hampden Beach is a lively bay area to visit in close proximity to iconic Moeraki Boulders Beach. It has a fun play area for kids with its own artificial boulders to clamber all over. Set up a picnic on the sand and enjoy stunning views of the ocean.

In continuous operation for more than 140 years, the Moeraki Lighthouse overlooks the Pacific Ocean from its vantage point at the southern tip of the Moeraki Peninsula. The lighthouse is also known as the Katiki Point Lighthouse. Stroll along the scenic walking track past the famous Moeraki Boulders and colonies of fur seals to a cosy penguin-viewing hide that allows you to see rare yellow-eyed penguins without attracting their attention. The Moeraki Lighthouse attracts fewer visitors than many of the other beaches of Otago that seals and penguins visit, making it an ideal destination to observe them if you want to avoid crowds.

Visit the Shag Point Scenic Reserve for a prime penguin-viewing area, a chance to see a colony of fur seals and some of the best cliff-top views in the North Otago area. Discover the rich Māori history of the Shag Point area. Watch for alpine flora, common here despite the reserve’s proximity to the coast. A day’s exploration around the point will reveal sacred burial grounds, a lovely river mouth and peaceful picnic grounds.