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Enjoy many off the beaten path attractions in Oamaru after you have done your rounds visiting the usual historical attractions and the blue penguin colony: read all other things to do in Oamaru New Zealand.

Moeraki Boulders

These are boulders scattered along the Hampden Beach 40 km south of Oamaru. The almost perfectly spherical boulders measure up to 4 meter (12 feet) in circumference and weight several tons. They are solidly embedded in the beach and were formed on the sea floor about 60 million years ago. It started with the gradual accumulation of lime salts around a small centre. The concretions in the boulders are filled with crystals of Calcite.

The Maoris who are the indigenous people of New Zealand call these boulders as Te Kaihinaki ("food baskets"). They believe these stones to be gourds that were washed ashore from a voyaging canoe Araiteuru about 1000 years ago.  

According to the scientists, the stones are septarian concretions formed about 60 million years go by the crystallization of calcium and carbonates around charged particles. Mudstones were formed and when this was raised by the seabed, erosion from the sea water subsequently exposed the boulders that were weather resistant.

There is a restaurant nearby if you wish to have your meals and also a viewing platform if you would like to have a good view of the boulders.

Shag point

You can sometimes see fur seals and yellow eyed penguins at the beach at Shag point. After feeding at sea, these animals normally return to shore in the afternoon and evening. You can view them from a small hide on the beach.

Shag point is also a great place to pack a lunch and have your meal there while taking in the spectacular sea view and crashing waves.

Oamaru Radio Station

There is an old style radio broadcasting station that is near the main street and the old railway station. If you are into old radios and recorders, this will be an interesting place for you to visit, and step back in time. If you are lucky, they may just dedicate a song to you!

Oamaru Historical Tour

You can enjoy a piece of the rich history of Oamaru and North Otaga by visiting the grand homesteads and great estates.

The obvious place to start your tour is to have overview of the historic precinct of the town and the old harbor. You can then drive along the coast and past market gardens that were set up by early Chinese immigrants towards Totara Estate (located about 8km from Oamaru).

- Totara Estate consists of old buildings made out of stunning Oamaru Stone, and it is the birthplace of New Zealand's billion dollar frozen meat industry.
 

-  Next you can visit the Burnside Homestead which has a grand hall that is octagon in shape with large verandahs. Much of its interior furnishings have stayed intact and has changed little since it was first built. This homestead was built by the son of wealthy Scottish farmer in the 1890s.
 

- Elderslie Estate is a mansion that was completed in 1874 and has been restored after a fire destroyed the building in 1957. There is a walled garden around the premise and this was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton.
 

- Parkside Estate is where the famous Oamaru stone originated from. This is the purest limestone in the world that took millions of years to form.

With so many things to see and do in Oamaru, this Victorian town deserves at more than 1 day stop during your next New Zealand holidays.