The Waitaki region is a place of scenic contrast and haunting natural beauty. Experience mysterious boulders, windswept beaches and Māori rock art.

The Waitaki region combines wild, windswept coastline with emerald rivers and towering mountains. It is home to the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark(opens in new window), a UNESCO Global Geopark, recognized for its cultural and geological significance. In particular, it provides evidence of the formation of Zealandia, which broke away from the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana around 80 million years ago, and notable features such as the Moeraki boulders, karst limestone at Elephant Rocks, Māori rock art drawings at Takiroa and the braided Waitaki River.

Continuing north, stop in at Oamaru and look at the historic whitestone architecture, an amazing townscape that towers over a charming community. From here, you can even hop on your bike and follow the Alps to Ocean Cycleway in reverse all the way to Aoraki Mount Cook.

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