Waimate

The rural centre of Waimate sits between Timaru and Oamaru. For centuries the area was a seasonal hunting camp for Maori; when European settlers arrived, Waimate became a saw-milling town. The majority of the town's original Edwardian buildings are still standing, given it a charmingly historic atmosphere.

These days Waimate is a centre for livestock farming, berry growing and forestry. It also has a microclimate that produces excellent pinot noir; visit one of the local boutique wineries for a taste.

This district is memorable for its population of wild wallabies, which were originally brought over from Australia in the 1870s. The wallabies occupy the Hunters Hills, and can be seen up close in animal parks around the town.

Functional facts: Approx. population 7200, information centre, wide range of shops and services.