Oamaru, Otago, New ZealandSocialized a bit late last night resulting in a late start this morning. Didn't leave the campground until 10:30.
Tunnel Beach: Only a few minutes from the Dunedin. Tucked under gorgeous sea-carved sandstone cliffs, it's only accessible by a man-made tunnel.
Spectacular beauty where history and local mythology mix.
In the 1870s John Cargill, a local politician, commissioned a tunnel through the cliff side down to the beach to be built so his daughters could swim and safeguard their modesty. The myth is that one of his daughters subsequently died from swimming off the beach.
Opened to the public in 1983 when steps were built in the tunnel to make it safer.
Followed the fenced path downhill to the rocky coastline. Amazing wind-sculpted cliffs and rock formations carved by the powerful crashing ocean.
Carefully, went down the steps through the narrow tunnel.
Gorgeous sight emerging at the small bay below. Massive boulders surrounded on every side by looming cliffs. What a unique spot; one of our favorite places.
Took shoes off and walked around one cliff to a little sea cave. Didn't go in very far, but it was cool looking out to the sea beyond.
Took about half hour to walk down; back up was twice that long. Really, really, steep--sure didn't seem that bad on the way down. Great Place!
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Heading north today along the North Otago Coast. Cloudy, chilly day. Miles and miles of rock stacks (cairns) dotted the side of the road. Stops along way:
Cheese Place--samples--didn't really like any.
Strawberries from a farm, so good!
Koekohe Beach - Moeraki Boulders: From the parking lot, short walk at low tide to the most unusual big round boulders all over the beach.
Spectacular beauty where history and local mythology mix.
In the 1870s John Cargill, a local politician, commissioned a tunnel through the cliff side down to the beach to be built so his daughters could swim and safeguard their modesty. The myth is that one of his daughters subsequently died from swimming off the beach.
Opened to the public in 1983 when steps were built in the tunnel to make it safer.
Followed the fenced path downhill to the rocky coastline. Amazing wind-sculpted cliffs and rock formations carved by the powerful crashing ocean.
Carefully, went down the steps through the narrow tunnel.
Gorgeous sight emerging at the small bay below. Massive boulders surrounded on every side by looming cliffs. What a unique spot; one of our favorite places.
Took shoes off and walked around one cliff to a little sea cave. Didn't go in very far, but it was cool looking out to the sea beyond.
Took about half hour to walk down; back up was twice that long. Really, really, steep--sure didn't seem that bad on the way down. Great Place!
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Heading north today along the North Otago Coast. Cloudy, chilly day. Miles and miles of rock stacks (cairns) dotted the side of the road. Stops along way:
Cheese Place--samples--didn't really like any.
Strawberries from a farm, so good!
Koekohe Beach - Moeraki Boulders: From the parking lot, short walk at low tide to the most unusual big round boulders all over the beach.
Formed in ancient sea sediments, some are nearly 10 feet in diameter and weigh several tons.
Hampden for fresh fish to a place recommended by one of the airline attendants; unfortunately, it was closed. Went to tavern for take out fish-n-chips--delicious! They were like double pieces.
OAMARU TOP 10 CAMPGROUND
Blue Penguin Observatory for the Evening Viewing. Home to a colony of blue penguins, the tiniest species of penguins. Returning home from their day's fishing, the penguins made their way onto the beach, up a stony ramp, and crossed into the Colony. So cool standing by the fence watching them (about 80-100) scramble up the rocks and waddle to their nests to feed the babies, usually two. Then they would come out and socialize with each other. Fascinating watching them even though there was light rain most of time. Really worthwhile!
Blue Penguin Observatory for the Evening Viewing. Home to a colony of blue penguins, the tiniest species of penguins. Returning home from their day's fishing, the penguins made their way onto the beach, up a stony ramp, and crossed into the Colony. So cool standing by the fence watching them (about 80-100) scramble up the rocks and waddle to their nests to feed the babies, usually two. Then they would come out and socialize with each other. Fascinating watching them even though there was light rain most of time. Really worthwhile!
2025-05-22