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The name Oamaru comes from Maori, which means “the place of Maru”. The town is famous for its stone/limestone and its stately historic buildings, which are crafted in locally quarried creamy-white Oamaru stone, formed with yellow-white sand, consisting mainly of fossil fragments, which washed about on the sea floor.

About 20,223 people reside in the Waitaki District and about 12,600 people reside in Oamaru, being 84% European/New Zealand. The first inhabitants before the Europeans were the Maoris. European settlers arrived in 1850. One well known noted settler was a gentle man by the name of Mr. Hugh Robinson.

In the late 19th century, the town prospered through gold mining, quarrying and timber milling--experiencing unprecedented growth. And many of the grand old buildings that are synonymous with Oamaru were built during that period. But today, the town’s natural attributes set the scene for the establishment of a thriving agricultural sector, which provides a service center for outlying rural areas and communities.

Under the cliffs in Oamaru, along the Historic Harbor foreshore is home to a colony of little Blue Penguins. The little Blue Penguins are the smallest species of penguins in existence. To the south of Oamaru dwells a colony of Yellow Eyed Penguins, which are considered an endangered species. Widely acclaimed public gardens with a Victorian summerhouse and an oriental garden add to the beautiful landscape of this amazing place.

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Opportunities developing in tourism, niche manufacturing and secondary processing areas have spurred a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, artisans and craftspeople--causing Oamaru to be viewed as one of the best places in New Zealand to live, work or visit.

Oamaru is also the home of important archaeological sites: those at the Waitaki River mouth and at Awamoa; both date from the Archaic (Moa-hunter) phase of Maori culture. The archaeological sites are distinguished from other heritage sites due to the fact that they tend to be the relics and ruins of the past, which are protected. Most of the streets in Oamaru have been named after England's Rivers: Thames Streets, Severn Street and Tyne Street, which are the main streets in the town.

Last, but definitely not least are the Moeraki Boulders. Almost Unique in the world, the Moeraki Boulders can be found scattered along the beach at Moeraki, which is some 40 kilometers south of Oamaru, and are a popular visitor attraction. Crystallization of calcium and carbonates around charged particles in muddy undersea sediments gradually formed the boulders over a long period of time. They are absolutely amazing to see.

This world is an amazing and beautiful place, and Oamaru, New Zealand, is an extraordinary part of that amazement and beauty.

Resoures: Visitoamaru.co.nz,
New-zealand-nz.net,
Newzealand.com/Towns, Towns.cfm, En.wikipedia.org, Historic.org.nz, Home.xtra.co.nz

Oamaru - Located on the south island of New Zealand, is the largest town of North Otago--in the Waitaki District. This coastal town with a Victorian heritage is known for its stunning natural beauty, lush rolling farmland, ancient marine landscapes and the Moeraki Boulders.........