Leading the way: Oamaru

For many of the towns or cities that we have passed through on our 2,800km so far, it has been a case of “what is the shortest route out of town?”

When researching our trip south, everything that I read suggested Oamaru might be worth breaking our journey to spend a day or so exploring the place. Ruth was convinced and told me that she had very good feelings about the place. I tried to balance her enthusiasm lest she be disappointed.

However, I have to concede that her feelings were correct. We have been impressed with the town. It has an asset that most NZ towns do not share, stone buildings, that were created out of local white stone and of course endured the elements better than the stock wooden buildings that ‘grace’ most other kiwi settlements.

The buildings are graceful and even those that are not particularly kind on the eye are being given interesting makeovers. Added to that is the whole ‘steam punk‘ theme which Oamaru has adopted. Everything from beachfront cafe to parks and galleries reflect this Jules Verne, H G Wells style.

We were lucky to also encounter the one summer day that they have experienced, well the locals tell us that. Rather than being elated that summer has arrived they are fearful of what might be following the hot air (32c today). I looked at the weather forecast – 12c predicted tomorrow.