Every year thousands of holidaymakers visit Lakes Waitaki, Aviemore and Benmore with jet boats, sail boats and jet skis in tow. All lakes are accessible by good roads, have camping facilities and are serviced by the townships of Kurow, Otematata and Omarama. The Waitaki District Council manages camping reserves on the southern side of the Waitaki Lakes. A brochure on camping fees and services is available from the Council.

For more information on Lakes camping contact:
Waitaki District Council
T: +64 3 434 8060
W: www.waitaki.govt.nz

Snowboarders and skiers revel in the freedom at Ohau Snow Fields just 30 minutes inland from Omarama. Ohau is serviced by a double chairlift, a platter and a snow matt. The main trails are groomed regularly and the season typically runs from July to October.

For more information visit:
W: www.ohau.co.nz

Oamaru is home to a wide range of sports clubs from rugby to rowing. Sport Waitaki is a partnership between Sport Otago and the Waitaki District Council. It provides resources and planning support to improve the quality and participation in physical activity in the District. In addition Sport Waitaki provides funding advice and an advocacy and information service for sports groups or organizations.

For more information contact:
Sport Waitaki
T: +64 3 434 9379

In addition to its popular Public Gardens, Oamaru has 13 playgrounds, five sports parks, seven croquet lawns, 12 lawn tennis courts and two hard courts. The Oamaru Walkway takes in many of the town’s scenic attractions.

For more information contact:
Waitaki District Council
T: +64 3 434 8060
W: www.waitaki.govt.nz

The Waitaki District is an ideal place to enjoy a round of golf at some of the country’s most affordable golf clubs. Golf Clubs include the North Otago, Lower Waitaki and Waitoa golf courses with half a dozen other courses located around the District.

For more information contact:
Oamaru Visitor Information Centre
T: +64 3 434 1656

Ideal for fitness and fun, a tenpin bowling alley operates from the Galleon Complex in the north end of town. The facility also contains a family restaurant.

For more information contact:
The Galleon Complex
T: +64 3 437 0128

Nearby, at the town’s northern entrance, there is the Oamaru Racecourse.

For more information contact:
Oamaru Racecourse
T: +64 3 437 1894

North Otago Harness Racing
T: +64 3 437 0169

The Waitaki Community Recreation Centre runs a range of aerobics classes and includes two large gyms/courts as well as a weights room and a rock-climbing wall. Another gym is also located on Thames St and at the Oamaru Rowing Club’s rooms.

For more information contact:
Waitaki Community Recreation Centre
T: +64 3 434 6932

Oamaru Health and Fitness
T: +64 3 434 5777

Oamaru Rowing Club
T: +64 3 434 5268

The centrally located Waitaki Aquatic Centre features an eight-lane 25m pool. The facility also boasts a children’s pool and a spa pool. The Centre supports a strong and thriving swimming club. As well, the facility runs extensive ‘Learn to Swim’ programs.

For more information contact:
Waitaki Aquatic Centre
T: +64 3 434 9940
W: www.waitaki.govt.nz

There are six public/community libraries, one each in Oamaru, Palmerston, Hampden, Kurow, Omarama and Otematata.

For more information contact:
Waitaki District Council
T: +64 3 434 8060
W: www.waitaki.govt.nz/services/library

The North Otago Museum is situated next to the Oamaru Public Library. Notable permanent displays cover both Maori and early European settlement. The museum’s purpose built archive stores 800 meters of archival records, 8,000 maps and plans and over 600,000 photographic images.

For more information contact:
North Otago Museum
T: +64 3 434 1652
W: www.northotagomuseum.co.nz

Oamaru Movie World 3 is proud to offer the latest Hollywood blockbuster movie titles and sporting events (it is a licensed Sky Television venue) on the biggest screen in town. This cinema complex offers the best in modern digital theatre going experience. The facility is modern in both styling and comforts. The theatres offer a warm and comfortable environment to enjoy your movie. The building foyer includes a shop, bar and seating area in which guests can enjoy a coffee or alcoholic drink both before and after their movie.

For more information contact:
Oamaru Movieworld 3
239 Thames St
Oamaru
T: +64 3 434 1077
W: www.movieworld3.co.nz