-	All photographs of Waitaki valley

The Waitaki district lies in the centre of the South Island of New Zealand, close to 45 degrees south, the parallel that is exactly halfway between the Equator and the South Pole. The Waitaki River also marks the northern boundary from the Otago region and Canterbury.

The Waitaki river is one of New Zealand's largest rivers and a major source of hydro electric power for this country. The Waitaki River is popular for jet boating, and the lakes for windsurfing, yachting, waterskiing, Fishing, boating and swimming.

Heading inland from the coast on Highway 83, you'll find Duntroon, a small village with many geological and historical assets. This town still has a working village Blacksmith who forges furniture using the original bellows from his hundred year old Nicol's Forge. The early Maori people in this region, left many rock drawings, most of which can still be seen today, on the local limestone cliffs here, while travelling up the Waitaki River before crossing the southern alps.

The next town up the Waitaki Valley is Kurow, which has long been a farming service centre and contains many historic limestone buildings, Kurow is welcoming to visitors and offers a full range of accommodation options. Kurow has excellent Trout fishing in the Waitaki and Hakataramea Rivers and the many streams that flow into them. The hills hold a variety of game for hunters and magnificent walking, tramping and 4wd routes as well as skiing and snowboarding at the Awakino Club Ski field. In the township visitors can play golf, bowls, tennis and other sports.

Otematata is 29 km upstream, The town sits at the top of lake Aviamore just downstream from the Benmore hydro lake which was created in 1958. People from Otago and Canterbury flock to this scenic area throughout all the year to enjoy the variety of exciting activities these two lakes offer including water sports, bowls and golf.

There’s ample accommodation throughout the Waitaki Valley. Accommodation is in high demand during the summer months (particularly in February) and visitors are advised to book in advance. There are also numerous DOC campsites scattered around the lakes for camper vans and those tenting it.