Heading north up the coast from Dunedin is North Otago. The district of North Otago in New Zealand covers the area of Otago between Shag Point and the Waitaki River, and extends inland to the west as far as the village of Omarama. The large east-coast town of Oamaru serves as North Otago's main centre. The Kakanui Mountains form the principal cordillera. Prominent rivers include the Shag, the Waianakarua, the Kakanui and the Waitaki.
Oamara is the main town in North Otago and boasts the best preserved collection of historic commercial buildings in New Zealand, here you can also visit the home of Janet Frame the famous New Zealand Writer. A good time to see this town is in late November when it comes alive with the Heritage celebrations. On the coast in Oamaru is one of the best places to see the Penguin colonies.
On Moeraki Beach, about halfway between Oamaru and Dunedin are the unique, perfectly round Moeraki Boulders, which weigh up to four tons each.
Turning inland from Oamaru is the Waitaki Valley with the interesting towns of Duntroon, Kurow and Otematata where you can see Maorirock drawings, go Jet Boating, Trout or Salmon Fishing or see an authentic Blacksmith workshop still running for visitors to view today.
Omarama is an internationally renowned Gliding and Astronomy area. The 1995 Gliding world championships were held here in Omarama.