During your stay with us, you will have the opportunity to partake in many of the wonderful activities around our district. Some of these are listed below but many more are on offer. If you wish to get more information or arrange a booking, feel free to ask one of us at the office and we will be more than happy to help you out.
Moeraki Boulders
These world famous boulders can be found just 10 minutes drive away. Some of these boulders are 3m in width, and weigh several tonne. Great to see and kids will have a great time playing on them. There is also a cafe overlooking the sea with gift shop. Click here to read more about the Moeraki Boulders.
Herbert Forest
If you enjoy walking or mountain biking then just next door to Riverside Haven Lodge & Holiday Park is the Herbert Forest. This forest has many walks offering some great views for you to see.
Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail
This newly finished cycle trial is New Zealand’s longest continuous cycle trail. Divided up into 8 sections, the trail winds its way through some of the South Island’s most spectacular scenery, navigating your way from Oamaru to Aoraki Mt Cook. Follow this link to see the Alps 2 Ocean website.
Yellow Eyed Penguin
A short trip out to Moeraki will bring you to the most significant Yellow Eyed penguin breeding site in North Otago. These amazing birds stand at around 65cm tall and are thought to be the worlds rarest penguin. The Moeraki Lighthouse is also at the colony with a beautiful walk down to the Katiki Point, where you will see the numerous fur seals sun bathing. To read more about the Yellow Eyed penguins and fur seals click here.
Fishing
Whether you enjoy fishing in gentle rivers, coastal, or sea fishing, the Waitaki District has you covered. Riverside Haven Lodge & Holiday Park is situated beside the Waianakarua river, of which fish can be seen as you walk down towards the sea. If you prefer boat fishing out at sea, both Moeraki and Oamaru have many charter companies that will take you out for a great day at sea where you can bring home your catch and have fresh blue cod for dinner.
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
15 minutes north of Riverside Haven Lodge & Holiday Park will bring you to Oamaru, where you will find the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. During the peak season there are around 130 breeding pairs. Visiting during the evening you will see the penguins coming in from their long day out at sea, and during the day guided and self guided tours are available to see the penguins in their nesting boxes.
Click here for more information on the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.