Sat, 7th Mar, 2026 (part2) Lake Ruataniwha free camp, near Twizel to Rest area near Shag Point, NZ (Exploring Oamaru)

Right turn onto SH1 at Pukeuri with a nice view of the sea but I missed the photo. Continued on to Oamaru where we stopped at the dump point and water fill up near a service station off the main road. Into town and found a cheaper self serve fuel station with diesel for 188.9c/l. Lucky we have the app as there is a big variation in prices.

Down a steep road to the wharf for lunch.

Very busy with a festival or something on the foreshore. We found a place to park in a big paddock and after lunch went for a walk. Interesting seats and tables - probably not too comfortable though.

Some interesting carvings in the old trees on the edge of the park where the markets etc are happening.

Sandcastle competition just starting on the beach.

Back to the old railway station and footbridge.

Looking across to the old Station Goods Shed.

Onto Holmes Wharf.

Next sign - Friendly Bay Beach. Nice name.

Behind the fence were little ‘homes’ - for penguins I guess.

Continued out to the end of the wharf.

Spotted some NZ seals lazing about on the other sea wall. One gave us a wave!

View around then back over the wharf to the other side of Friendly Bay.

As we walked back I noticed the playground equipment - big tower slide and swings off the penny farthing bike. Further over is an elephant climbing area. Great fun.

Found an interesting sculpture near the railway bridge. Made from lots of different parts.

The beach side of the old Wool and Grain Warehouses.

Another old building up the street. Turned into Harbour Street along the back of the old warehouses. Lots of quirky things and lovely old buildings.

Luckily they had a ladder to get up on the penny farthing bicycle and it was bolted down!

At the corner, 1877 Criterion Hotel.

Kept wandering along.

In the Scottish Hall there is a Highland Dancing competition happening.

Passed the sculptor's store but it was closed. Lots of nice things inside.

At the end we found the Info Centre and picked up the heritage walk guide.

Back to the camper then around to Woolworths for a few things. Not much storage in the camper or the little fridge so we will be shopping every few days. Woolies is different here - doesn’t have half the things we have at home and the Kelloggs Cornflakes is only found in the Gluten free aisle.