Foodie Blog

Oamaru

28th December 2006

Oamaru was once the wealthiest town in the country, rich from it’s sheep wool, meat and grain. In filming a spot for Good Morning Television, Chris Wright and I journeyed about an hour north of Dunedin to the small seaside town of Kakanui near Oamaru. Our Mission? To film the harvest of organic Jersey Benne potatoes. Kakanui is possibly the most stunning looking farming area I have ever seen with rolling snow capped hills and multi coloured planes of land that have inspired many of New Zealand’s most famous painters.

Having completed our mission, our good farmers informed us to get this close to Oamaru without visiting was a crime! As we had an hour to kill before catching our flight to Auckland, we drove to the Oamaru township so I could see what all the fuss was about.

Imagine my astonishment as we drove down the main street of a white stone city! Back when money and labour was plentiful, the Oamaru citizens carved out a stunning Victorian city in limestone.

Oamaru limestone is still hewn for use in architecture and sold around the world.

When the stone is removed from the Quarry floor, it has a large moisture content and when the milling of the stone is complete it stays damp and soft for some time. It is then placed on timber pallets up to 1.5 tones in weight. They are left uncovered when they leave the quarry to allow air movement around the stone, and to allow the dispersion and evaporation of water. As the stone dries, it becomes harder and is laid 3-4 weeks after milling. If the stone is not sufficiently hard enough it is easily damaged.

Oamaru is well known as the birth place of famed author Janet Frame

the worlds smallest species of penguin, the Blue Penguins

a natural wonder … the Moeraki Boulders

and award winning Whitestone Cheese

Every year the township of Oamaru celebrates its unique history. Several events are held including the Penny Farthing Cycle Tour, New Zealand National Penny Farthing Championships, Annual Victorian Fete, The World Stone Sawing Championships and a Traditional Boat day. The proceeds from these events are used to assist the Trust with the development of the Victorian theme for the precinct.

For more information visit http://www.oamaru.co.nz

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