Things to do in Hampden

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Moeraki

Moeraki Boulders Beach

Moeraki Boulders Beach are scattered along Koekohe Beach on the east coast of the South Island, New Zealand, between Moeraki and Hampden. At low tide, dozens of giant spherical boulders lie fully exposed on the sand. Most range from 1.5m to 2.2m in diameter, perfectly round like giant stone eggs half-buried in the sand. They are actually grey calcareous concretions: about 60 million years ago, calcite in the ancient seabed mud slowly condensed around organic cores like shells and plant fragments, taking millions of years to grow to their current size. Later, years of wave erosion on the cliffs stripped them from the mudstone, washing and depositing them in their current location. What makes these boulders so fascinating is their combination of inner and outer beauty: their appearance is round and full, and paired with the long, sandy beach and the surf of the South Pacific, the scene is quite unique. Some boulders have cracked or even broken in half, revealing hollow cores with calcite crystals embedded in radial cracks, resembling a turtle shell. The viewing experience is highly dependent on the tide: at high tide, the water covers some of the boulders, while around low tide is the best time to see them fully exposed for a close-up view. Checking the daily tide times before you go can help you avoid the disappointment of seeing only "half an egg" submerged in the water.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Waitaki

Ōamaru Penguins

Ōamaru PenguinsThe location is only a few minutes away from the city center,It is a natural habitat for little blue penguins. The penguins here live entirely in their natural environment, and the conservation center has long conducted scientific monitoring and breeding research on the penguin population. The population has continued to grow in recent years, and in peak season the number of penguins returning to their nests at night is considerable. The conservation center offers two viewing experiences: daytime and dusk. The daytime visit allows you to enter the Blue Wing dark room and observe up close, through nest boxes, the little penguins that stay on shore during the day and do not head out to sea, learning about their habits. The dusk session is the core experience: after sunset, groups of little blue penguins return from feeding at sea, waddling ashore in small groups and crossing the grass back to their respective nest boxes, and the whole process is clearly visible under warm lighting. Dusk viewing offers standard seats and VIP seats; VIP seats are closer to the main route of the penguins returning to their nests, allowing a closer viewing distance, and you can also walk to the boardwalk where the penguins often pass. Staff are on site to provide a guide, introducing the habits of the little blue penguins and the conservation center's research work. Photography and video recording are prohibited in the viewing area. Night viewing seats are open-air with a roof, and bringing warm clothing is recommended even in summer.

Katiki Point Lighthouse

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise

Born in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw, known as "The Lady of the Lake," dates back to the golden age of steamships—an era that included the world-famous Titanic. Today, as a coal-fired ferry, she has been sailing for over 100 years and isLake WakatipuA charming sight that takes you back in time to experience the splendor of early 20th-century Europe. During the cruise, you can lean on the railing on the deck and gaze at the beautiful lake and mountain scenery of Queenstown, or step onto the bridge to secretly admire the captain's superb steering skills, or venture into the steam boiler room to learn how the steam engine works. △ Boat tourLake Wakatipu, you can enjoy magnificent mountain views and tranquil lake waters △ Visit the engine room and mini museum on board, listen to songs accompanied by piano, and savor the elegance of the turn of the century △After arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you can view and feed the farm animals up close, and attend sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Milford Sound Scenic Cruises

Take in Milford Sound on a modern and spacious Milford Sound Cruise, with unobstructed views outside the boat from any area of the interior cabin. The boat features a comfortable indoor lounge and large panoramic picture windows, allowing you to see waterfalls and wildlife up close from the bow. From the spacious upper outdoor deck, you can look directly down on the water, and the captain will provide informative commentary, and the cruise will play commentary in other languages at certain times.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Waitaki

Steampunk HQ

In the Steampunk Museum, you can see works that mix and display elements of the future and the past, reality and imagination, advanced and backward, magic and science, and will be a favorite for steampunk fans who like this style of games and movies. A place not to be missed.

Katiki Point

This is a viewing point for yellow-eyed penguins and seals, but the penguins go home about an hour before sunset, so be careful not to miss them.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Waitaki

Whitestone City

The White Rock Town Experience Center is located in the center of the old Victoria Street, a 5-minute walk from the city center. You can watch wearing videos of corsets, skirts and other costumes in the Victorian Theater; you can experience the retro two-wheeled carousel in the playground; dress up as a little teacher in the classroom; compare the 19th century tables with your peers in the bar Play games such as swimming, marbles, cards, etc.; experience life in the 19th century in the parlor of the upper class. White Rock Town is not only a window to understand the history and culture of Oamaru, but also a good place for you to take pictures and record good memories in Oamaru.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

NZONE Skydive Queenstown

Gold tier trial period: October to April of the following year NZONE Skydive Queenstown in New Zealand 1. Tandem skydiving origin experience: New Zealand tandem skydiving started in Queenstown in 1990. Complete the challenge at this legendary starting point. 2. New Zealand tourism awards certification: A skydiving brand awarded by the New Zealand tourism awards, ensuring both safety and experience with double authority. 3. Queenstown core view aerial perspective: Free fall to enjoy the "S"-shaped bay of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range and the panoramic view of Queenstown. 4. 360° unobstructed "God's-eye view": Aerial panoramic vision, far surpassing cable cars and viewing platforms, truly seeing all the highlights of Queenstown at once. 5. Multiple height options suitable for all ages: Offers various skydiving height choices, available for ages 6 and up. 6. Tandem skydiving for beginners: Professional instructors provide one-on-one guidance throughout the experience, no prior skydiving experience required. 7. Complies with New Zealand safety standards: equipment, processes, and instructor qualifications have all met the high standards of New Zealand's aviation and safety regulatory system certification. 8. Scenic flight + free fall + dual gliding experience: First enjoy a scenic fixed-wing flight in Queenstown, followed by the thrill of high-speed free fall, then glide smoothly under the parachute to admire the scenery. 9. Free shuttle service in Queenstown downtown: Located in the heart of Queenstown, offering complimentary transfers year-round (weather permitting) for more flexible itinerary arrangements.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Waitaki

Oamaru's Heritage Precinct

Oamaru is known for its elegant architecture. In the low 19th century, this was an important seaport in the South Island of New Zealand, so at that time big banks, import and export companies, etc. all built offices. Currently these buildings include coffee kiosks, art galleries, shops, etc. If you are interested, you can also implement old-fashioned bicycle rides. The retro buildings in the Victorian heritage area retain the complete 19th-century Victorian architectural style, and all buildings are built with Oamaru's local large white stone.