In the latest instalment of Wendy Perrin’s Insider’s Travel Guide, Jean-Michel Jefferson, owner and founder of Ahipara Luxury Travel, shares his insights into “Active New Zealand“, including recommendations of must-see sights, must-do activities, and even a few things to avoid. When it comes to his “best bang for your buck” hotel, he gives Oamaru’s Pen-y-bryn Lodge the nod, citing the lodge’s elegant architecture and gourmet cuisine, along with its proximity to a colony of the extremely rare yellow-eyed penguins.

Oamaru also gets a mention in another post on the same site, this time in Donna Thomas’ “Affordable New Zealand” itinerary, recommending a visit to the iconic Fleur’s Place just south of town.

Wendy Perrin is also apparently preparing a full-fledged guide to the Oamaru area, which should really help more and more travellers discover this hot destination in New Zealand.