Owaka

According to Wikipedia Owaka is  'a small town in Otago, in the southern South Island of New Zealand. It is the largest community in the rugged, forested Catlins area, close to the border with Southland, some 35 km south of Balclutha on the Southern Scenic Route.'

It has a population base of about 350 and is a service town for the large farming area in its vicinity and is also a popular stopping point for the thousands of tourists that move along the Southern Scenic Route and into the beautiful Catilins area.  Large iconic sculptures are very fashionable in our towns and cities at present so plans are afoot to have a large stainless waka in the town. Of course Owaka means 'place of the waka' so it would be very fitting. 

Owaka supports an Area School, a pub, two cafes, a variety of accommodation choices, a     doctor, chemist, garage, hairdresser, library  and a small supermarket. As well there is a craft/collectables shop and a quirky attractions of Dolly World and Teapotland.  Within the area there are many things to do and see and the Museum and Information Centre is an excellent place to start. Opened in 2007 it has modern and interactive displays that tell the story of the Catlins and Owaka. 

Owaka Museum and Information Centre

Attractions and activities include the Purakanui Falls, Pounawea, The Nuggets with the seal colonies and the lighthouse, sea lions at Cannibal Bay and Jack's Blowhole. There are also many walks of varying lengths and more information is on the DOC site: Walks in the area

We have spent time in the area on many occasions and been to most of these attractions. We haven't had much time to explore the area on this occasion, though I have done a couple walks around the town for a bit of exercise.