Our Region

The Waitaki District is located on the east coast of the South Island, midway between Christchurch and Dunedin. The district covers 714,805 hectares and stretches some 230km from east to west then extends down 150km of coastline, with the mighty Waitaki River as our northern boundary. The 45th parallel, marking the midway point between the Equator and the South Pole, is located at the northern entrance to Oamaru.

The bountiful agricultural sector that attracted our first settlers to the region continues to drive industry today, alongside exciting opportunities in tourism, niche manufacturing and secondary processing. A buoyant local economy and spectacular natural environment have encouraged the development of a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, artisans and business people. These are just a few of the reasons why the Waitaki District is viewed as one of the best places in New Zealand to live, work or visit.