New Zealand is well known for its role in providing breathtaking backdrops to Hollywood movies
, but travellers should know that the country has much more to offer than just its natural beauty. True that New Zealand is blessed with fields upon fields of grassy meadows and a rugged romantic coastline, but beneath this is a nation that is filled with culture; all of this combines to make New Zealand one of the most exciting destinations to visit.
If you are travelling in the Waitaki Region, then a stopover in Oamaru is a must. It is a historic town that had gained prominence even during the Victorian Era as a busy port on New Zealands South Island. Much of the architecture of the town still stays true to the Victorian period with sandstone facades and domed roofs dominating the cityscape. Among the attractions are the old public gardens of the town, which have been designed in the traditional Victorian style found in England. The citizens of this port town are proud of its Victorian heritage and even the newer buildings have been designed to blend in with the older ones. Several tours are conducted in Oamaru so that visitors can fully explore the history of the town.
An important stop over on any tour through Oamaru is the Grainstore Gallery. The building itself is an old Victorian grain store, that used to store the seasons harvest safe from rodents and the rain. Today it has been converted into a modern art gallery that displays the penchant that New Zealanders have for modern art and architecture. Most of the sculptures and paintings on display are by local artistes with some travelling exhibits also being on display. The gallery also plays host to touring musicians and bands with good crowds usually attending these performances.
For travellers staying at New Zealand hotels in this area, the Grainstore Gallery is a great place to visit, not only for the art but also for some entertaining performances. It is a great place to enjoy some music and interact with locals for guests staying at hotels New Zealand such as Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ.