Explore the Waimate District

Delicious food, fabulous shops and the great outdoors... it doesn’t get much better than this!

The Waimate District is the perfect destination for your next day trip or weekend getaway. The district has earned a reputation for its amazing selection of eateries, great range of shops and multitude of outdoor activities. Add some stunning landscape into the mix in the form of pristine rivers and lakes, native bush, rolling hills, and an expansive rugged coastline, and you will find the Waimate District makes for the perfect escape.

The vibrant town of Waimate is rich in Edwardian architecture and is home to some well-known artists. Art works can be seen throughout the district in many forms, including the incredible silo art towering over Waimate’s Queen Street. If you are in need of some retail therapy, you will find everything from outdoor equipment, hand crafted jewellery, boutique clothing and giftware, to art and secondhand treasures. The popularCommunity Market held every Saturday in the picturesque Seddon Square is also well worth a visit.

Foodies will delight in the scrumptious selection of eateries available. Whether you are after a juicy steak, light snack, or a fine dining experience, the Waimate District has it covered.

Making a weekend of it? There are accommodation options to suit all needs! From hilltop glamping to comfortable motels or boutique bed and breakfasts. And for the more budget conscious, there are loads of camping options.

The many walking and biking tracks have made the Waimate District a hotspot for keen outdoor enthusiasts – with the well-maintained tracks catering for all abilities; from family-friendly riverside strolls to steep undulating terrain.

If the outdoors is calling you, have a round of golf, go horse trekking or fish in the lakes and rivers. Be sure to visit the famous Enkledoovery Korna Wallaby Park for a unique Waimate experience and hand feed the tame wallabies. And if you want to relax and unwind, pack a picnic and a good book and head to the beautifully maintained public gardens and reserves around the district.

Rumor has it they know how to throw a good party in the Waimate District, hosting many events throughout the year, with over 150 events to choose from!

With so much on offer right at your doorstep, head over to waimate.org.nz to start planning your next weekend escape.