Mayor Tavendale welcomes Lonely Planet Guide recognition

Published on 23 September 2026

Dunedin and Waitaki make the Top 50 Destinations Around the World for 2027.

The good news keeps on coming for the Waitaki District. Netflix’s East of Eden is due to showcase Waitaki’s Heritage Precinct when it premieres on Thursday 1 October, tourism numbers are outstripping the national average for the District and Dunedin and Waitaki have been listed in the Lonely Planet Top 50 Destinations Around the World for 2027, to the delight of Mayor Mel Tavendale.

“A huge thank you goes to the wonderful accommodation, hospitality, and tourism operators throughout the District – who provide top quality experiences to growing numbers of tourists. Without them, this recognition would not be possible.

Ōamaru and Waitaki is excited to attract such a plaudit from the world-renowned travel guide but we’ve always known how unique and captivating our district is.  In essence we've managed to protect and retain our character, so it's gratifying to have this recognised. 

Our original Victorian white-stone architecture is the authentic backdrop for annual Victorian, and Steampunk, celebrations as well as blockbuster films and mini-series (check out the upcoming East of Eden production).

Our heritage precinct is also home to some wonderful creative artists including Donna Demente’s uniquely wonderful Grainstore Gallery which is featured in the Lonely Planet guide. We are very proud of all of our creative artists who make their home in our District.

The same stone our buildings are famous for are part of the reason Waitaki has the only UNESCO Global Geopark in Australasia, and that same stone contains the fossil forefathers of the famous blue penguins that flock to our shores each night. 

And right beside it, visitors get the chance to enjoy our penguin experience and seal colony. Beyond that, there’s also our lakes and our magnificent fishing river. Along with Dunedin, our combined architectural and wildlife assets are just an entree to the character, and characters, of our place.”

Waitaki looks forward to welcoming travellers who visit to find out why Waitaki is one of the top 50 places in the world to visit, and we’re sure they won’t be disappointed.

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz