The Oamaru area offers a wonderful variety of attractions. Guests can choose to relax within the Lodge, wander through the on site landscaped gardens or visit local sights. Visit Harbour-Tyne historical precinct, an area of splendid Victorian commercial buildings and warehouses currently being restored as the home of reproduction craftspeople. Marvel at the delightful penguin parade as little blue penguins cross the road at the towns foreshore to return to their nesting sites or view the rare yellow-eyed penguin in its natural habitat. Take in a round of golf at a nearby course or venture a little further afield to fish for salmon and/or trout in the world famous Waitaki River.

• Penguin viewing. Two types of penguin nest along the Oamaru coastline. The Blue Penguin and the Yellow Eyed Penguins. The Yellow Eyed penguin, one of the world's rarest, comes ashore in limited numbers in the late afternoon. The Blue penguin comes ashore at dusk in numbers between 30 and 180 depending on the time of year. Both colonies are within a five minute drive from Pen-y-bryn.

• Golf. Less than five minutes drive from the Lodge is an excellent 18 hole golf course . Green fees are very reasonable, carts and clubs can be hired and a professional is on hand.

• Harbour and Tyne Historic Precinct. An area of Victorian buildings constructed from the local Oamaru limestone has attracted a number of artisans who practice Victorian crafts. One of New Zealand's leading bookbinders and restorers practises his craft here alongside antique shops and second hand book shops complementing the ambience of the area.

• Gardens. Oamaru Public Gardens are reputedly among the finest in the land. In addition, a number of private gardens are available for viewing, by appointment.

• Local Industry. The area offers diverse interests from Classic Car Manufacture, and award winning cheese making, to Oamaru stone quarrying and woodworking.

• Waitaki Valley. From the Mt Cook area to the sea, the Waitaki River has carved its path through magnificent scenery, which in turn has been modified with Maori rock art, hydro-electric stations and related dams and salmon farms. Picnic lunches can be provided.

• Moeraki Boulders, Shag Point 20 minutes south along the coast from Oamaru are a number of unique spherical boulders and 5 minutes further along the coast a colony of NZ fur seals.

• Dunedin, Albatross Colony. A day trip from Pen-y-bryn to Dunedin would offer the interests of that southern Scottish City as well as the experience of seeing the only mainland colony of Albatross in the world on the Otago Peninsula.

• Fishing. Sea, trout or salmon fishing are all available with expert local guides.

• Scenic Flights are available from Oamaru to Mt Cook over spectacular braided rivers and stunning lakes, alternatively, take a coastal flight along the remarkable North Otago/Pacific coastline.

" After 3 wonderful weeks in NZ we didn't expect that it could get better. Excellent food and we enjoyed all the lovely flowers!" Udo & Ulrike, Germany.