When the Rugby World Cup changed matches around due to the Christchurch earthquake, I knew I would have to scamble to change the itinerary around for two groups. One group was fairly easy. They just started their trip in Auckland instead of Christchurch. The other was going to spend 4 nights in Christchurch in the middle of the trip and end up in Queenstown. When I started to look at options, I realized we would have to stay in Christchuch and continue down the southeast area of the South Island towards Dunedin. Dunedin was full, so here was my dilemma. Fortuntely for all concerned, I was able to get accommodations in Oamaru, and it was the hit sleeper of the tour! Not only did it have a blue penguin colony, but there was also an old boys tournament going on the weekend we were there. We visited the Whitestone Cheese Factory (award-winning handmade cheese..  http://www.whitestonecheese.co.nz ) . Yum. I bought the Windsor Blue and Farmhouse varieties and they were delicous! Can’t wait to try more. The Blue Penguin colony was fun, as was the town itself, with the Train and Steampunk contraptions in the middle of town. It was a great visit, and I’m so glad it worked out the way it did.  Spent way too much time in Fat Sally’s though! Won’t forget that any time soon! Things happen for a reason, don’t they?  www.visitoamaru.co.nz    for more information.