Waitaki Winter Warm Up Event

The Great Waitaki Warm Up – August in Ōamaru

This August, Ōamaru turns up the heat with The Great Waitaki Warm Up — a two-week celebration of winter comfort, bold flavours, and local creativity.

A Celebration of Local Taste & Talent

For two weeks only, ten of Waitaki’s favourite cafés, bars, and eateries are serving limited-edition winter warmers. From steaming mulled wine to rich hot toddies, from decadent hot chocolates (both boozy and family-friendly) to slow-simmered soups, hand-crafted coffee blends, and indulgent Whitestone Cheese baked brie — these are the flavours to take the chill off a crisp Waitaki winter.

This is your invitation to step out, warm up, and savour the season. Whether it’s a catch-up with friends, a quiet solo treat, or a cosy winter date, you’ll find something made with care and served with heart.

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Where to Warm Up in August

Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli – 469 Thames Highway
Campbells Bay Baked Brie – Mt Domett Double Cream Brie baked until golden and gooey, drizzled with spiced honey, topped with toasted walnuts, and served with crisp country toast. Sweet, savoury, and perfect for a winter evening.

Badger & Mackerel – 175 Thames Street
48 Hour Broth – Slow-cooked beef or chicken bone broth with sea salt, spring onions, and lemon.

The Brydone Hotel – 115 Thames Street
Seafood Chowder – Creamy chowder with mixed seafood, topped with grilled prawns and mussels, served with house-baked ciabatta.

Short Black Café – 45 Thames Street
Cozy Stirred – Frothy warm milk served with a Whittaker’s hot chocolate stirrer (milk or blondie chocolate) and a gourmet cookie of the week.

Last Post Restaurant Pub – 12 Thames Street
Trippy Hot Chocolate – Kahlúa, Baileys, and spiced rum with hot chocolate, topped with toasted marshmallows.
Mulled Wine – Brandy and wine infused with aromatic spices and fruit juices, served hot.
Seafood Chowder – Generous seafood in a creamy finish, with toasted focaccia. Soup of the day also available.

Victoria Lounge – 7 Thames Street
Drunken Hot Chocolate – White and milk chocolate with orange liqueur, topped with toasted meringue and whipped cream.
Homemade Lemon Ginger Honey – Local honey, ginger liqueur, and spices.

Casa Mia Espresso – 1 Tyne Street
Pumpkin Soup – Mild curry pumpkin soup with cheese rolls or ciabatta.
Breakfast – Mince on ciabatta with poached eggs.
Brews – Ripe coffee beans from Petone.

NZ Whisky Collection – 9 Tyne Street
Hot Toddy – Single Malt whisky with Misty River Whisky Liqueur, ginger, local honey, cinnamon, and lemon, served in a teacup.

Harbour Street Collective Café – 8 Harbour Street
Deluxe Hot Chocolate – Rich, velvety chocolate with toasted marshmallows, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and chocolate chips.

Craftwork Brewery – 10 Harbour Street
Mulled Wine – Red wine with citrus and warm spices.

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Plan Your Warm Up

The Great Waitaki Warm Up is the perfect reason to explore Ōamaru’s hospitality scene this winter. Every creation is available for a limited time — so gather your friends, plan your route, and discover your new seasonal favourite.

Please check individual business hours before visiting.