The principal town and port of North Otago lies 115 kilometres north-east of Dunedin and 85 kilometres south-west of Timaru. The name means 'place of shetered fire'. Oamaru limestone, quarried in the area, is used not only in local buildings but in construction throughout the country. To see the town at its best, go to Lookout Point at the end of Tamar Street just as the sun is rising when the beaches and the harbour positively glisten in shimmering reflections of the morning sun rays.