ABOUT US

 

Kia Ora, Hello

Thanks for visiting us, as you’ll find out Presence on Harbour, is not your usual souvenir and gift shop. 

We have been established since October 2013 in the heart of the Historic Victorian Precinct in Ōamaru, Waitaki on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.  The store is a former agricultural warehouse, so we have an amazing space for browsing in person, but if you can’t do that at the moment, just get a feel of some of our great New Zealand made and designed gift ideas here on this site.

We are always working on ways to be more sustainable and offering NZ made gifts. This means we are helping the local New Zealand economy and keeping transport miles lower. Many of the gifts are made from natural materials produced right here in Aotearoa – wool, wood, ceramics from our clay and sand and of course, Ōamaru stone. We have items made from upcycled materials too.

 

You must visit us to see the unique situation of the store and the wide variety of NZ made gifts, clothing and artwork from NZ artists that we have to show you, including Kiwiana and NZ icons, like Buzzy Bee and Tin Man, plus we have a large selection of Children's books from babies and older, including many in te reo Māori.  This site just shows a small collection of what’s on offer. 

Our local, friendly team look forward to seeing you soon when you can visit Ōamaru – do also look out for Ruby, our VW Beetle.

You can shop online or visit us in our iconic shop! 
   
Why not send Kiwiana to your overseas relatives and friends to remind them of their NZ home, we have Ōamaru and Waitaki themed gifts including tee shirts, fridge magnets, cards and more.
We have a wide variety of prints and artwork, from
iconic NZ landscape artists including Diana Adams, Mike Glover, Ester Dexter, Graham Young and Jo May.  Also, work by Angie Dennis, Bridget Hall,
Glenn Jones and Tara Cassidy, plus, local artists, including Jackie Bird.
Just to name a few.
  
Our Kiwiana Gifts come from many designers and craft people, including Abstract Design, Just Great Design, Crystal Ashley, Aeon, Tofutree, Tanya Wolfkamp & Jo Luping (plus many more) and Native NZ Wood gifts from
MZ Design, Naturally Wood and Jude Raffills.
   
  
  
      
Come in and try the Koru Knitwear and Native World Merino, Possum and Silk Garments – 100% NZ Made.   Ladies, Men's, Children’s Wear plus accessories. Orders taken from the full catalogue ranges, please email us, if we don’t have the garment you are looking for on our website. Koru is made by the Knitting Establishment and Native World is made by Manawatu Knitting Mills, both companies are based in the North Island of New Zealand.
We also have Merino clothing from Tussock Ridge - Long and short sleeved Tees and Merino Fingerless Gloves from Crown & Feather made in Dunedin on the South Island, too.  Plus a range of Jill Main Merino Accessories.
All NZ made.https://www.alps2ocean.com/

We are an official partner of the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail and are conveniently located near the finish of the trail.  When you cycle this trail you will see what a picturesque district the Waitaki is with snow topped mountains, clear blue lakes, dams, vineyards, farms and amazing wildlife.  

Get more information on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail at https://www.alps2ocean.com/

Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Ambassador

We are proud to be an official Ambassador. When you visit the Geopark you will enjoy the many areas within our region with outstanding natural beauty and  cultural heritage.

 

So do come and explore……

Our amazing region from  beautiful mountains and clear sparkling lakes to our picturesque coast, with the  townships of  Kakanui, Hampden & Moeraki. Also the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark, has plenty of ideas to see this land of geological and cultural marvels steeped in ancient history. Check them out at www.whitestonegeopark.nz

 

 Dawn
Hi, I’m Dawn, and originally from Dorset in southern England, we arrived in Ōamaru in time for Christmas 2003, with our young daughters and we were blown away, yes, it’s definitely different from many rural NZ towns, the Victorian buildings and harbour, the Little Blue Penguins, the Waitaki lakes and dams, sea and river fishing and so much more within easy reach, I could go on and on, you just need to visit yourself.
I immediately saw the opportunities and potential of Ōamaru’s Precinct, but spent time with the family, doing some farming (I grow up on a dairy and sheep farm), developing gardens and working on organic vegetable and egg farms, before getting the chance to work at Presence on Harbour from its concept, it became my ever evolving business in 2014.

Having spent my early working life in hospitality and tourism, I have currently put my stamp on the souvenir/gift shop concept here in Ōamaru, I just love sourcing the creative gifts that Kiwis can produce, there are so many talented people out there, I’ve even written 2 Children’s Books about a Little Blue Penguin, called Percy, after he came to visit us in the store…..