WAIMATE Waimate is a town that requires a diversion off state highway one some 30 kms north of Oamaru. Most travelers would not normally take the exit but a visit to Waimate is recommended. Waimate is ‘Wallaby Town’ and this i9s the signature adopted following the introduction of the Wallaby. Waimate is well-known locally for its population of Bennett's wallabies. These marsupials were introduced from Australia and now live in the wild in the countryside surrounding the town. Wallabies are also farmed locally and sometimes exported to zoos Waimate is a town that has all of the essential services and as was the case with Oamaru is ‘garden town” and Like much of rural New Zealand, Waimate suffered from an economic downturn in the 1980s, with the closure of the dairy factory and a number of sawmills. However, a newly developed large scale sawmill and the development of a large milk powder factory, coupled with the wealth of dairy farms and a residential building boom, have seen a renewed confidence in Waimate and  this shows. The majority of churches in Waimate is 100 years old or is nearing that anniversary. There are a number of hotels in Waimate. The War Memorials are spread through the township, with large public gardens that honour the fallen at WW1. There is a Museum that opens on Sundays or on request.   Be sure to take the diversion and enjoy this small town