Forrester Gallery
This former Bank of New South Wales was built at a time of rapid growth in Ōamaru. Designed by Dunedin architect…
Most famous for its blue penguin colony, steampunk, and limestone architecture, Ōamaru is the largest town in the Waitaki District. But that is just the beginning of this South Island gem...
Be captivated by little blue penguins, fur seals and rare seabirds that call Ōamaru home. With craft beer and whisky, award-winning restaurants, cafés and boutique shopping, Ōamaru Harbour has something for everyone.
Stroll through New Zealand’s best preserved Victorian commercial streetscape in the Victorian Precinct in Ōamaru. Witness in awe buildings made from locally quarried limestone that are a testament to its boom era, when the town was an important port sending the world’s first frozen meat exports around the world. Venture into Ōamaru a little further and you’ll find wonderful shopping, galleries, handmade cheeses lush public gardens.
For those who enjoy jazz music or Steampunk, make sure to head along to the annual Harbour Street Jazz and Blues Festival and Steampunk NZ Festival. A hub for all things steampunk, Ōamaru is home to Steampunk HQ, an interactive gallery where Victorian England and steam-powered tech collide.
Whether you have a few hours or are on a weekend away, take time to wander the streets and have a chat with the locals – there's lots of local legends who are proud to call Waitaki their home.
What to do in Ōamaru
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Janet Frame House
The Janet Frame House at 56 Eden Street has been restored and is seasonally open to the public.
Information on the… -
Steampunk HQ
Originally an 1880’s grain elevator building in the Victorian Precinct of Ōamaru, Steampunk HQ is a unique museum of…
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Totara Estate
This historic farm (originally 15,000 acres), was the birthplace of New Zealand’s billion-dollar frozen meat…
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Waitaki Museum
Designed by Forrester and Lemon, this handsome structure began its life in 1882 as the Ōamaru Athenaeum (a…
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Whitestone City
Located in the heart of Victorian Ōamaru and fit-out in the style of a colonial town, where activities, displays…
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Ōamaru Heritage Walking Tours
Take a step back in time and discover Ōamaru’s
vibrant colonial history.
Embark on a 90-minute easy-paced walk around… -
Ōamaru Opera House
The beautiful Ōamaru Opera House stands resplendent in historic Thames Street, an intact, heritage-listed nineteenth…
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Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct
Stroll through New Zealand’s best preserved Victorian commercial streetscape. The original buildings, made from locally…
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14S Beach
This beautiful beach between Ōamaru and Kakanui has no official name on the map but it has been renamed by locals as…
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Bushy Beach Walk
Spot New Zealand fur seals and the rarest penguin in the world, the yellow-eyed penguin, from this short cliff-top…
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Kakanui’s Sunflowers Field
*Please note that the 2025 crop of Topflite sunflowers won't be accessible for public viewing due to the lack of safe…
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Skyline Walk
Distance : 4.6km (one way)
Go you high into the hills and enjoy a good workout on the Skyline Walk. Beginning at… -
South Hill Walkway
Running between Takaro Park and the Lookout Point, the two-kilometre South Hill Walkway takes you through Ōamaru’s…
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Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Standing at just 30 centimetres (or 1ft), be captivated by our cutest little residents at the Ōamaru Blue Penguin…
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Ōamaru Public Gardens / Botanical Gardens
The Ōamaru Public Gardens are among the oldest in the country, established in 1967 and opened officially in October…
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Devil’s Bridge Wetland
This wetland lagoon is an important habitat for many wetland bird species and is recognised as an area of Natural…
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Cape Wanbrow Biking Tracks
The Cape offers steeper terrain with 8km of interconnecting tracks to explore in a compact area. There are climbing…
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Ōamaru Reservoir
Ōamaru Reservoir offers single-track for all levels of rider and is the perfect place to bring the whole family. There…
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Ōamaru’s Kids Bike Park
The realm of Waitaki cycling caters for all ages and abilities – even those learning to ride. Ōamaru opened a…
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Cape Wanbrow Walks
Time : 30 min to 5 hours
Distance : 2.1 km – 8 km
The Cape Wanbrow walking track (part of the South Hill walkway… -
Ōamaru Harbourside Walkway
Distance: 1.4km (one way)
The Harbourside walkway is a nice short route that will take you through the heart and hub… -
Parkside Quarries
The home of Ōamaru stone.
Discover the rich history and stories behind this iconic stone and take a guided tour… -
Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark
The Waitaki was formed under an ancient sea and is built on the remains of prehistoric creatures from a vanished world.
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Heliventures Ōamaru
Take off in a helicopter from Ōamaru Airport and explore some of the unique landscapes and features of the Waitaki…
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Silenzio Pottery Experience
The Silenzio Pottery workshop is based in beautiful Ōamaru, and we love using the local materials to make our unique…
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Miss Purple's Studio Realm
Visit Miss Purple’s Studio Realm, a store/studio dedicated to all things steampunk. Miss Purple makes…
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Presence on Harbour
Presence on Harbour, is not your usual gift shop, situated in the historic Victorian Precinct in Ōamaru, we have plenty…
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Inc Design Store
Showcasing a curated range of independent designers and artists; fine art, jewellery, clothing, homewares, ceramics…
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Buggy Robot
Established by artist Martin Horspool, Buggy Robot is a showcase of creative recycling. Martin crafts his robot…
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Riverstone Country Gift Shops
What started as Dot drying flowers and wheat in her home to help make ends meet, soon needed more space and thus she…
Where to eat & drink in Ōamaru
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Craftwork Brewery and Tasting Room
We are a Belgian-inspired brewery, making Farmhouse, Abbey, and Barrel-aged sour beer, and in the heart of…
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Cucina
Having won the gold medal in the 2019’s Beef and Lamb excellence awards, as well as other awards, dining at Cucina is a…
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The Criterion Hotel Bar and Eatery
Expect the unexpected at the Criterion, the flag-ship building to the historic Victorian precinct of Ōamaru. The…
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Whitestone Cheese Co.
Taste the unique flavours crafted by one of NZ’s leading artisan cheesemakers at the Whitestone Cheese shop and…
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Ōamaru Farmers Market
Located at the end of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, right next to Friendly Bay and the Historic Precinct, you will find…
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Harbour St Collective Cafe
The Harbour Street Collective Cafe, nestled in the charming Victorian Precinct of Ōamaru, offers a delightful blend of…
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Fat Sally's
Step into the heart of Fat Sallys Pub and Restaurant, a beloved establishment where the atmospheres electric and the…
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Del Mar
Del Mar is the perfect spot to enjoy an amazing meal with friends and family. We offer a range of delicious dishes with…
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Whitestone Cheese Factory Tours
Tours give guests a behind the scenes look at our cheese making process, all the way from; make to taste. You will get…
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Victoria Lounge
Located in the heart of Ōamaru, offering something for everyone, from craft beers to cocktails. Also home to Ōamaru's…
Where to stay in Ōamaru
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Bella Vista Motel Ōamaru
Come and join us at Bella Vista Motel Ōamaru. We are the closest motel to the town centre, shops, restaurants, cafes…
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Casa Nova House
A luxury bed and breakfast experience awaits you in our historic Ōamaru stone mansion. The first stone dwelling to be…
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Colonial Lodge Motel
Colonial Lodge Motel is a small Four star Motel complex which offers quality, comfortable and affordable accommodation…
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Federation House
This grand heritage house commands a prime site on Cape Wanbrow, with panoramic views overlooking the Harbour, Ocean…
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Mariner Suites
Brand new luxury suites opened December 2020
Mariner Suites is nestled perfectly between the breath-taking Ōamaru… -
Pen-y-bryn Lodge
Housed in an 1889 Category-One listed historic home, Pen-y-bryn is a luxury lodge where up to ten guests will enjoy the…
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Poshtel
In the heart of Ōamaru, Poshtel is within convenient walking distance of the historic precinct, the local gardens, the…
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The Old Confectionery
The Old Confectionery is a lovingly restored heritage building in the centre of Ōamaru; close to the penguins, historic…
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The Old School Enfield
Bed & Breakfast in an old school! Located in Enfield – a short drive from Ōamaru, the building has been recently…
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Hightree Chalets
Log off at the door, your weekend awaits.
Escape the hustle of life and explore somewhere new in the beautiful… -
Ōamaru Top 10 Holiday Park
Centrally located adjacent the Ōamaru Gardens with a full range of modern accommodation from park motels…
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The Mews
The Mews is a Qualmark Silver 4.5-star motel offering comfortable accommodation near the Ōamaru town center…
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Little Red School House B&B
Discover the charm of true Kiwi farming life at the Little Red School House Bed and Breakfast, a peaceful rural retreat…
Stay and Play in
Ōamaru
Need inspiration? Whether you’re a foodie, a luxury lover, or a wildlife wanderer, you'll find plenty to inspire you.
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The Heritage Enthusiast
Escape the 21st century and immerse yourself in the charm of Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct before exploring the abundance of rich history Waitaki has to...
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Coastal Highlights
Embark on an experience through time and nature as you journey along the Waitaki coastline. This itinerary offers a delightful mix of historical explo...
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The Bougie Foodie
Foodies, unite! Indulge in award-winning wine, food and friendly hospitality in Waitaki. Find exceptional fine dining, craft breweries, award-winning ...
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The Happy Glamper
Not your typical camper? Indulge in a bit of luxury and try one of the region’s unique glamping experiences instead. From geodesic domes, treehouses, ...
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The Luxury Lover
For those who want to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life, Waitaki is the perfect escape. Indulge in a little luxury or treat yourself...
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The Wildlife Wanderer
Find your escape in Waitaki and get lost in the magical surroundings of the region. The Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark will transport you in...
