Things to do in Oamaru

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Oamaru Travel Guide

Oamaru showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Oamaru showing heritage architecture and outdoor art as well as a family

Oamaru featuring rugged coastline, a sandy beach and a sunset

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What to do in Oamaru

Discover the most popular places to visit in Oamaru

In Oamaru there's a little blue penguin colony where you can pay to see a show and learn about the penguins and watch them come in for the night. Penguins in New Zealand are only around at dusk when they swim in from a day at sea for the night.

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

4/5(12 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, a lovely green space in Oamaru. Amble around the area's marina or experience its museums.

Oamaru showing a bay or harbor, boating and rugged coastline

Oamaru Harbour

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Oamaru with a trip to Oamaru Harbour. Amble around the area's waterfront or experience its museums.

Steampunk HQ

4/5(8 reviews)

Try out interactive displays, marvel at intricate creations, get lost in a light show or just have some bizarre fun at this art gallery with a difference.

Oamaru which includes street scenes and heritage architecture

Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct

4.5/5(3 reviews)

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct during your trip to Oamaru. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums.

Grainstore Gallery

4/5(1 review)

Delve inside the minds of a group of local artists as you explore the curiosities of this fascinating gallery, housed within a former Victorian grain store.

Forrester Gallery

In Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct is a magnificent historical building that houses a highly regarded art gallery where you will find eclectic exhibitions and exciting events.

Oamaru featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St Lukes Anglican Church

St Lukes Anglican Church is just one of the places to see in Oamaru, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's marina or experience its museums.

North Otago Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in North Otago Museum in Oamaru. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums.

Janet Frame House

4/5(1 review)

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Janet Frame House during your travels in Oamaru. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Oamaru

Historic Precinct

While visiting Historic Precinct, you might make a stop by sights like Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct and Steampunk HQ.

Oamaru North

While Oamaru North isn't home to many top sights, Whitestone Cheese Factory and North Otago Museum are some notable places to visit nearby.

South Hill

If you're spending some time in South Hill, Oamaru Harbour and Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct are top sights worth seeing.

Ardgowan

Ardgowan might not have many top sights, but North Otago Museum and Steampunk HQ are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Weston

While Weston might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like North Otago Museum and Steampunk HQ.

Holmes Hill

While Holmes Hill isn't home to many top sights, Oamaru Gardens and Steampunk HQ are some notable places to visit nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Is Oamaru worth visiting?

One of the most popular things to do in Oamaru is explore North Otago Museum. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then experience more of the area's culture and nature.

How do I spend a day in Oamaru?

North Otago Museum and Steam Train are two good places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Oamaru while you're in town too.

What is the top tourist attraction in Oamaru?

You can't go home without exploring North Otago Museum, ranked the top tourist attraction in Oamaru.

Is three days enough to stay in Oamaru?

Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off popular city attractions, such as North Otago Museum, Penguine Colony and Auto Museum. The average stay in Oamaru is two days. If you have the time to extend your getaway, Glenavy isn't far away.

Is Oamaru a walkable city?

With vibrant neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, Oamaru is a good destination to experience on foot. Wander between North Otago Museum and Penguine Colony. Then take a stroll around Oamaru North, located 3 kilometers from downtown, and Holmes Hill, which is about 2 kilometers away.

What are some activities to do in Oamaru with kids?

If you are after activities and attractions for all of your group, have a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Oamaru with kids.

Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket

What to do in Oamaru for adults?

Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Oamaru for adults including NZ Malt Whisky Company and Whitestone Cheese Factory.

Are there free things to do in Oamaru?

One of the top ways to find free things to do in Oamaru is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without opening your wallet. North Otago Museum is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.