Things to do in Oamaru

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Visit Oamaru

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Oamaru travel guide

Oamaru showing street scenes and heritage architecture

Oamaru which includes art and outdoor art

Oamaru which includes heritage architecture and outdoor art as well as a family

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What to do in Oamaru

Popular places to visit

Steampunk HQ

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.

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

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 rocky coastline, a bay or harbour and sailing

Oamaru Harbour

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

Oamaru featuring street scenes and heritage architecture

Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct in Oamaru. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums.

Grainstore Gallery

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 which includes 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.

Whitestone Cheese Factory

Enjoy an outing to Whitestone Cheese Factory during your stay in Oamaru. 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.

Areas of Oamaru

This is the front of the Steampunk HQ building. It's a gallery that is totally dedicated to Steampunk. Steampunk is a funky art form that mixes the future with the past. Think victorian era, Jules Verne and time travel. Well worth a visit

Historic Precinct

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

Oamaru North

Oamaru North might not have many top sights, but Whitestone Cheese Factory and North Otago Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

At the end of the road is a gorgeous beach. After 3PM you are not allowed on it anymore, because the yellow eyed penguins will come back from their fishing activities. You can look at them, although you are quite high up and the penguins are tiny!

South Hill

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

Ardgowan

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Ardgowan and surrounding area, you can visit North Otago Museum and Steampunk HQ.

Weston

When in Weston, you can plan a visit to North Otago Museum and Steampunk HQ, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Holmes Hill

Holmes Hill might not have many top sights, but Oamaru Gardens and Steampunk HQ are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

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 neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, 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 kilometres from downtown, and Holmes Hill, which is about 2 kilometres 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: Blue Penguin Colony 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 neighbourhoods, 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.