Waiareka Junction Travel Guide
Oamaru
Visit Waiareka Junction
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.

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

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.

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.
Things to do

Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket
Top hotels in Waiareka Junction

Brydone Hotel Oamaru
Check in was excellent. Very friendly and helpful. We were given a room upgrade. A pleasant surprise. The Bistro and dining room were great. The food was a bit pricey but we didn’t mind paying a bit more to eat in when we were looked after so well. We would stay there again.
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026

Poshtel
Very helpful and friendly staff. The room was very comfortable and the continental breakfast exceeded expectations.
Reviewed on 4 May 2026

The Mews Oamaru
Great
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026

Criterion Boutique Hotel
Short stay, good for a hassle free bed when travelling/stopping through, great staff, very clean
Reviewed on 3 May 2026

Oamaru Motor Lodge
Excellent assistance when we called to say we would be late. A pleasant over night stay 😊
Reviewed on 3 May 2026

Alpine Motel
If you just need a bed for the night, it is more than adequate, all very tidy and warm. Even though it is on the main highway, could hardly hear the traffic
Reviewed on 30 Apr 2026
Check Waiareka Junction hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Waiareka Junction

Holmes Hill
Holmes Hill might not have many top sights, but Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and Steampunk HQ are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ardgowan
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Ardgowan and surrounding area, you can visit Janet Frame House and Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

Historic Precinct
While visiting Historic Precinct, you might make a stop by sights like Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and Steampunk HQ.

South Hill
If you're spending some time in South Hill, Oamaru Harbour and Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony are top sights worth seeing.

Weston
When in Weston, you can plan a visit to Janet Frame House and Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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