Oamaru Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Oamaru featuring street scenes and heritage architecture
Oamaru featuring outdoor art and art
Oamaru featuring heritage architecture and outdoor art as well as a family
Oamaru featuring interior views and art
Oamaru featuring rocky coastline, a sunset and a sandy beach

Relive the grandeur of Victorian-era prosperity and come face-to-face with waddling penguins as you explore North Otago’s largest town.

Pause for a while in the slow-moving coastal town of Oamaru to discover fascinating archaeological sites, 19th-century architecture and a harbour inhabited by yellow-eyed penguins. Oamaru is the largest town in the North Otago region and has played an important role in the South Island’s cultural fabric since the late 19th century. At one time the humble town was one of the most prosperous in the Pacific, helped by a boom in resources including gold, timber and stone. While the boom didn’t last to the end of the century, the results remain visible in Oamaru’s lavish streetscapes.

With views across the Pacific Ocean from its picturesque harbour, Oamaru’s natural beauty matches its man-made charm. Nestle yourself into a penguin hide to watch as yellow-eyed penguins clamber ashore at sunset or head out to sea at dawn. Drive about 40 minutes south of town to the Shag Point Scenic Reserve or the Moeraki Lighthouse for more penguins. Join local fishermen at the harbour to venture out to sea on a charter to see dolphins playing at the bow of the boat.

With great fishing comes great seafood. Oamaru is the site of many prominent restaurants. Enjoy freshly caught fish coupled with a glass of wine from one of New Zealand’s well-known grape-growing regions. Afterwards, take in a performance at the Oamaru Opera House, which dates back to 1907. For cultural curiosities, visit the Grainstore Gallery for local live music and an atmosphere that is unrivalled in the town.

Located just a 90-minute drive north of DunedinOpens in a new window, Oamaru can be visited as a daytrip. Enjoy a longer visit to be rewarded with a unique New Zealand experience away from the crowds of the South Island’s major natural attractions. Accommodation is plentiful in the area. Discover several restaurants and cafés in the heart of town.

Where to stay in Oamaru

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Oamaru North

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

Oamaru North
Oamaru which includes a bay or harbour

South Hill

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

South Hill
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Ardgowan

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

Ardgowan
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Weston

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

Weston
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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.

Holmes Hill
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Waiareka Junction

While there might not be top attractions in Waiareka Junction, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Oamaru Gardens and Steampunk HQ.

Waiareka Junction
Oamaru Motor Lodge
Oamaru Motor Lodge
4 out of 5
391 Thames Highway, Oamaru
The price is Rp1.441.423 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
Rp1.441.423
Rp1.657.636 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Oamaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (674 reviews)
Good motel
"Condition of room was very good. Very warm and quiet. Small kitchenette. Average size bathroom with good shower water pressure (although ran out of hot water one morning). Bed was a little too soft and bouncy for our liking"

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

Oamaru Motor Lodge
Poshtel
Poshtel
5 out of 5
126 Thames Street, Oamaru, Otago
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.505.800 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
Rp1.505.800
Rp1.731.690 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Oamaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (306 reviews)
Very cool hotel!!
"This hotel was SO cool!! The old building had been transformed in to such a unique hotel. Undoubtedly the most unique place my wife and I have ever stayed!! Recommend it highly!!"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Poshtel
Heritage Court Lodge
Heritage Court Lodge
4 out of 5
346 Thames Highway, Oamaru
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified motel in Oamaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (363 reviews)
"Location is good and close to town."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Heritage Court Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oamaru Holiday Homes 92 Aln Street
Oamaru Holiday Homes 92 Aln Street
4 out of 5
92 Aln Street, Oamaru
Stay at this 4-star holiday home in Oamaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Whitestone Cheese Factory and Janet Frame House ...
"Loved the view.Would stay again for sure. Not sure you are aware the side cupboards in the bathroom are broken,just looking at them you would think they are ok, but as soon as you open the whole lot collapses. And just one other comment your cleaners need to lift the bottom of shower drain, it was ..."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2019

Oamaru Holiday Homes 92 Aln Street
Oamaru Holiday Homes 8 Oxford Street
Oamaru Holiday Homes 8 Oxford Street
3.5 out of 5
8 Oxford Street, Oamaru
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in Oamaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Totara Estate and Oamaru Gardens are located ...
Oamaru Holiday Homes 8 Oxford Street
Sunny & Quiet in Blyth with unlimited fibre WIFI
Sunny & Quiet in Blyth with unlimited fibre WIFI
3 out of 5
13 Blyth St, Oamaru, OTA
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Oamaru. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Totara Estate and Oamaru Gardens are located ...
Excellent value for money!
"It was wonderful to have a whole bungalow to ourselves, in such a quiet area, yet only a couple of minutes drive into fascinating Oamaru (where there's plenty of free parking). The beds were very comfortable, a lovely spacious lounge, with 2 large sofas, and it was good to be able to cook our own ..."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2019

Sunny & Quiet in Blyth with unlimited fibre WIFI
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Oamaru

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 56%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We just stayed on our 28 day tour of the island

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We were last in Oamaru 10 years ago. The town is definitely busier and seems more prosperous. Tourist facilities really great and interesting. Really enjoyed our visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A great town with very interesting victorian buildings.well worth a short visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lots to do in Oamaru and very central for travelling.