Oamaru Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Oamaru showing outdoor art and art

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 Dunedin, 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 North Otago Museum 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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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 North Otago Museum.

Waiareka Junction
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Weston

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

Weston
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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 North Otago Museum.

Ardgowan
Ascot Oamaru Motel
Ascot Oamaru Motel
3 out of 5
500a Thames Highway, Oamaru
The price is NZ$150 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
NZ$150
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 3-star motel in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Whitestone ...
7.4/10 Good! (352 reviews)
"generally pretty good with a very good kitchen."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Ascot Oamaru Motel
Oamaru Motor Lodge
Oamaru Motor Lodge
4 out of 5
391 Thames Highway, Oamaru
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$171 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$171
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (588 reviews)
"Comfortable and friendly. Love being able to order food from a local restaurant."

Reviewed on 2 Feb. 2024

Oamaru Motor Lodge
Brydone Hotel Oamaru
Brydone Hotel Oamaru
3.5 out of 5
115 Thames Street, Oamaru
The price is NZ$192 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
NZ$192
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions North Otago Museum and National Bank are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (427 reviews)
"Stayed 3/24 for 1 night. Big old grand pub with clean functioning rooms. Had lift to first floor. Helpful staff. Located in town central. Rex W."

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

Brydone Hotel Oamaru
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.
Stone Cottage in Central Oamaru (No Extra Cleaning Fee)
Stone Cottage in Central Oamaru (No Extra Cleaning Fee)
Oamaru
Stay at this vacation home in Oamaru. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
Don't judge a book by its cover!
"This lovely three bedroom home suited my mother and I as we were traveling through the area. When we pulled up we were not sure it was the right place as the outside looks under par, however inside this lovely home is all you need with spacious rooms, a lovely lounge, kitchen, bathroom and very gracious ..."

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2024

Stone Cottage in Central Oamaru (No Extra Cleaning Fee)
Breathtaking sea view house
Breathtaking sea view house
Oamaru North
Stay at this villa in Oamaru. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Whitestone Cheese Factory and Janet Frame House are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
Comfort With A View
"The view was good and the place was comfortable. Easy access! The fridge was powered off when we arrived, but that was easy to resolve."

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2024

Breathtaking sea view house
Little Sweetie in the Heart of Old Oamaru
Little Sweetie in the Heart of Old Oamaru
Oamaru
Stay at this cottage in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions St Lukes Anglican Church and Grainstore Gallery are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
Friends get together
"Would highly recommend little sweetie - it was beautifully presented. We had a lovely welcome gift and info on what was in the area. Katrina was great to deal with- she answered all my questions and wanted to make sure we had a great time for our catch up"

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2024

Little Sweetie in the Heart of Old Oamaru
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

Reviews of Oamaru

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
72
" "5 - Excellent 40.67796610169491%
4 - Good
94
" "4 - Good 53.10734463276836%
3 - Okay
10
" "3 - Okay 5.649717514124294%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.5649717514124294%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
5 Jun 2020

Cool quirky town, wide streets!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Mar 2020

Love the historic part of Oamaru and the beautiful surrounding areas. Love to go back again but will find accommodation better suited to our needs

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
20 Mar 2020

The architecture is absolutely stunning

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

Worth the overnight stay to walk the sights.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Mar 2020

NICE LITTLE TOWN

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
9 Mar 2020

Plenty of shops and restaurants around the main streets.

Cities near Oamaru