What to do in Oamaru

Activities, attractions and tours

A street with a cafe and a bank.
A large mechanical insect sculpture mounted on a wall.
A red-lit room with three figures seated on mechanical devices.
A beach with driftwood, a cliff, and the ocean.
A plate of food with fish, carrots, zucchini, and lemon slices.

Places to Visit in Oamaru

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Oamaru, Otago while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Oamaru attractions from NZ$855, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Oamaru tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Oamaru. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Recommended things to do in Oamaru

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Behind the Studio Door Art and Travel Full Day Experience: NZ$855
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Oamaru

Stay near popular Oamaru attractions

A road with a green van, signs indicating 'PENGUINS CROSSING' and 'SLOW', and a speed limit sign of 30.
Photo by YoungAdventuress
Open Photo by YoungAdventuress

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

9.0/10 (194 reviews)
Watch the world's smallest penguins waddle home at dusk in this renowned conservation site. The guided evening viewings offer intimate wildlife encounters with these charming blue creatures returning from the sea.
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Our guide on where to stay in Oamaru

Find the best Oamaru areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Oamaru
Learn more about Oamaru
A historic building with a clock tower and a statue.

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.

A street with a red building, a sign for a gallery and studio, and a sign for natural limestone souvenirs.

Historic Precinct

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

A vintage blue car parked in front of a building with a sign that reads "Deja Moo."

South Hill

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

Weston

When in Weston, you can plan a visit to Janet Frame House and Whitestone Cheese Factory, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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 Whitestone Cheese Factory.

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Oamaru

A sandy beach with scattered driftwood and sparse vegetation.

Awamoa

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.
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.

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