What to do in Oamaru

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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$45, 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
Oamaru: Blue Penguin Colony Evening Viewing Ticket: NZ$45
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Oamaru

Discover the most popular places to visit in Oamaru

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

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 Blue Penguin Colony
Oamaru showing outdoor art

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.

Steampunk HQ
Oamaru showing boating, 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 Harbour
Oamaru which includes heritage architecture and street scenes

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.

Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct
Grainstore Gallery

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.

Grainstore Gallery
Forrester Gallery

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.

Forrester Gallery
Oamaru which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

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.

St Lukes Anglican Church

Oamaru Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Oamaru Gardens, a lovely green space in Oamaru. Amble around the area's marina or experience its museums.

Oamaru Gardens

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

You can take time to visit Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail during your travels to Oamaru. Amble around the area's marina or experience its museums.

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Explore areas of 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
Oamaru featuring outdoor art

Historic Precinct

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

Historic Precinct
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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 Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

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 Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Holmes Hill

 

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

Photo by chickbill

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.