Oamaru

Travel Guide

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

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

Oamaru showing 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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Oamaru North

While Oamaru North isn't home to many top sights, Whitestone Cheese Factory and Oamaru Gardens are some notable places to visit nearby.

Oamaru North
Oamaru which includes a bay or harbor

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

Ardgowan might not have many top sights, but Oamaru Gardens and Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ardgowan
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Weston

While Weston might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Oamaru Gardens and Steampunk HQ.

Weston
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Holmes Hill

While Holmes Hill isn't home to many top sights, Oamaru Gardens and Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail are some notable places to visit nearby.

Holmes Hill
Poshtel

Poshtel

5 out of 5
126 Thames Street, Oamaru, Otago
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩119,716 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
₩119,716
₩137,677 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (316 reviews)
"This is a fabulous place to stay. So very cleverly put together. Felt safe and very welcome. Could have some background music in lobby and breakfast room. Great breakfast. Will stay again."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Poshtel
The Mews Oamaru

The Mews Oamaru

4.5 out of 5
26 Exe Street, Oamaru
The price is ₩138,477 per night from Aug 29 to Aug 30
₩138,477
₩159,249 total
Aug 29 - Aug 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star eco-certified motel in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Whitestone Cheese Factory ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (346 reviews)
"The motel is very good, I think it is the best choice in Oamaru. It has spa bath, very clean and all the other details are also very good. Definitely will come back."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

The Mews Oamaru
AAA Thames Court Motel

AAA Thames Court Motel

3 out of 5
252 Thames Street, Oamaru
The price is ₩109,211 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
₩109,211
₩125,593 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (225 reviews)
"Quick and easy, self contained, perfect for a stopover on our way to Christchurch"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

AAA Thames Court Motel
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.
180 Degrees sea view house

180 Degrees sea view house

3 out of 5
24 Tay St, Oamaru, OTA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly vacation home in Oamaru. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Whitestone Cheese Factory ...
180 Degrees sea view house
Harold House

Harold House

4.5 out of 5
4 Dee Street, Oamaru
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury vacation home in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Whitestone Cheese Factory ...
"Spacious home close to everything, the outside of the property looks so plain but once you walk inside it is beautifully renovated. Loved it."

Reviewed on Sep 3, 2018

Harold House
Oamaru Holiday Homes 28 Ure Street

Oamaru Holiday Homes 28 Ure Street

3.5 out of 5
28 Ure Street, Oamaru
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions St Lukes Anglican Church and Alps 2 Ocean Cycle ...
Oamaru Holiday Homes 28 Ure Street
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