Things to do in Oamaru

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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What to do in Oamaru

Popular places to visit

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

5/5(2 reviews)

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

4.5/5(4 reviews)

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 featuring rocky coastline, a bay or harbour and boating

Oamaru Harbour

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Oamaru with a trip to Oamaru Harbour. Amble around the area's waterfront or experience its museums.

Oamaru Harbour
Oamaru showing street scenes and heritage architecture

Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct

4/5(1 review)

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

4/5(2 reviews)

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

5/5(1 review)

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

Areas of 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

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 Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

Ardgowan
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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
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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

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.