Things to do in Oamaru

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Oamaru Travel Guide

Oamaru showing heritage architecture and street scenes

Oamaru showing heritage architecture and outdoor art as well as a family

Oamaru featuring rugged coastline, a sandy beach and a sunset

Oamaru Attractions

There's something quite magical about smaller cities. Whether you're heading off to Oamaru for a couple of days or you're thinking of staying for longer, it won't take you long to fall in love with this place. In fact, with so many wonderful things to do and impressive sights to take in, you mightn't want to go home!

If you're ready to discover the best of Oamaru, join one of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have an experienced guide show you the most popular attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {1 fun activities in Oamaru fun activities in Oamaru} are also worth checking out.

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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: $27
Top 5 things to do	Oamaru: Blue Penguin Colony Evening Viewing Ticket
Under $25
With kids	Oamaru: Blue Penguin Colony Evening Viewing Ticket

What to do in Oamaru

Free Things to Do in Oamaru

Traveling on a limited budget in Oamaru? Spend time, not money, on great experiences.

North Otago Museum - Loaded with intriguing objects and exhibits, this gallery is heaven for hungry minds.

St Lukes Anglican Church - Whether you're spiritual or not, this site will invoke a sense of reverence.

Bushy Beach - Be on the lookout for exotic shells and other little treasures peppered along the coastline here.

Oamaru Gardens - If you're into digging around the garden, this attraction will fascinate your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Oamaru with Kids

Oamaru has loads of nearby fun things to do for you and your kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew entertained for days.

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Oamaru? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

Discover the most popular places to visit in Oamaru

In Oamaru there's a little blue penguin colony where you can pay to see a show and learn about the penguins and watch them come in for the night. Penguins in New Zealand are only around at dusk when they swim in from a day at sea for the night.

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

4/5(12 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.

Steampunk HQ

4/5(8 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.

Oamaru showing a bay or harbor, boating and rugged coastline

Oamaru Harbour

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Explore New Zealand’s deep-sea port from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. It’s a great jumping-off point for Otago’s many natural attractions.

Oamaru which includes street scenes and heritage architecture

Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Step back in time at this Victorian-era streetscape, home to historic 19th-century buildings, shops, galleries, museums and dining establishments.

Grainstore Gallery

4/5(1 review)

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.

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.

Oamaru featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St Lukes Anglican Church

Learn about the local history of Oamaru with a stop at St Lukes Anglican Church. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums.

Oamaru Gardens

5/5(2 reviews)

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

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.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Oamaru

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.

South Hill

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

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.

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.

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.

Waiareka Junction

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Waiareka Junction and surrounding area, you can visit Oamaru Gardens and Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

See our Where To Stay guide

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.

Popular day trips from Oamaru

Awamoa

Frequently asked questions

Is Oamaru worth visiting?

Famous for its culture and nature, discovering cool things to do in Oamaru is simple. Remember to add North Otago Museum to your trip itinerary while here.

How do I spend a day in Oamaru?

North Otago Museum and Penguine Colony are two excellent places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the dining and retail options in Oamaru while you're there too.

What is the top tourist attraction in Oamaru?

Don'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 enough time to tick off popular city highlights, like North Otago Museum, NZ Malt Whisky Company and Penguine Colony. The average stay in Oamaru is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your adventure, Glenavy isn't far away.

Is Oamaru a walkable city?

It depends on what you plan to do and see in Oamaru. Several top sights, including North Otago Museum and NZ Malt Whisky Company, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Oamaru's best neighborhoods, Oamaru North is 2 miles away from downtown, while Holmes Hill is 1 mile away from the city center and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Oamaru with kids?

If you are after attractions and activities for all ages, take a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Oamaru with kids.

Oamaru: Blue Penguin Colony Evening Viewing Ticket

What to do in Oamaru for adults?

NZ Malt Whisky Company and Whitestone Cheese Factory are just a couple of the things to do in Oamaru. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.

Are there free things to do in Oamaru?

One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Oamaru is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching for your wallet. North Otago Museum is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.

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