Title: Things to Do in Oamaru in 2026 | Expedia.com [Oamaru Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Oamaru.dx9135)[Hotels in Oamaru](https://expedia.com/Oamaru-Hotels.d9135.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Oamaru](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Oamaru.d9135.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Oamaru](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Oamaru.d9135.Car-Rental-Guide)[Oamaru Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Oamaru.d9135.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Things to do in Oamaru ## Find and book activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Oamaru Types of activities Where to stay [Oamaru Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Oamaru.dx9135) ![Oamaru showing heritage architecture and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9135/b5df5208-697b-4a4a-9746-beae0b924bce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Oamaru showing heritage architecture and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9135/b5df5208-697b-4a4a-9746-beae0b924bce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Oamaru featuring outdoor art and art](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526965317/61273ea9-5f95-410a-b6d5-70f2a17ede0d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Oamaru showing heritage architecture and outdoor art as well as a family](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526965317/815c6e6e-66c6-40ec-ade6-81d90eefd465.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Oamaru showing interior views and art](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526965317/028acf80-1bb1-45a3-a0b2-e363be0f3df9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ### 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](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/en/search?rid=9135&rfrr=ATG.LP.BodyContent&categories=ToursDayTrips) 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](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/en/search?rid=9135&rfrr=ATG.LP.BodyContent)} are also worth checking out. --- --- ![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh) ## The Annual Vacation Sale Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. [Book now](https://expedia.com/deals?rfrr=ACTIVITIES_SPRING_PROMO_9135) ## Recommended things to do in Oamaru | Number of things to do | 1 | | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket](/things-to-do/oamaru-blue-penguin-colony-evening-viewing-ticket.a47098935.activity-details): $29 | | Top 5 things to do | [Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket](/things-to-do/oamaru-blue-penguin-colony-evening-viewing-ticket.a47098935.activity-details) | | Under $25 | | | With kids | [Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket](/things-to-do/oamaru-blue-penguin-colony-evening-viewing-ticket.a47098935.activity-details) | ## What to do in Oamaru - For free - With kids ### 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](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do/en/search?rid=9135&rfrr=ATG.LP.BodyContent&categories=Family%20Friendly) will keep the crew entertained for days. --- Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Oamaru? [Search event tickets](https://www.expedia.com/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. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9135/6737bcbb-31c6-47b0-b7e2-9933330a5de9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Oamaru-Blue-Penguin-Colony-South-Hill.d6112990.Vacation-Attraction) ![Oamaru which includes outdoor art](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621526965317/f4a181bd-20f7-48af-b692-c9d0c04d8f12.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Steampunk-HQ-Historic-Precinct.d553248621526965317.Vacation-Attraction) ![Oamaru showing a bay or harbor, boating and rugged coastline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635149721057/ddfc9a54-a971-4653-8259-74b5bba04c9b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Oamaru-Harbour-South-Hill.d553248635149721057.Vacation-Attraction) ![Oamaru which includes street scenes and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635754738632/d2bac382-6c44-4c42-beb5-63d244b3810b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Oamaru-Victorian-Heritage-Precinct-South-Hill.d553248635754738632.Vacation-Attraction) ![Oamaru featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635711519767/eb935155-7eb9-4aa6-a791-1739c2ad0b36.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/St-Lukes-Anglican-Church-South-Hill.d553248635711519767.Vacation-Attraction) ![Grainstore Gallery showing heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6293808/e5473cb5-deaa-41f0-bcb7-fd294ebd45f9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Grainstore-Gallery-South-Hill.d6293808.Vacation-Attraction) ![Forrester Gallery which includes heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6112982/449e7847-efcc-4551-9766-7ad025ece8a2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.com/Forrester-Gallery-Oamaru.d6112982.Vacation-Attraction) #### Janet Frame House 4/5(1 review) You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Janet Frame House during your travels in Oamaru. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums. [](https://expedia.com/Janet-Frame-House-Oamaru.d6112988.Vacation-Attraction) #### Whitestone Cheese Factory 5/5(1 review) Enjoy an outing to Whitestone Cheese Factory during your stay in Oamaru. Amble around the area's marina or experience its museums. [](https://expedia.com/Whitestone-Cheese-Factory-Oamaru.d6293810.Vacation-Attraction) ### Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Oamaru ![North Otago Museum and monument in Oamaru New Zealand](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/693174155926278144/b504fa7d-5b5c-4bf6-a483-c879d19a12a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Oamaru North While Oamaru North isn't home to many top sights, Whitestone Cheese Factory and North Otago Museum are some notable places to visit nearby. [](https://expedia.com/Oamaru-Oamaru-North.dx693174155926278144) ![This is the front of the Steampunk HQ building. It's a gallery that is totally dedicated to Steampunk. Steampunk is a funky art form that mixes the future with the past. Think victorian era, Jules Verne and time travel. Well worth a visit](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9135/6a532f91-e93d-450a-bc4b-bca08d26b28c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Historic Precinct While visiting Historic Precinct, you might make a stop by sights like Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct and Steampunk HQ. [](https://expedia.com/Oamaru-Historic-Precinct.dx960797139941023744) ![At the end of the road is a gorgeous beach. After 3PM you are not allowed on it anymore, because the yellow eyed penguins will come back from their fishing activities. You can look at them, although you are quite high up and the penguins are tiny!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6361416/83420f2c-183d-45ae-b511-9138b451e210.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### South Hill If you're spending some time in South Hill, Oamaru Harbour and Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.com/Oamaru-South-Hill.dx693174141824827392) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Ardgowan Ardgowan might not have many top sights, but North Otago Museum and Steampunk HQ are two attractions nearby that you can check out. [](https://expedia.com/Oamaru-Ardgowan.dx693174137706348544) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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 North Otago Museum and Steampunk HQ. [](https://expedia.com/Oamaru-Weston.dx693174149903732736) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Holmes Hill While Holmes Hill isn't home to many top sights, Oamaru Gardens and Steampunk HQ are some notable places to visit nearby. [](https://expedia.com/Oamaru-Holmes-Hill.dx693174145776189440) [See our Where To Stay guide](https://expedia.com/Oamaru.dx9135.Where-To-Stay?rfrr=TG.LP..Neighborhoods) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.com/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 ![At the end of the road is a gorgeous beach. After 3PM you are not allowed on it anymore, because the yellow eyed penguins will come back from their fishing activities. You can look at them, although you are quite high up and the penguins are tiny!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6361416/83420f2c-183d-45ae-b511-9138b451e210.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Awamoa ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Oamaru worth visiting? ### How do I spend a day in Oamaru? ### What is the top tourist attraction in Oamaru? ### Is three days enough to stay in Oamaru? ### Is Oamaru a walkable city? ### What are some activities to do in Oamaru with kids? > - [Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/oamaru-blue-penguin-colony-evening-viewing-ticket.a47098935.activity-details) ### What to do in Oamaru for adults? ### Are there free things to do in Oamaru?