Things to do in Hampden

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A beach with large boulders and a hillside with sparse vegetation.
A calm beach with a large rock in the center and a distant shoreline.
A beach with large rocks and people walking.
A beach with driftwood, a cliff, and the ocean.
A large rock formation in a dry, sandy landscape with sparse vegetation.

Things to do

Mt Cook Private Tour from Dunedin

Mt Cook Private Tour from Dunedin: Finish at Queenstown, Dunedin

$1,192
per traveler
Mt Cook Private Tour from Dunedin: Finish at Queenstown, Dunedin
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Hampden must see attractions

1. Oamaru Harbour

Shipping virtually shut down here in 1974, but the Oamaru Harbour, a registered historic place, is still a bustling spot to visit in Otago. Enjoy fishing, boating and blue penguin viewing, among other interesting activities for all ages.
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A harbor with several boats docked, a pier, and a building with a red roof.

2. Moeraki Boulders

Marvel at the remarkable size and near-perfect, round shape of the Moeraki Boulders and study the beautiful patterns marking the rocks. Walk along a secluded beach and spot fur seals playing offshore.
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A beach with large rocks and a distant shoreline.

3. Steampunk HQ

Steampunk HQ is an unusual art gallery in the heritage center of Oamaru, on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Both historic and futuristic, industrial and artistic, this interactive gallery celebrates a theme that could be described as steam-powered neo-Victorian industrial, with a large slice of fun.
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A vintage car with a robot on top, in a dimly lit garage with a sign reading "FISHCH".

4. Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct

Visit Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct in November and you may see locals in their finest Victorian costumes in honor of the region’s history. The five-day celebration culminates with the fun Victorian Fete. Throughout the rest of the year, the district remains open to visitors who want to appreciate the boom era history of Oamaru, viewing its original buildings, crafted from locally quarried limestone.
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A steam locomotive on tracks in front of a building with a sign reading "STEAMPUNK HQ".

5. Hampden Beach

With a campground and a café, Hampden Beach is a lively bay area to visit in close proximity to iconic Moeraki Boulders Beach. It has a fun play area for kids with its own artificial boulders to clamber all over. Set up a picnic on the sand and enjoy stunning views of the ocean.
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A driftwood sculpture on a sandy beach with a cliff and trees in the background.

Recommended things to do in Hampden

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Mt Cook Private Tour from Dunedin: Finish at Queenstown, Dunedin: $1,163
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Hampden

 

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Stay near popular Hampden attractions

Moeraki Boulders

9.0/10 (79 reviews)
These ancient, geological oddities have been capturing the imaginations of scientists and the local people for years.
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Popular day trips from Hampden

A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, cliffs, and rolling hills in the background.

Moeraki

Frequently asked questions

Is Hampden worth visiting?
Providing a blend of nature and views, there are plenty of things to do in Hampden. While you're here, head to Hampden Beach, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Hampden?
Hampden Beach and Moeraki Lighthouse are two excellent places to start your getaway adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Hampden while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hampden?
Hampden Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Hampden and deserves a place on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Hampden?
Book a vacation in Hampden for three days and you'll have plenty of time to explore its key sights and experience the local vibe. For the chance to enjoy attractions in the surrounding areas and venture away from the tourist trail, consider staying for seven to ten days.
What are some activities to do in Hampden with kids?
Whether you're traveling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary sets the tone for a great escape. Check out our ideas for what to do in Hampden with kids.
What to do in Hampden for adults?
From fantastic food and cultural attractions to outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are loads of fascinating things to do in Hampden for adults.
Are there free things to do in Hampden?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Hampden is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can visit without taking your wallet out. Hampden Beach is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.

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