3/5 - Okay
Verified traveler
If I ever visit New Zealand again I won't stop in Oamaru.
Oamaru
Travel Guide
Visit Oamaru
Where to stay 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 Steampunk HQ are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Holmes Hill
While Holmes Hill isn't home to many top sights, Oamaru Gardens and Steampunk HQ are some notable places to visit nearby.
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.
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 Steampunk HQ.
Oamaru Motor Lodge
391 Thames Highway, Oamaru
$88 nightly
The price is $101 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$101 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly motel in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (675 reviews)
"Conveniently located with many dining options around. Room size is what you would expect of a motel, however, it's very clean."
Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025
Poshtel
126 Thames Street, Oamaru, Otago
$95 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$109 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and 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! (307 reviews)
Very cool hotel!!
"This hotel was SO cool!! The old building had been transformed in to such a unique hotel. Undoubtedly the most unique place my wife and I have ever stayed!! Recommend it highly!!"
Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025
Heritage Court Lodge
346 Thames Highway, Oamaru
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified motel in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (363 reviews)
"Location is good and close to town."
Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025
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.
Little Sweetie in the Heart of Old Oamaru
Oamaru
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions St Lukes Anglican Church and Grainstore ...
10/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
Beautiful, Sweet Cottage
"Loved our stay here. It is walking distance to the Victorian Precinct and many shops and cafes. Was very quiet at night. The cottage is so pretty...beautiful wallpaper, art, linen curtains, comfy hotel-style sheets and towels. We had everything we needed and it was very clean. There is even an ocean ..."
Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025
Highlands on Homestead -Tranquil rural property only minutes from town
Weston
Stay at this cabin in Oamaru. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a garden. Popular attractions Janet Frame House and Oamaru Gardens are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews)
Winter get away
"Has everything you need, including iron/ ironing board. Bfast items offered. We were able to bring our labrador. Lovely spot."
Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025
Stone Cottage in Central Oamaru (No Extra Cleaning Fee)
Oamaru
Stay at this vacation home in Oamaru. Enjoy a garden, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (39 reviews)
Enjoyed the Stone Cottage
"We enjoyed the quirkiness and originality of the cottage. It was a fun place to stay in and the updated bathroom features were well received.We would definitely stay there again, close to everything, very clean with everything anyone would need."
Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025
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
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
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
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 Harbour
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 Victorian Heritage Precinct
Step back in time at this Victorian-era streetscape, home to historic 19th-century buildings, shops, galleries, museums and dining establishments.
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.
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.
Things to do
Oamaru: Blue Penguin Colony Evening Viewing Ticket
$27
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Reviews of Oamaru
4.2
Top Destination
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Lovely stop for family history.
2/5 - Disappointing
Verified traveler
The blue penguin colony was a disappointment.
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveler
The station wok restaurant is a good Chinese restaurant, best Cantonese gourmet in South Island.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Cute historic friendly town to spend some time in. Loved the Victorian district
3/5 - Okay
CJ
We went to see Penguins but disappointed by lack of communication when penguins arrive. We saw 9 that came in at 9:30. We were told to be there at 8:30. We heard later that penguins normally don’t arrive until after 10:30 or 11.
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