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.
The Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct is set in the original commercial district of Oamaru, a town known for the first exporting of frozen meat around the world. Several of the historic buildings were purchased by a charitable trust and lovingly restored over the years. Among the interesting architecture, look for the Loan and Mercantile Building, Anderson’s Store, the Exchange Chambers, Sumpter’s Exchange and the Criterion Hotel. Today, these restored buildings house both traditional and more modern businesses, including art galleries, shops, coffee houses and restaurants.
Shop for vintage and modern jewelry and clothing. Explore the Grainstore Gallery, run by New Zealand artist Donna Demente, for unique original artwork. Local pieces are on display and available for purchase at several other galleries, from funky to fine art. You may even glimpse the artists at work in a few on-site studios.
If you’re in town for the Victorian Fete, stop at The Victorian Costume Wardrobe Hire for a huge collection of costumes and accessories for men, women and children.
Eat and drink at several establishments throughout the precinct. Stop at the Harbour Street Collective Café for coffee, food and live music on Friday evenings. On Sundays, shop at the Oamuru Farmers Market for local produce, cheese and baked goods.
Explore Steampunk HQ, a museum of art, sound and light, set in the Grain Elevator building, dating from the 1880s. The Steampunk New Zealand Festival is held here annually over the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June.
Find Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct on Harbour Street in Oamaru. Open hours vary by establishment.
