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 Steampunk HQ are some notable places to visit nearby.
Historic Precinct
While visiting Historic Precinct, you might make a stop by sights like Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct and Steampunk HQ.
Ardgowan
Ardgowan might not have many top sights, but Whitestone Cheese Factory and Steampunk HQ are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
South Hill
If you're spending some time in South Hill, Oamaru Harbour and Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct are top sights worth seeing.
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 Whitestone Cheese Factory and Steampunk HQ.
Holmes Hill
While Holmes Hill isn't home to many top sights, Oamaru Gardens and Steampunk HQ are some notable places to visit nearby.
Brydone Hotel Oamaru
115 Thames Street Oamaru
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$83 nightly
The price is $96 total per night from Mar 5 to Mar 6
$96 total
Mar 5 - Mar 6
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (584 reviews)
Yes
Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026
Criterion Boutique Hotel
3 Tyne St Oamaru Otago Region
$57 nightly
The price is $65 total per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
$65 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Auto Museum and Woolstore Complex are located nearby.
6.8/10 (20 reviews)
Great room thanks
Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026
Poshtel
126 Thames Street Oamaru Otago
$131 nightly
The price is $152 total per night from Mar 13 to Mar 14
$152 total
Mar 13 - Mar 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this 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! (374 reviews)
Room clean, breakfast not available until 8am - a little late to start for a business trip
Reviewed on Feb 5, 2026
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.
Breathtaking sea view house
Oamaru North OTA
Stay at this villa in Oamaru. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Whitestone Cheese Factory and Janet Frame House are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
Amazing stay. Accomation was fanatic. Clean, today and wonderful communication. Would stay again.
Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026
Little Sweetie in the Heart of Old Oamaru
Oamaru Otago
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Grainstore Gallery and Alps 2 Ocean ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (50 reviews)
Lovely sensitively converted early home, lots of conveniences, comfortable and easy walking to town.
Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026
180 degrees sea view
Oamaru North OTA
Stay at this vacation home in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Whitestone Cheese Factory and Janet Frame House are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Great central location, warm house and comfortable beds
Reviewed on Jan 6, 2026
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
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 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 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.
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.
Things to do
Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket
$28
per adult
94% 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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