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 North Otago Museum 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 North Otago Museum 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 North Otago Museum 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
$77 nightly
The price is $89 total per night from Jan 30 to Jan 31
$89 total
Jan 30 - Jan 31
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! (576 reviews)
Very cool old building, walkable to everything, very friendly staff.
Reviewed on Jan 10, 2026
Oamaru Motor Lodge
391 Thames Highway Oamaru
$84 nightly
The price is $97 total per night from Jan 18 to Jan 19
$97 total
Jan 18 - Jan 19
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this 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! (702 reviews)
Easy, friendly check-in. Room clean, well supplied and quiet.
Reviewed on Jan 3, 2026
289 Midway Motel
289 Thames Street Oamaru
$98 nightly
The price is $113 total per night from Jan 29 to Jan 30
$113 total
Jan 29 - Jan 30
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (309 reviews)
Great location
Reviewed on Jan 2, 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.
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! (46 reviews)
Lovely wee house, clean and cosy. Great communication with host. Will def visit again
Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026
Oamaru travel mates house
Oamaru Otago
Stay at this vacation home in Oamaru. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Whitestone Cheese Factory and Janet Frame House are located nearby.
5.4/10 (3 reviews)
I was concerned that it was a bedroom and not a house. You do share a toilet and bath but there was nobody about. Maybe a very quiet asian girl. It was good.
Reviewed on Feb 27, 2025
Big space in a great location
Oamaru Otago Region
Stay at this vacation home in Oamaru. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions NZ Malt Whisky Company and Oamaru Victorian ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Excellent location to see the blue penguins as well as the historic district.
Reviewed on Dec 26, 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.
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
$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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