In and around Ōamaru

The past and the present come to life vividly in the Waitaki region, thanks to a variety of heritage activities throughout the year.

If you enjoy entertaiment, music, dressing up, and generally having a good time, check out its calendar of events, and start planning your trip south. Otago Anniversary Weekend is coming up, and coinciding with it is the vibrant Harbour Street Jazz & Blues Festival, 21 – 23 March, in Ōamaru.

Since its inception, this annual extravaganza has been a cornerstone of Ōamaru’s cultural calendar, celebrating the rich heritage of jazz and blues music. Attracting performers and audiences from around the globe, the festival transforms the town’s streets into a feast of sound and colour. From intimate gigs in cosy venues, to grand performances on stage, it is not to be missed.

Book your accommodation, dig out the glad rags, and prepared to be wowed for the weekend. If timing doesn’t suit, don’t worry. The end of May signals the annual Steampunk NZ Festival, also in Ōamaru.

Complete with a fashion show, gala ball, and teapot racing, the festival is a fabulous opportunity to explore the area while indulging in three days of steampunk events, workshops, and activities. Initiated in 2009, by the League of Victorian Imagineers Steampunk exhibition ‘Tomorrow As It Used To Be’ exhibition, the festival now attracts enthusiasts from throughout New Zealand.

Another heritage celebration showcasing the magic of Ōamaru embraces the town’s Victorian era. From 13 to 16 November, the Ōamaru Heritage Celebrations see hundreds of visitors, many in Victorian costumes, flock to town for era-inspired events among impressive limestone buildings.

ART TRAIL
Artisans abound in and around Ōamaru, from painters and sculptors to craft distillers and gourmet goodies creators. If the arts is on your hit list, plan a visit in November for the annual Waitaki Arts Trail. Visit artists in their studios and enjoy the colourful and sometimes quirky atmosphere created within the local arts community. Twice a year artists open their studios to the public, although many are also available at other times to suit visitors.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
Ōamaru boasts two penguin colonies, including the world’s smallest penguins in their natural environment at the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony. You can also witness the world’s rarest penguin – the yellow-eyed penguin – coming ashore at Bushy Beach. Watch from the purpose-built viewing hide so the penguins are not disturbed. There are numerous great options for walking and biking in the region, and a visit to the Ōamaru Public Gardens is a delightful opportunity for a leisurely stroll or picnic.

If you’re keen to explore more, check out the sweeping sea views on the Skyline or South Hill Walks. Cape Wanbrow is another popular spot for walkers (and is part of the South Hill track) with parking available at the reserve/lookout entrance.

The Cape is popular with mountain bikers and has a number of short fun runs of varying levels of difficulty. Mountain bikers can find some awesome tracks at the Ōamaru Reservoir.

FOOD AND DRINK
The Waitaki region is home to some of the best cuisine in the country, from award-winning restaurants and experiences, to local experts and talented chefs. Well-known for its wineries, cheese, and high-country experiences, Waitaki is a gourmet aficionado’s delight where you can experience fresh, locally grown produce, and kaimoana straight from the sea..