Things to do in Oamaru

A trip to Oamaru is in easy striking distance for Cantabrians. Located 249km south of Christchurch, it’s a distance that takes a little over 3 hours to drive, and offers a wide range of adventure, nature, food, accommodation and attraction options.

Here are some suggestions from Metropol while you’re in the neighbourhood.

Visit the Victorian Precinct
Take a trip back in time and enjoy old world Victorian charm in this area, featuring art galleries, craft beer, tempting foodie treats baking and more. Set in the Oamaru town centre, the precinct really comes alive in November during its annual fete, where visitors and locals alike dress up in their Victorian best.

Check out the Little Blue Penguins
The world’s smallest species of penguin, Little Blue Penguins have their own colony at the end of Waterfront Road, about 1km from the town centre. Special seating has been set up around the colony nesting site so you can sit and watch the penguins return from the sea as the sun goes down.

Embrace your inner steampunk
Oamaru is the home of steampunk in New Zealand, and Steampunk HQ in Humber Street is full of amazing steam-powered inventions and art. Situated in an 1883 Oamaru stone building, Steampunk HQ showcases retro-futuristic sci-fi art, movies, sculpture and sound.