What to do in Oamaru

Activities, attractions and tours

Oamaru
Oamaru
Oamaru
Oamaru
Oamaru

Oamaru Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Oamaru has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Oamaru is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Oamaru to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Oamaru Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Oamaru.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Oamaru attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Recommended things to do in Oamaru

Number of things to do
1
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket: CA $38
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Oamaru

Discover the most popular places to visit in Oamaru

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

4.5/5(3 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.

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Oamaru Harbour

Oamaru Harbour

4/5(1 review)

Explore the waterfront in Oamaru with a trip to Oamaru Harbour. Amble around the area's waterfront or experience its museums.

Oamaru Harbour
Steampunk HQ

Steampunk HQ

4/5(3 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.

Steampunk HQ
Grainstore Gallery

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.

Grainstore Gallery
Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct

Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct

5/5(1 review)

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct during your trip to Oamaru. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums.

Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct
St Lukes Anglican Church

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.

St Lukes Anglican Church
Forrester Gallery

Forrester Gallery

In Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct is a magnificent historical building that houses a highly regarded art gallery where you will find eclectic exhibitions and exciting events.

Forrester Gallery

Oamaru Hospital

Though Oamaru Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Oamaru while you are here.

Oamaru Hospital

North Otago Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in North Otago Museum in Oamaru. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums.

North Otago Museum

Explore areas of Oamaru

North Otago Museum and monument in Oamaru New Zealand

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.

Oamaru North
Historic Precinct

Historic Precinct

While visiting Historic Precinct, you might make a stop by sights like Grainstore Gallery and Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct.

Historic Precinct
South Hill

South Hill

If you're spending some time in South Hill, Oamaru Harbour and Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct are top sights worth seeing.

South Hill
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Ardgowan

Ardgowan might not have many top sights, but Steampunk HQ and Grainstore Gallery are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ardgowan
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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 Steampunk HQ and Grainstore Gallery.

Weston
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Holmes Hill

While Holmes Hill isn't home to many top sights, Grainstore Gallery and Steampunk HQ are some notable places to visit nearby.

Holmes Hill

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Oamaru

Awamoa

Awamoa

Frequently asked questions

Is Oamaru worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Oamaru is explore North Otago Museum. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then experience more of the area's culture and nature.
How do I spend a day in Oamaru?
North Otago Museum and Steam Train are two good places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the retail and dining options in Oamaru while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Oamaru?
You can't go home without exploring North Otago Museum, ranked the top tourist attraction in Oamaru.
Is three days enough to stay in Oamaru?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off popular city attractions, such as North Otago Museum, Penguine Colony and Auto Museum. The average stay in Oamaru is two days. If you have the time to extend your getaway, Glenavy isn't far away.
Is Oamaru a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Oamaru is a good destination to experience on foot. Wander between North Otago Museum and Penguine Colony. Then take a stroll around Oamaru North, located 3 kilometres from downtown, and Holmes Hill, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Oamaru with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all of your group, have a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Oamaru with kids.

What to do in Oamaru for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or thrill seeker, there are loads of things to do in Oamaru for adults including NZ Malt Whisky Company and Whitestone Cheese Factory.
Are there free things to do in Oamaru?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Oamaru is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without opening your wallet. North Otago Museum is one place that doesn't have an admission fee.

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