Oamaru is one of the best hidden gems that you will find in New Zealand. Packed full of free and unusual things to do, Oamaru has something for everyone whether you are visiting with the family, as a couple or a solo traveller.
As the Steampunk Capital of the World, it is weird and wonderful and offers plenty of things to do for a variety of demographics. From famous Blue-Eyed penguins and lookout points to breweries and museums, we thoroughly enjoyed a relaxed stay in this whacky little town full of surprises.
In this article we suggest 10 things to do in Oamaru that we discovered while exploring the area, plus we have a few recommendations on Oamaru restaurants and accommodation.
We suggest one or two nights here in Oamaru to see and do these recommendations. But of course, this is your travelling story so stay for as long as you like!
We have split our list of things to do in Oamaru into free and paid activities.
This first section has all of the FREE things to do in Oamaru.
1. Visit Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct: Harbour Street & Tyne Street
If you are looking for unusual and free things to do in Oamaru, then look no further than the Victorian Precinct on Tyne Street and Harbour Street.
A street embellished with Victorian era aspects such as a penny farthing, British bunting, and huge barrels, it could not be more of a step back in time.
Tyne and Harbour streets are both packed full of wonderful small and unique shops, you could spend a few hours popping in and out of these craft shops. Check out some of our favourites below.
Presence on Harbour
We went into a cool antiques / gift shop that had a fully functional, old fashioned VW beetle on display. If you want a gift shop with some fun Oamaru merchandise to take home with you, pop in here.
Visit their website here: Presence on Harbour
Buggy Robot Gallery
Buggy Robot Gallery oozes steampunk with handmade model robots made from scrap metal. We chatted to the owner for a few minutes, and he was so friendly and interesting. He showed us around his little workshop and explained the type of materials he likes to use. From used Ferrari engine components to old nuts and bolts, everything is valuable here!
Visit their website here: Buggy Robot Gallery
Grainstore Gallery
Grain store Gallery is a cross between an art gallery and a nightmare- art is subjective after all! We have never seen so many faces and eyes in one place. It’s difficult to explain, but you’ll just have to go and see for yourself!
This one comes with a slight warning though as we both left feeling slightly uneasy…
Studio Relam
Last up for us along Harbour Street was a steampunk clothing and art shop called Studio Realm. Miss Purple, the owner, creates all of the products herself- from steampunk styles high heels (with cogs and metal built into the heels) to funky drawings.
Check out our Instagram @jessandbentravel to watch our reel on these places to see for yourself!
BONUS: If you time your visit to Oamaru well and you’re here on a Sunday, a vintage train runs through the precinct!
2. Oversee Oamaru from the Lookout Point
Next up in free things to do in Oamaru is a good old lookout point.
Perfect for some fresh air, the Oamaru lookout point is a short drive or a 30-minute walk just out of town.
We love a lookout point! We’ve visited them all over the world and always make a beeline for one. They usually have those signs that tell you how far away other countries are too!
From the lookout point you’ll be immersed with views of the town, the harbour and a bay called Friendly Bay. On clear days you’ll be able to see the mountains in the distance!
Golden hour up here would be spectacular if that fits with your schedule, as the sun setting and illuminating the quaint town of Oamaru. It would also be the perfect spot for a picnic with the family during the day.
3. View Local Art at the Forrester Gallery Oamaru
The Forrester Gallery in Oamaru showcases some of the best Oamaru artists in the Waitaki Region and is free to enter (otherwise it wouldn’t be in the “free things to do in Oamaru” section I suppose…).
With such a variety of artwork here there is something for everyone to see. And it is only small, so if you do not have much time, you’ll still be able to see everything. We spent about an hour here.
We really enjoyed the photographs of the aurora australis and the chaos themed room…
FACT: The gallery sits in one of Oamaru’s most historical buildings, constructed in 1884. It was originally used as the home for the Bank of New South Wales.
As mentioned above, It is FREE to enter too. Donations are greatly appreciated, so we encourage that if you can.
Opening times:
Monday: closed (unless a public holiday)
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00- 16:00
Weekends and public holidays: 13:30-16:00
Visit their website here: Culture Waitaki- Gallery
4. Waitaki Museum & Archive, Oamaru: Learn About Local Culture and History
The Waitaki Museum and Archive displays the rich Māori culture and is home to a vast collection of significant treasures from history. The collection held at the Waitaki Archives includes thousands of stone tools (which were once the pinnacle of technology!), ornaments, and useful hunting and fishing equipment.
All of these items were found at the mouth of the Waitaki River!
Visit their website here: Culture Waitaki- Museum
5. Walk along Bushey Beach
Who doesn’t love some fresh sea air?
Bushy Beach is Oamaru’s beautiful beach where you can admire the scenery and hopefully some playful seals and other native wildlife if they are around.
If you go before 3pm you can go down onto the beach but after 3pm access is not allowed due to the shy nature of the yellow eyed penguins. If people are on the beach they won’t approach, and this means they may not feed their young. If you go at dusk, you might see some of the yellow eyed penguins in their natural habitat, settling down for a good night’s sleep.
Bushy Beach, Oamaru: Map
The Bushy Beach walk takes approximately 10-20 minutes and is regarded as extremely easy. The path zig zags down a track along the cliff before you reach some look out points onto the beach.
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This section contains the paid things to do in Oamaru… They’re not too expensive, so you can still enjoy Oamaru on a budget!
6. Steampunk HQ Oamaru
Steampunk HQ in Oamaru is an interactive museum with lots of steam punk themed decorations that flash, make noise and depict the sci fi element of this genre.
You absolutely cannot come to the Steampunk Capital of the world and not visit the Steampunk HQ. Hence why it is our most recommended Oamaru attraction! It is certainly an unusual activity too- we have never visited a museum like this before.
Steampunk HQ Oamaru Prices & Tickets
$10 per adult
$2 entry for children
$20 for a family ticket
Tickets can only be purchased at the counter upon arrival; there is no prebooking.
We spent just over an hour here and we managed to see everything. 45-60 minutes here is enough!
We didn’t really know what ‘steampunk’ actually was, so it was a good leaning point for us both. The building itself fits in with those of the Victorian precinct, however the exhibits show off a more futuristic version of Victorian England.
Our favourite room was The Portal- let us know what you think when you’ve been!
If you like the sound of this, then check out the Oamaru Steampunk Festival 2024!
7. Visit the Blue Penguin Colony
Receptionist: Hi guys, how can we help you today?
Ben: Hello, I’d like to see some penguins please
Receptionist: Ah, they’re all out to sea at the moment during the day, if you come back later you’ll be able to see them!
Moral of the story– the best time to come to see penguins at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is not during the day.
This is one of the pricier activities in Oamaru (aside from eating and drinking), sitting at $43 per adult to see some of the cutest and smallest penguins in the world.
The general evening viewing tickets provide you with a grandstand spot to watch the Blue Penguins come in from their day at sea, while commentary is provided by the guides.
Visiting here comes with the feel-good factor as your money goes towards the long-term conservation and research into the wellbeing of these fascinating and beautiful creatures.
Please note: the viewing times will vary throughout the year as the seasons change.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony website!
As a free activity to this section, there is a spot where you will see so many Otago Shags!
Along the same road that takes you to the Blue Penguin Colony, you will see a long pier that is pictured above (which is unmissable). It will most likely be completely covered in these famous and local Shags.
A fun and free stop!
8. Eating & Drinking in Oamaru
Who doesn’t love food and drink!
If you are a foodie who loves those quietly brilliant places to eat, then you are in for a treat.
Oamaru is not known for its dining scene, but it does have some great cafes and restaurants.
Our favourite place was Tees St, where I had the most incredible twist on the kiwi classic mince on toast. A recipe for success with parmesan, tarragon, truffle oil and a poached egg. It was an easy purchase.
Del Mar is a beachy restaurant decorated with plenty of cool plants that is situated right on the seafront. With amazing views of the sea (and the sunset if you time it right!), this is the perfect place to come for a cocktail, some nibbles, or a meal.
We couldn’t find this place on google when we searched for places to eat in Oamaru, and we realised when we were there why.
It is because it is not on the high-street.
So, we went for a drink instead of eating as we ate elsewhere. And it was lovely!
Places to eat on Oamaru high street
If you are staying on the high street in Oamaru and don’t want to go far for dinner, these places are along the high street so only a short walk away.
- Fat Sallys
- Oscars Pizza
- Badger and Mackerel
- Cucina
There are a plethora of places to eat and drink here, so don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
9. Visit a Brewery: Scotts or Craftwork?
Oamaru spoils you by having not just one, but two breweries in such a small town!
Scott’s Brewery
Found at the end of Harbour St on the waterfront, Scotts Brewery makes an array of craft beer using local grains, South Island hops and the freshest of Southern Alpine water.
New Zealand’s craft beer scene has really impressed us, and some of the beers at Scotts Brewery are no exception. The B-10 Porter is so chocolatey and delicious…
Get in and order yourself a tasting paddle!
You can find their website here: Scotts Brewery
Craftwork Brewery
A tiny, Belgian style brewery that uses traditional brewing techniques to achieve delicious ales.
Pop along for a tasting session paired with artisan bread, cheese and seasonal delicacies while you are sat in a 1900s style Belgian café.
Check out their website here: Craftwork Brewery
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10. Whitestone Cheese Factory Tour and Guided Cheese Tasting
Whitestone Cheese Factory is a short drive out from Oamaru.
Their focus is making local produce, with key ingredients from North Otago and the cheese itself pasteurised at the factory.
We loved their environmental awareness, as they use renewable energy sources and are taking as many steps as possible to minimise their impact on the environment.
For $35 per person, you can take a guided factory tour, try six different cheeses which also includes a private talk!
You can also upgrade to a wine pairing for an additional $13.
And if you really love the cheese, join the Cheese Club!
This is a great activity for all the family if you are in Oamaru.
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Read MoreIs it worth going to Oamaru?
Oamaru is well worth a visit as it is a bustling town full of history, character and stunning scenery. It is steeped in local and overseas culture as it has strong ties to the Māori’s and the early European settlers.
Using this list to guide your stay here, you will cover a variety of activities giving you a complete stay here.
Where To Stay In Oamaru?
Our Recommendation:
Poshtel
Honestly, we can’t recommend this boutique accommodation enough. It is decorated and themed with steampunk in mind. The entry foyer is incredible with funky robots, fun ornaments and these red chairs that Jess loves!
But that’s not all. The rooms are all completely unique and all have different themes. Some are automobile themed, others were skiing themed, and others were old football themes- all keeping in line with that historic Victorian Steampunk genre!
It is located on the highstreet right next to Countdown, so walking distance from most things!
Book a room here:
Our recommendations would either be the private apartment as it comes with a lounge area, a kitchen, plus your own parking space and your door to enter directly to your room own if you want to be self-contained. Or room 8 as it was so cool, if it is free when you book.
We asked the lovely lady at reception if we could have a nosey around at the other rooms before we left and she said we could if they were free!
We recommend only one or two nights in Oamaru as you can get most of these things to do done within a day or two. However, staying longer could be beneficial if you wanted to try a few of the cool restaurants here or spread out the things to do here over a few days!
We hope this article helps you and acts as a guide to your stay in Oamaru!
If you have enjoyed and explored Oamaru and are looking for the next place, check out the article below for things to do in and around Christchurch- the largest city on the South Island.
We’ve also included our top picks on where to eat if you decide to visit- it does have a decadent dining scene after all!
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