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Discover
a magical place

Extraordinary Steampunk

Victorian Heritage

Amazing Architecture

Wonderful Wildlife

Beautiful Heritage Gardens

Awesome Events

Quaint Harbour

Sensational Sunrises

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A precious gem of a town in
a jewel of a region

Discover

Oamaru offers a unique and unforgettable holiday experience. Peacefully nestled in the lower part of the South Island; this seaside town is a quirky, vibrant, must visit destination.

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Located just 2 hours drive north of Dunedin or 3 hours drive South of Christchurch, Oamaru is most famous for its Victorian limestone architecture, penguin colony and fascinating steampunk culture. But that is truly just the beginning of what this brilliant little town has to offer.

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Providing the perfect base to explore the wonderful Waitaki Region; Artisans, food lovers, adventurists, steampunk enthusiasts and nature lovers will all enjoy an Oamaru and Waitaki holiday.

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Oamaru, the largest town of the Waitaki District, has a rich history and proud heritage, enriched by the passionate and perhaps quirky locals. Explore this heritage in the Victorian Precinct, where you will find, New Zealand’s best preserved Victorian commercial streetscapes and 19th century architecture.

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Be captivated by little blue penguins, fur seals and rare seabirds that call Oamaru home. With craft beer and whisky, incredible restaurants, café’s and artisan shopping close by, with stunning views out to the Pacific Ocean, a quaint harbour, steampunk-themed playground and bike park for the kids. Oamaru is an awesome destination to be enjoyed by all.

Explore
Our
many
natural
wonders

Mysterious Boulders

Majestic Lakes

Snow Capped Mountains

Clay Cliffs

Elephant Rocks

Aspiring Global Geo Park

Wild Coastlines

Breathtaking Panoramic Landscapes

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Tantalise
Your
Tastebuds

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Tantalise and indulge your tastebuds with some of the exceptional eatery options Oamaru and the Waitaki Region have to offer. Showcasing local produce and creating a memorable culinary experience.

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Meet
our
friendly

locals

FEATURING

Friendly, passionate locals

who are proud of their towns

and their Region. Smile, say

Hi and chat awhile to untap

the real magic of this

unique destination.

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Delight in our wildlife

Check out our irresistibly cute and photogenic wildlife. Oamaru is home to a natural colony of the smallest penguin in the world, the Blue Penguin.

 

Discover Yellow Eyed Penguins at Bushy Beach, Hundreds of Otago Shags nesting on historic Sumpter Wharf, (the third largest and northernmost breeding population of Otago Shags)

 

Delight in a large adorable herd of seals frolicking and basking in the sun out at Shag Point.  

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