Culture and Heritage

In 1878 Premier Sir George Grey made an observation that was to immortalise Oamaru in the eyes of many, "as I looked at your buildings rising in stone of the utmost brilliance...I thought, Oamaru is a fair maiden that sits by the sea." In the later (and leaner) Victorian years, the town was also described as the best built and most heavily mortgaged in the colony.

Oamaru's reputation as housing some of the country's most beautiful architecture is well established. However, our magnificent built history left more than bricks and mortar. It also reflected a confidence of spirit and optimism that continues to set Oamaru apart from other small New Zealand towns.

Although relatively small in comparison to other parts of the country our pre-European heritage has been preserve, protected and treasured through generations. The arrival of Europeans and ensuing colonial period added a new dimension to the district's evolution and created a lasting legacy of rural innovation and entrepeneurship. This is epitomised at historic Totara Estate some 8km south of Oamaru which is the birthplace of New Zealand's frozen meat industry.

The district's multi-culturalism fosters a vibrancy and diversity not common in provincial New Zealand. After establishing themselves as successful gold prospectors in the Southern gold fields, small numbers of Chinese immigrants headed north where they quickly became valued members of the local community. More recently the district has welcomed growing numbers of Pacific Island families who are widesly respected as some of our most talented sportspeople.

Oamaru and the Waitaki District's rich heritage - as evidenced in attractions as diverse as Maori Rock Art to elaborate Victorian Italianate designed buildings - is a source of pride for the people who call the district home today as well as a source of delight for those choosing to visit our place.