Things To See And Do...

Oamaru and the Waitaki District feature attractions and activities you'll be hard pushed to find elsewhere. Most attractions are open all year round. All are competitively priced, easy to find and access and bound to make a lasting impression on even the most seasoned traveller.

At the heart of our town lies New Zealand's finest example of a deep water Victorian/Edwardian seaport. The harbour is home to the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony and Visitor Centre. This is the easiest place in New Zealand to view good numbers of penguins only five minutes drive from the town centre.

The nearby Historic Precinct boasts New Zealand’s finest 19th Century streetscape featuring a unique collection of buildings made from locally quarried Oamaru Stone which now house restaurants, gift stores, a Victorian Pub, German Bakery, whisky Bond Store, art galleries, traditional crafts and musicians' club (The Penguin Club).

Around the corner on Thames Street, The Forrester Gallery houses works of regional and national significance while the North Otago Museum features an impressive collection of Maori and European history. Oamaru’s Public Gardens have delighted visitors for over 130 years while walkways around the town offer spectacular sea views.

From the distinctive Moeraki Boulders and sprawling coastline to turquoise hydro lakes and uncrowded snow fields, our natural environment is second to none.

The Waitaki Valley offers an array of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, camping, skiing, hunting, hiking, golf and gliding or simply relaxing and enjoying the ambience at various villages.

The District’s unique geological features are showcased at the Vanished World Centre and Trail at Duntroon which is also the gateway to the iconic Elephant Rocks and Danseys Pass.

For further information contact the Oamaru i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Tel: (03) 434 1656

Email: [email protected]