Culture & Heritage
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Culture & Heritage

Culture & Heritage

Oamaru and the Waitaki district have a very proud history and heritage that is told in many ways throughout the area.  Oamaru’s reputation for housing some of the country’s most beautiful architecture is well established. Its rich heritage is evidenced in a wide variety of attractions that you will explore and then want to come back for more.

Victorian Precinct
Victorian Precinct

Explore Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct including the Loan and Merc restaurant, Birdlands wine bar, the Woolstore complex, auto museum, shops, galleries, penny farthing shop and more!

Totara Estate
Totara Estate

Do a tour of the historic farm that is highly significant as the birthplace of New Zealand's billion dollar frozen meat industry.

Clarks Mill
Clarks Mill

Tours run every Sunday to this flour mill which provides substantial insights into early industrial processes in New Zealand.

North Otago Museum
North Otago Museum

The North Otago Museum provides an appreciation of the districts natural and cultural heritage through a range of exhibitions and displays.

Forrester Gallery
Forrester Gallery

The Forrester Gallery offers an exciting and varied exhibition programme, houses a collection of artworks significant to the region and stands as an icon of Oamaru’s unique whitestone district.

Oamaru Opera House
Oamaru Opera House

The Oamaru Opera House is a high quality venue for performing arts, functions and conference activities.

Oamaru Steam and Rail
Oamaru Steam and Rail

Take a journey back in time and enjoy train travel the way it used to be with Oamaru Steam and Rail. The trip takes you around the harbour on Sundays.

Janet Frame Trail
Janet Frame Trail

The Janet Frame House on Eden Street provides insights into one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed authors.

Oamaru Ordinary Cycling Club
Oamaru Ordinary Cycling Club

The Oamaru Ordinary Cycling Club is committed to keeping alive the heritage of Oamaru cycling, promoting the restoration and riding of early cycles and encouraging cycling as a part of modern living.

Kurow Museum
Kurow Museum

Take yourself back to how New Zealand’s forefathers coped with life. Both agriculture and technology are represented here from the introduction of the early European land reforms to the advancement of hydroelectric power, introduction of the Social Securities Act of 1938, development of irrigation techniques in farming and high quality fine wools.

Maori Rock Art
Maori Rock Art

Visit original Maori rock art sites throughout the Waitaki Valley and learn about the early settlement of Maori at both the Kurow and North Otago museums.

Vanished World Fossil Trail
Vanished World Fossil Trail

Starting at Vanished World in Duntroon, wind your way through the Waitaki Valley visiting fossil sites at key locations.

BOOKIT ACTIVITIES
 
Alps Ocean Cycle Trail