https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/oamaru/best-things-to-do/10070017155090
Best Things to Do
Popular Best Things to Do in Oamaru [2025]
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Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
4.5
/5
121 reviews
8.2
From NZD 38.25
Based on 1,025 reviews
1.6 km from downtown
Phone +64-3-4331195
Address: 17 Waterfront Road, South Hill, Oamaru 9400, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Oamaru
Highlights:
Blue penguins' behavior & breeding
The endangered Oamaru blue penguin
Saved by 130 users71% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Taking photos is not allowed in the conservation center, and the flash will affect the penguins returning to their nests. The little penguins are so cute that we bought penguin dolls after seeing them. The quality of tourists is not very good, mainly Asian tourists. They always break the rules of keeping quiet and not using mobile phones.
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is a delightful destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering the chance to observe the world’s smallest penguins in their natural habitat. Located in Oamaru, New Zealand, the colony is dedicated to the conservation of these adorable creatures.Visitors can enjoy an evening viewing experience as the penguins return from the sea at dusk. The sight of them waddling up the beach and into their burrows is truly charming.
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Whitestone City
4.7
/5
9 reviews
4.9
Based on 154 reviews
703m from downtown
Phone +64 3 434 1100
Address: 12 Harbour Street, South Hill, Oamaru 9400, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Oamaru
Highlights:
5 mins to downtown center
Victorian-era historic town, 1882
Verified user reviews
Oamaru White Stone Town, South Island, New Zealand Walking into the quiet White Stone Town, it feels like going back to the most prosperous port city of Oamaru in the 19th century. The buildings in the town are all built with solid white stone, which is probably why it got its name! A European style travels back to the prosperous Victorian era. It is a unique town that combines history and humanity!
It happened to be the annual Victoria Festival in Oamaru, and everyone dressed up and made a grand appearance. Fortunately, I bought the ticket for White Rock Town in advance, otherwise I couldn't visit it on site. The scenery in White Rock Town is very real. Although the explanation is in English, they are very hard to take pictures for us. The free experience of changing clothes is very interesting. I recommend it to my friends.
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Steampunk HQ
4.3
/5
28 reviews
4.4
Based on 1,142 reviews
527m from downtown
Phone +64 27 778 6547
Address: 1 Humber Street, Oamaru 9400, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Steam trains & airships viewing
Steampunk mechanical art display
26% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
This is a place to experience a strange feeling. When I first saw it, I thought it was an industrial museum because there were steam locomotives and other industrial relics piled up at the door. After entering and reading the introduction, I realized that this is the headquarters of steampunk.
The so-called steampunk is a science fiction theme based on the Victorian era, which originated from the 1980s to the early 1990s. In this magical world, the early technology and steam power of the Industrial Revolution are infinitely mythical and used everywhere. Gentlemen wearing top hats drive steam locomotives roaming in the sky. Haha, I really learned a lot. After the visit, I feel that my overall quality has improved again.
Steampunk is a very unfamiliar word, but when you walk to the door, you will be attracted by the rusty and majestic locomotive. Unlike its fierce momentum, opposite it is a real and old steam locomotive. Worth visiting
No.
4
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Oamaru's Heritage Precinct
4.7
/5
32 reviews
4.4
Based on 800 reviews
583m from downtown
Phone +64-3-434-5385
Address: Harbour Street, South Hill, Oamaru 9400, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Rent vintage bikes & explore
Rent vintage bikes & explore history
31% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The town is rich in limestone, also known as Oamaru stone, and the stone for many buildings in Dunedin is also obtained from here.
Such as Dunedin Station, University of Otago buildings and so on. Of course, most of the old buildings in the town use this kind of stone, especially Harbor St., a street full of handicrafts that can be mined for treasures.
Oamaru should be considered a place with a lot of history. Although its development history is not long, the locals pay special attention to preserving various buildings with specific historical significance. Therefore, the whole city looks older and more historical. Seeing these buildings can stimulate tourists' curiosity to learn more about local history.
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