Whether you’re just passing through or planning a longer stay, our Oamaru travel guide will highlight the top attractions and provide tips for organizing your visit. Oamaru is one of our favorite towns in New Zealand, and we’ve visited multiple times over the years — we hope you’ll fall in love with it as much as we have!
Getting There
Oamaru is conveniently located on the main highway connecting Christchurch and Dunedin, making it a likely stop on your journey. It’s an excellent place to pause for an hour or two, offering free parking, delicious food, and a variety of activities. If you have a little extra time, a couple of nights here would be well worth it.
If you’re coming from inland, you’ll likely drive through the scenic Waitaki Valley, which features charming small towns and some excellent hiking opportunities in the foothills of the Southern Alps. The journey from Christchurch takes about three hours, while it’s a 90-minute drive from Dunedin (check out this post about the drive between Dunedin and Oamaru) and approximately two hours from Lake Tekapo.
Oamaru History
Like many historic coastal towns in New Zealand, Oamaru flourished thanks to its harbor. Initially, however, it lacked a proper port, forcing ships to anchor offshore while passengers waded through the water to reach land, reminiscent of those longtail boats in Thailand.
Eventually, breakwaters and wharves were constructed, improving safety and accessibility. The town thrived until the 1960s when much of its port industry began to decline, effectively stopping in 1974. Unlike many other towns that demolished their historic buildings, Oamaru preserved much of its heritage, making it a vibrant tourist destination today.
The Town
Home to approximately 14,000 residents, Oamaru is quite spread out. However, most tourists flock to the town centre, where a collection of historic streets and the harbor serve as primary attractions.
The Historic Quarter
Oamaru’s historic quarter is centered around Harbour Street, known for its stunning architecture. The streets are lined with charming, older buildings, most of which were once used as warehouses.
Take a leisurely walk down Harbour Street, stopping at galleries, shops, cafés, or bars along the way. Many surrounding streets are also filled with old buildings, museums, thrift shops, and eateries scattered throughout the historic district. We truly enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of Oamaru — it’s why we named it our favorite town in the South Island!
Beaches and Walks
A short walk from the old town will take you to Oamaru Harbour, where you’ll discover a beach, cafés, restaurants, and Oamaru Spit — a wonderful spot for a stroll.
At sunset, you might catch sight of the little blue penguins at either Waterfront Road or the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. If you’re eager to see yellow-eyed penguins, you can drive to Bushy Beach (see if you can spot the penguin in the photo below).
For walks, consider the trails on the hills above Oamaru (Skyline Walk / South Hill Walkway) or the coastal paths at Cape Wanbrow. To the south, you’ll find 14s Beach and Kakanui, known for its stunning scenery — just a 15-minute drive from Oamaru.
READ MORE: Where Are the Best Beaches in Oamaru?
Other Things To Do in Oamaru
While in Oamaru, consider visiting Riverstone Castle, checking out Steampunk HQ (an interactive gallery), or exploring the weekly farmers’ market. Don’t forget to stop by Lookout Point for breathtaking views over the town!
Nearby Towns / Attractions
Oamaru is in close proximity to Kakanui, which boasts some of the best beaches in the region, and the famous Moeraki Boulders. You’ll also find Moeraki Village and several other charming beach towns along the route to Dunedin.
Timaru is just an hour’s drive north, and heading inland leads you to the Waitaki Valley, rich with exploration opportunities, including interesting small towns such as Duntroon, Otematata, and Kurow.
Oamaru Itinerary
If you’re just passing through Oamaru, make sure to head directly to Harbour Street for a stroll or a coffee. It’s one of the best stops on your journey in New Zealand — plenty to see and do in a compact area, diverse dining options, and ample free parking.
A suggested one-night, two-day itinerary in Oamaru could include exploring all the local sights on the first day, perhaps concluding with some penguin spotting. On your second day, consider a scenic walk, visiting Bushy Beach, Kakanui, and Moeraki, or simply enjoying more shopping, dining, and the ambiance in Oamaru.
Where to Stay
Oamaru offers a good range of accommodations to suit various budgets. While we typically plan day trips to Oamaru, our stay at Poshtel was memorable — a stylish place featuring its own small museum! If you’re looking for a different vibe, consider staying in Moeraki.
Where to Eat
Oamaru boasts a variety of excellent dining options — more than you’d typically find in a town this size. Stay around the old town for ample choices, including sit-down restaurants, bars, breweries, cafés, and takeaways. For a meal with a view, head to the waterfront (Del Mar or The Galley).
Shopping
Shopping is a highlight of your visit to Oamaru. The town features several boutique shops, galleries, and thrift stores that are enjoyable to browse, regardless of whether you plan to make any purchases. Harbour Street and its surrounding areas are ideal for shopping, but you’ll also find plenty of stores along the main road that runs through the town.
Are you planning a trip to New Zealand? Check out our South Island travel guide!
I’m a South Island local — born in Timaru and raised in Dunedin. I left the island in 2006 and returned 10 years later. Having seen much of the world, I realized just how special this place is — truly the most beautiful island in the world! Seven years and nearly 400 posts later, I’m still helping locals and tourists alike plan their trips around the South Island.
