The wide streets of Oamaru and the numerous restored Victorian buildings reflect a prosperous past when the town enjoyed great wealth, flourishing on the back of the nearby gold fields while later becoming the site of the worlds first frozen meat plant.

History comes alive in Oamaru and while you’re there you must stroll through Oamaru’s Historic Precinct the best preserved Victorian streetscapes in the country. There are also numerous other fine buildings and homes to admire and the botanic gardens will also delight.

Two penguins colonies call Oamaru home and at sunset you can watch the friendly birds return from a hard days fishing. To the south of Oamaru are the Moeraki boulders, unusual giant stone marbles on the coast, a photographic icon.

Oamaru has a variety of accommodation ranging from the full service historic Kingsgate Hotel right through to motels and backpackers. Oamaru is a great place to explore the Waitaki region and to totally unwind. In winter the town is an easy drive to the ski fields.

Check out our listing of New Zealand Oamaru accommodation. In addition to our online travel guide info, contact the local tourism visitor centre for your destination for more attractions, tours, local maps and other information.