Ōamaru is more than meets the eye. While Steampunk is this Waitaki town’s usual calling card there’s also a host of local food and drink to try, native wildlife to discover, inventive art to enjoy and friendly locals to meet. You’ll need more than a few hours to check it all out.

Your guide to the best things to see, eat & do
Time in Ōamaru seems to move backwards, forwards and stand still all in the same moment. On the historical front, this town is steeped in fact and folklore from its seafaring and gold mining past. This is best seen in the Victorian Precinct which also happens to be home to innovative restaurants, cafés and other small businesses who make the most of what’s happening in and around Ōamaru at any one time.
As you check out the futuristic artworks at Steampunk HQ, for example, you might just spot a local ride past on a penny farthing. As you meander between the town’s many art galleries you’ll likely meet a proprietor or two dressed in traditional Victorian garb. The best of yesterday, today and tomorrow can be found here in Ōamaru and this wee guide will take you through some of the must-see spots in just twelve short hours.
Morning
Midday
Afternoon
Evening
Words by: Olivia Sisson
Photos by: Nancy Zhou
12 hours Ōamaru
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1
Breakfast: Tees Street
3 Tees Street, South Hill
Cafes, Eat & Drink
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2
Explore: Victorian Precinct
1 Itchen Street, Oamaru
Shops
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3
Culture: The Terraces Art Gallery
13 Wansbeck Street, South Hill
Galleries & Museums, Culture, Stay & Explore
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4
Explore and taste: Whitestone Cheese
3 Torridge Street, Oamaru
Cafes, Goods, Eat & Drink
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5
Lunch: Badger & Mackerel
175 Thames Street, Oamaru
Cafes, Eat & Drink
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6
Shop: Design Federation
34 Thames Street, Oamaru
Fashion, Home, Services, Shops
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7
Explore: Steampunk HQ
1 Humber Street
Galleries & Museums, Culture, Stay & Explore
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8
Snack: Deja Moo
4 Harbour Street, South Hill, Oamaru
Goods
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9
Dinner: Cucina
1 Tees Street, South Hill
Restaurants, Eat & Drink
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10
Explore: Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Waterfront Road, South Hill, Oamaru
Activities
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11
Drink: Criterion
3 Tyne St, Oamaru
Accommodation, Eat & Drink
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12
Stay: Poshtel
126 Thames Street, Oamaru
Accommodation, Stay & Explore