The Unique Taste of Ōamaru: Food and Drink Heroes of the Waitaki Region

Bevan Smith from Riverstone Kitchen wearing a blue t-shirt and apron smiling to camera in amongst green trees.
With a focus on sustainable and ethical production, Ōamaru's food and drink heroes are passionate about producing exceptional artisan products by harnessing the unique richness of their geographical location.

Hyde Boutique

A woman wearing a pink and yellow vest sorting through a clothes rack inside Hyde Boutique Oamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon.

Retail therapy doesn’t get any better in Ōamaru than Hyde Boutique, a high-end designer fashion destination situated on the town’s busy Thames Street.

Jessica Flora + In Good Company

The cream brick building of In Good Company Kurow.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon. Services key icon.

Jessica Flora is a local Waitaki label that specialises in made-to-order clothing and celebrates Mother Earth. Find this brand and others at In Good Company.

Bruce's Barber

A blonde haired woman smiling behind the counter at Bruce's Barber Oamaru. '
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Services key icon.

Located in the heart of the Thames Street shopping district in Ōamaru is the ultimate gentlemen’s grooming experience, Bruce’s Barber.

Oásis Ōamaru

A dragon painting on a wall at Oasis Oamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki

Oásis is a fitting name for this treasure trove of an antiques store found on Tees Street in Ōamaru.

Soul, Surf and Skate

A view of the entrance to the shop from the footpath.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon. Services key icon.

Ōamaru’s one-and-only surf and skate shop, Soul Surf & Skate, is located in the heart of the town’s retail district on Thames Street.

Housekeepers Design

Interior view of the shop at Housekeepers Design in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon.

A beautiful old building full of beautiful new objects. We’re talking New Zealand-made clothing, accessories and homewares that’ll delight even the most discerning of buyers. Do your gift shopping or treat yourself.

William Bee

Display of clothes on racks at William Bee in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon.

A general store since the 1800s, this cosy Ōamaru corner shop is now home to hip baby wear, cool gifts and New Zealand outerwear brand, Moké. Lush fabrics and excellent craftsmanship tie the whole concept together.

Inc. Design

Wide angle interior view of Inc. Design in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
Fashion key icon.

Not just a shop, gallery or studio but some combination of all three, Ōamaru’s Inc. Design is an experience in and of itself.

Hub and Sprocket Cycles

Side view of a man holding a bike tyreat Cycle Ventures in Waitaki.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Stay and explore key icon.

Possibly our most bikeable region, the Waitaki is home to plenty of rugged scenery and flat to not-so-flat cycleways. Get your gear sorted and check out the tours that range from day trips to the full A2O at Hub and Sprocket Cycles.

Crafted

The top of shelves covered in ceramics at CRAFTED in Waitaki.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Galleries and museum key icon.

It’s hard not to be inspired by Ōamaru’s rugged coastline and fabled history. The town is home to many talented makers and artists, and at the collective gallery you can explore their work at your own pace.