4 minute read
Ōamaru Must-Do's
The Victorian Precinct
The handsome historic buildings of Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct boast shapely facades and grant access to traditional bookbinders, woodworkers and crafters. The general store sells rock confectionary and a vintage steam train chugs to the harbour.
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Victorian Architecture
Beautiful buildings include the Forrester Gallery, National Bank, opera house, and courthouse, built from locally quarried limestone.
Thames Street, Ōamaru © AATP
Steampunk HQ
An experience like no other, Steampunk HQ is an ode to the futuristic subgenre, as a fusion of sci-fi, steam and dystopian 19th century England. Explore an assortment of hands-on inventions and unique contraptions.
Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Little blue penguins are the world’s smallest penguins, congregating in Ōamaru every night after a full day of fishing. Come dusk, observe them as they waddle up the beach to their nests.
Whitestone City
Where history lessons jump off the page and straight into real life, kitted out like an old colonial town. Dress up in Victorian attire and ride a penny-farthing carousel.
Alps 2 Ocean Finish Line
Pedal the last kilometre of the 306km Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail which ends at Ōamaru Harbour. Take a selfie at the finish line and pretend you did the entire thing.
Whitestone Cheese
Both famous and award-winning, the factory tour and cheese tasting is a must. Sit in the store-cum-café and gorge on cheese platters and wine.
Craftworks Brewery
The Tasting Room serves traditional Belgian style beers with artisan bread and cheese, much like an early 20th century Brussels’ bar. Hidden and easily missed, find it down Harbour Street, within the heart of the Victorian Precinct.
Rainbow Confectionary Factory Shop
The facade alone will compel you to go inside! This New Zealand owned sweet shop is packed with all your sugary faves as well as cheap factory seconds.
Ōamaru Farmers’ Market
Popping up every Sunday right next to Friendly Bay and the Historic Precinct. Grab a bite and meet the growers. Operating year round from 9.30am-1pm.
Ōamaru’s Victorian Heritage Celebrations
This annual Victorian fete comes to life every year in the third week of November. Moustached speed-demons career down the streets on Penny Farthings and there are historical talks, dances and garden parties.
Steampunk Festival
Three days of events, workshops and activities complete with fashion shows, a gala ball and a spot of teapot racing (this is Ōamaru, so anything goes). Held every June over the Queen's Birthday weekend.
Ōamaru Public Garden
Open since 1876, this is one of the oldest public gardens in New Zealand. In-keeping with Ōamaru’s Victorian flare there are glasshouses, ponds, bird baths and rose gardens. The statues of Peter Pan and Humpty Dumpty are particularly charming.
The Natural Dairy
Pull on some gumboots and tour this small, family-run dairy farm. Visit the milking shed, say hello to the cows and taste fresh milk. Approximately one hour every day at 10am and 1.30pm.
Ōamaru Heritage Walking Tours
Much of Ōamaru’s Historic Precinct is easily missed. This gentle, 90-minute walk, led by a passionate and knowledgeable guide, uncovers every gem.
14s Beach
You won't find this good-looking beach on the map, namely because it was unofficially named by the locals. It’s located by the 14th hole of the golf course between Ōamaru and Kakanui.
Penny Farthing Lessons
Pop down to The Ōamaru Ordinary Cycle Club (in The Ōamaru Cycle Works/The Stables on Harbour St) and enquire about their niche Penny Farthing lessons.
Totara Estate/Clark’s Mill
Feed your intrigue at this former four-storey flour mill. Running from 1866 to 1976, much of the machinery still operates with fascinating demos taking place on the last Sunday of the month. Highlight include the original water race, railway line and two millers’ cottages.
Bushy Beach Walk
For a quick stretch of the legs, this 340-metre return walk should only take 30-minutes but in that time you can march along the cliff top , spy New Zealand fur seals and duck into a purpose-built viewing hide to observe elusive yellow-eyed penguins.
Janet Frame House
For those of us who have forgotten (or never known) a house without mod-cons, step inside this modest dwelling and step back in time. Admire rooms little changed since the days of Janet Frame – one of New Zealand's most famous writers.
Cape Wanbrow Walks
Ranging from thirty minutes to a full five hours, The Cape Wanbrow walking track traces sparkling coastline, offering something for everyone, including walkers, cyclists and our furry canine friends, too.
Ōamaru Lookout
For the best views of Ōamaru, march your body poles to the top of this far-reaching lookout point. Uncurl your picnic rug at the top or simply sit and drink up the view.
Beach, Ōamaru © Getty Images
