Things to do in Oamaru
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Top 10 attractions in Oamaru
Ōamaru Penguins
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Conservation Center is located just minutes from the city center and is a convenient place to see blue penguins living in their natural environment. During peak season, more than 130 pairs of blue penguins homing in the conservation center, and sometimes more than 200 blue penguins arrive overnight. Our staff includes a marine biologist who conducts research into the various behaviours and breeding success of blue penguins. The conservation center provides two kinds of viewing: daytime viewing and dusk viewing. The daytime viewing is mainly to visit the penguin protection center, and to watch the little penguins that have not preyed at sea during the day in the dark room (BlueWing); the evening viewing is divided into ordinary seats and VIP seats. , the VIP seats are closer to the penguins, only about 2-5 meters. Twilight viewing provides Chinese and English commentary services.Oamaru · 1.6km from downtown
Whitestone City
The White Rock Town Experience Center is located in the center of the old Victoria Street, a 5-minute walk from the city center. You can watch wearing videos of corsets, skirts and other costumes in the Victorian Theater; you can experience the retro two-wheeled carousel in the playground; dress up as a little teacher in the classroom; compare the 19th century tables with your peers in the bar Play games such as swimming, marbles, cards, etc.; experience life in the 19th century in the parlor of the upper class. White Rock Town is not only a window to understand the history and culture of Oamaru, but also a good place for you to take pictures and record good memories in Oamaru.Oamaru · 702m from downtown
Oamaru's Heritage Precinct
Oamaru is known for its elegant architecture. In the low 19th century, this was an important seaport in the South Island of New Zealand, so at that time big banks, import and export companies, etc. all built offices. Currently these buildings include coffee kiosks, art galleries, shops, etc. If you are interested, you can also implement old-fashioned bicycle rides. The retro buildings in the Victorian heritage area retain the complete 19th-century Victorian architectural style, and all buildings are built with Oamaru's local large white stone.Oamaru · 582m from downtown
Bushy Beach Road
The Yellow-Eyed Penguin Landing is a beach walk in the southern part of Oamaru, just a 5-minute drive from the city centre. Here you have the opportunity to see yellow-eyed penguins and New Zealand's native fur seals. It should be noted that tourists are not allowed to enter the beach after 3 pm, but you can watch the yellow-eyed penguins come ashore from the observation deck at a high place.Awamoa · 2.3km from Oamaru
Oamaru Public Garden
Established in 1876, Oamaru Gardens is one of the oldest gardens in New Zealand. There are many New Zealand native plants on display, Oamaru's white-stone architectural style, and a small Chinese-style garden. It is an Oamaru back garden suitable for strolling all year round.Oamaru · 776m from downtown
Moeraki Boulders Beach
Moeraki Boulders Beach are scattered along Koekohe Beach on the east coast of the South Island, New Zealand, between Moeraki and Hampden. At low tide, dozens of giant spherical boulders lie fully exposed on the sand. Most range from 1.5m to 2.2m in diameter, perfectly round like giant stone eggs half-buried in the sand. They are actually grey calcareous concretions: about 60 million years ago, calcite in the ancient seabed mud slowly condensed around organic cores like shells and plant fragments, taking millions of years to grow to their current size. Later, years of wave erosion on the cliffs stripped them from the mudstone, washing and depositing them in their current location. What makes these boulders so fascinating is their combination of inner and outer beauty: their appearance is round and full, and paired with the long, sandy beach and the surf of the South Pacific, the scene is quite unique. Some boulders have cracked or even broken in half, revealing hollow cores with calcite crystals embedded in radial cracks, resembling a turtle shell. The viewing experience is highly dependent on the tide: at high tide, the water covers some of the boulders, while around low tide is the best time to see them fully exposed for a close-up view. Checking the daily tide times before you go can help you avoid the disappointment of seeing only "half an egg" submerged in the water.Hampden · 29.8km from Oamaru
RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise
Known as the "Princess on the Lake", the TSS Earnslaw steamship (TSSEarnslaw) was born in 1912 - a golden age in the history of steamships including the world-famous cruise ship "Titanic" . Today, as a coal-fired ferry, she has sailed for 100 years and is a fascinating sight on Lake Wakatipu, transporting you back in time and enjoying the gorgeous European style of the early 20th century. During the voyage, you can lean on the railings on the deck and overlook the beautiful lakes and mountains of Queenstown. You can also climb the watchtower to steal the superb steering skills of the captain. You can also sneak into the steam boiler room to understand the operation principle of the steam engine. △ Take a steamer ride on Lake Wakatipu, where you can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and the serenity of the lake △ On board, visit the engine room, sailor's cabin art gallery, and listen to songs accompanied by a piano for a taste of turn-of-the-century elegance △ Upon arrival at Walter Peak Highlands Ranch, you can see and feed the farm animals up close, participate in a sheep shearing show and a working sheepdog showNew Zealand · Queenstown
Milford Sound Scenic Cruises
Take in Milford Sound on a modern and spacious Milford Sound Cruise, with unobstructed views outside the boat from any area of the interior cabin. The boat features a comfortable indoor lounge and large panoramic picture windows, allowing you to see waterfalls and wildlife up close from the bow. From the spacious upper outdoor deck, you can look directly down on the water, and the captain will provide informative commentary, and the cruise will play commentary in other languages at certain times.New Zealand · Milford Sound
NZONE Skydive Queenstown
Gold tier trial period: October to April of the following year NZONE Skydive Queenstown in New Zealand 1. Tandem skydiving origin experience: New Zealand tandem skydiving started in Queenstown in 1990. Complete the challenge at this legendary starting point. 2. New Zealand tourism awards certification: A skydiving brand awarded by the New Zealand tourism awards, ensuring both safety and experience with double authority. 3. Queenstown core view aerial perspective: Free fall to enjoy the "S"-shaped bay of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range and the panoramic view of Queenstown. 4. 360° unobstructed "God's-eye view": Aerial panoramic vision, far surpassing cable cars and viewing platforms, truly seeing all the highlights of Queenstown at once. 5. Multiple height options suitable for all ages: Offers various skydiving height choices, available for ages 6 and up. 6. Tandem skydiving for beginners: Professional instructors provide one-on-one guidance throughout the experience, no prior skydiving experience required. 7. Complies with New Zealand safety standards: equipment, processes, and instructor qualifications have all met the high standards of New Zealand's aviation and safety regulatory system certification. 8. Scenic flight + free fall + dual gliding experience: First enjoy a scenic fixed-wing flight in Queenstown, followed by the thrill of high-speed free fall, then glide smoothly under the parachute to admire the scenery. 9. Free shuttle service in Queenstown downtown: Located in the heart of Queenstown, offering complimentary transfers year-round (weather permitting) for more flexible itinerary arrangements.New Zealand · Queenstown
Skyline Queenstown
The Skyline sits on top of Bobt's Peak in Queenstown, a location overlooking downtown Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the city to the cable car ride point, and take the cable car in the southern hemisphere to the top of the mountain. The sightseeing corridor on the second floor offers a 270-degree panoramic view of the town, and the scenery at sunset is even more intoxicating. The Sky Cable Car is a highly comprehensive attraction. In addition to the view, there is also a very famous restaurant, Stratosfare Restaurant, which was once rated as "the best restaurant in the world" by the ABC. △ Take the cable car to enjoy stunning scenery △ Marvel at the 270-degree view of the mountain and lake △ Explore more exciting experiencesNew Zealand · Queenstown
Experiences you can't miss in Oamaru
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Free things to do in Oamaru
Ōamaru Penguins
Oamaru · 1.6km from downtownBook now for tomorrowWhitestone City
Oamaru · 702m from downtownOamaru's Heritage Precinct
Oamaru · 582m from downtownBushy Beach Road
Awamoa · 2.3km from OamaruOamaru Public Garden
Oamaru · 776m from downtownMoeraki Boulders Beach
Hampden · 29.8km from OamaruRealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise
New Zealand · QueenstownBook now for tomorrowMilford Sound Scenic Cruises
New Zealand · Milford SoundBook now for tomorrowNZONE Skydive Queenstown
New Zealand · QueenstownBook now for tomorrowSkyline Queenstown
New Zealand · Queenstown
More ways to travel from Oamaru
Private Tours in Oamaru
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What travellers say about Oamaru
_AP***8910 October 2026
5.0
Good way to see some penguins if you didn’t make any prior arrangements to see more.
Ōamaru Penguins
tiramisu113020 January 2020
5.0
Oamaru White Stone Town, South Island, New Zealand Walking into the quiet White Stone Town, it feels like going back to the most prosperous port city of Oamaru in the 19th century. The buildings in the town are all built with solid white stone, which is probably why it got its name! A European style travels back to the prosperous Victorian era. It is a unique town that combines history and humanity!
Whitestone City
翱翔的大鲨鱼24 June 2020
4.0
The town is rich in limestone, also known as Oamaru stone, and the stone for many buildings in Dunedin is also obtained from here.
Such as Dunedin Station, University of Otago buildings and so on. Of course, most of the old buildings in the town use this kind of stone, especially Harbor St., a street full of handicrafts that can be mined for treasures.
Oamaru's Heritage Precinct
quqky11 September 2020
3.0
It's a great place with great scenery. The feeling of living in harmony with animals is also great. You can see sea lions, walruses and penguins here. Of course, if you come earlier, you can enjoy this feeling of freedom even more.
Bushy Beach Road
🎀彡🐾15 June 2020
5.0
Oamaru Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden in New Zealand. Flowers bloom all year round, and each season has flowers of different colors. It is very beautiful. In the park, there are dense forests and beautiful fountains and sculptures on the wide lawns. It is definitely a garden that makes people feel good and is worth a walk.
Oamaru Public Garden
李邵平4 April 2020
5.0
There is a place called Moeraki on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Whenever the tide goes out, you can see more than 50 huge round stones exposed on the sea surface. It is more appropriate to say that they are giant stone eggs rather than stones. Its round shape and magical internal structure make everyone who sees these stones sigh from the bottom of their hearts. There are many speculations about these round stones. Scientists believe that they were formed by geological movements. But why they are only here is a mystery. We are lucky enough to feel these strange stones up close and explore their internal structure. The tour guide said that the beach is private and the owner has opened a store next to it. It is free to visit the big boulders, but you just need to patronize the store's business.
Moeraki Boulders Beach
网站老张10 October 2026
5.0
A very unique steamship, still providing excellent service despite being over a century old. There are Chinese staff on board, and the buffet restaurant on the other side is quite good. Enjoy a relaxed and pleasant time in Queenstown.
RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise
Nestor Collado Garcia12 October 2026
5.0
Best day ever…..!! I recommend for stress people who have full focus on there work? Just give them a time for there self to refresh to see the beauty by creation by GOD
Milford Sound Scenic Cruises
道治11 March 2025
5.0
Skydiving is super fun, 15,000 feet, the free fall feels like life is free!
The package comes with a handheld camera, with photos and videos.
After the jump, it will be sent directly to your email for you to download.
It takes about 20 minutes to drive to the base.
NZONE Skydive Queenstown
cic***cf5 October 2026
5.0
The Skyline Gondola is the highest point in Queenstown, offering panoramic views of the town and the lake, a completely different experience from looking down from below. Lunch was also a good experience; the lamb chops were delicious. Many people say the menu isn't extensive, but most restaurants there serve similar dishes, so they're generally not that different. The main advantage was that I got a buy-one-get-one-free ticket, so lunch was essentially free.
Skyline Queenstown
