Our Picks for you
Best Attractions & Experiences
Unique . Quirky . Timeless
From iconic coastal wonders to hidden local gems, Oamaru and Waitaki offer experiences that are anything but ordinary. Here are a few of our must-see favourites to get you started.
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See the iconic Moeraki Boulders at sunrise
The Moeraki Boulders are giant, perfectly rounded stones scattered along Koekohe Beach. Formed millions of years ago, they’re one of the region’s most striking natural sights.
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light - and fewer crowds.
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Cycle the Alps to Ocean Trail
New Zealand’s longest cycle trail, the Alps 2 Ocean is an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes.
Starting near Aoraki / Mt Cook, it winds past glacial lakes, golden tussock and high country plains, following the Waitaki lakes and braided river to Oamaru Harbour and the Pacific Ocean.
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Meet Oamaru's cutest locals
No visit to Oamaru is complete without seeing the little blue penguins. Nesting around the harbour, these tiny locals return from the sea each evening — and from the viewing stands, you can watch them waddle ashore at dusk after a day’s fishing.
Standing at just 30cm tall, they may be small, but they more than make up for it in charm.
Visit the Steampunk capital of the world
Step into a world of imagination at Steampunk HQ, where Victorian industry meets futuristic fantasy. Explore an eclectic mix of industrial sculptures, retro-futuristic art, film, sound, and the unforgettable “metagalactic” pipe organ.
If you’re visiting at the right time, don’t miss Oamaru’s annual Steampunk Festival - a vibrant celebration of creativity, costume, and all things wonderfully unusual.
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Savour the Local Flavours
Whether it’s cheese, wine, whisky, or craft beer, Oamaru and the wider Waitaki region are home to some of New Zealand’s finest produce.
From award-winning restaurants to relaxed cafés, you’ll find menus that celebrate fresh, local ingredients and regional flavours.
For more, explore our TASTE page - your guide to local specialties, standout dining spots, and the vibrant farmers’ market.
Step back into a Victorian Era
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A stroll through Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct is a step back in time, home to New Zealand’s best-preserved Victorian streetscape.
Built from locally quarried limestone, these grand buildings reflect Oamaru’s prosperous past as a thriving port town. Today, the precinct is full of character — with galleries, studios, cafés, and quirky shops to explore.
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Discover the Majestic Beauty of The Lakes
The Waitaki region is home to four stunning lakes - Aviemore, Benmore, Waitaki, and Ōhau - each with its own unique character.
Surrounded by wide-open skies and high country scenery, they offer endless ways to explore, from walking and cycling trails to boating and fishing. Discover native bush, mountain passes, and peaceful shorelines along the way.
Explore Waitaki Whitestone Aspiring Global Geopark
Shaped beneath an ancient sea, the Waitaki landscape is now home to New Zealand’s only UNESCO Global Geopark.
Discover remarkable formations from Elephant Rocks to the Clay Cliffs, in a landscape stretching from mountains to sea.
At its heart lies a striking limestone world of caves, ridges, and rock art - brought to life at the Vanished World Centre.
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Explore Oamaru's Quaint Harbour & Steampunk Playground
Explore Oamaru’s quaint harbour, where historic charm meets coastal adventure. Stroll along Holmes Wharf, watch waves roll over the breakwater, and follow the shoreline to the Penguin Colony. Along the way, discover playful steampunk sculptures, a unique waterfront playground, and plenty of spots to relax, explore, and take it all in.
Stroll through Beautiful Gardens
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The Oamaru Public Gardens, officially opened in 1876, are among the oldest in New Zealand. These beautifully maintained gardens reflect the town’s heritage, with mature trees, themed plantings, and peaceful spaces to explore. Wander along winding paths, past streams and ponds, and enjoy a tranquil, timeless setting.
Open daily and free to enter, the gardens are a welcoming spot for everyone.
Experience Waitaki for Yourself
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A collection of moments, places, and experiences from Oamaru & the Waitaki
