Harbourside Oamaru

The harbour, during the late 19th century, was vital for Oamaru and its farming hinterland. Grain and wool were housed in often ornate warehouses built and carved from locally quarried Oamaru limestone. As the rural economy boomed, the harbour area became a hub for prosperous businesses, banks, hotels and new industries.

Today, many of the majestic Oamaru whitestone buildings comprising the Harbour/Tyne Historic Precinct still stand. They are now home to a collection of curio shops, traditional businesses and craftsmen, restaurants, bookstores, a hotel and motoring and electrical museums, all within close proximity of the Blue Penguin Colony which lies within the confines of the harbour. On Sundays the steam train runs to and from the harbour and the Sunday markets.

Accommodation

Lodges – Hotels – Motels – Farm Stays – B&Bs

Backpackers – Campervan Parks – Campsites

Dining

À la carte – Cafés – Indian – Turkish – Asian – Pizza – Traditional Kiwi Takeaways

Town

Shopping – Commerce – Internet Cafés – Historic Buildings – Art Gallery – Museum – Swimming Complex – Ten Pin Bowling

To Do

Tours – Little Blue and Yellow-Eyed Penguins – Whitestone Cheese Factory – Heritage – Historic Estates – Janet Frame – Night Ghost – Whiskey Distillery – Golf Links – Movie Theatre – Nightclubs – Café Bars

Waitaki District

Valley of the Whales Fossil Trail – Hydro Dams – Moeraki Boulders – Gold Mine – Fishing – Skiing – Gliding

All surrounded by spectacular scenery!