3 minute read
Ōamaru Must Do's
The Victorian Precinct
The buildings of Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct house traditional bookbinders, woodworkers and crafters; the general store sells rock confectionery, a vintage steam train chugs to the harbour. Consider joining a guided walking tour.
Architecture
Beautiful buildings include the Forrester Gallery, National Bank, opera house, and courthouse, built from locally quarried limestone.
Craftworks Brewery
The Tasting Room serves traditional Belgian style beers with artisan bread and cheese. Find it down Harbour Street, within the heart of the Victorian Precinct.
Steampunk HQ
Steampunk HQ, Ōamaru © Waitaki Tourism
An experience like no other, Steampunk HQ is an ode to the futuristic subgenre, as a 19th century England. Explore an assortment of inventions and unique contraptions and enquire about the annual festival.
Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony
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 pennyfarthing carousel.
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.
Rainbow Confectionery Factory Shop
The facade alone will compel you to go inside! This New Zealand owned shop is packed with sweetness.
Ōamaru Farmers’ Market
Every Sunday next to Friendly Bay and the Historic Precinct, year round from 9.30am-1pm.
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 and rose gardens.
Ōamaru Public Garden © AATP
The Natural Dairy
Tour this small, family-run dairy farm. Visit the milking shed, meet the cows and taste fresh milk. Tours run daily at 10am and 1.30pm
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.
The Criterion Hotel
This flagship building in the Victorian Precinct has been through major enhancements; the bar space glows with William Morris wallpaper and the mouthwatering share plates are too good to miss.
MORE...
> Walk to Ōamaru Lookout
> Take Penny Farthing Lessons
> Visit Totara Estate and Clark’s Mill
> Enjoy Bushy Beach Walk
> Visit Janet Frame House
> Go for a walk on 4s Beach
> Free Kakanui’s sunflowers
