Victorian Heritage, dig-your-own fossils, a spectacular garden, great places to eat, a lovely spot to stay and an unmissable Must-Do – we've got inspiration for your trip to Ōamaru and the Waitaki District covered.
Ōamaru Victorian Precinct
Sure, you’ve heard of the Victorian Precinct in Ōamaru – it’s what makes the town so famous. But have you heard of Buggy Robot Gallery? Established by artist Martin Horspool, Buggy Robot is a showcase of creative recycling. Martin crafts his robot creations out of collected vintage metal bits and bobs – though nothing made after 1970. Pop in to experience the on-site whimsy in what Martin calls his ‘full-time exhibition space.’
Martin Horspool at his Buggy Robot Gallery in the Ōamaru Victorian Precinct. © Jo Percival.
While you’re exploring the Victorian Precinct, make sure you climb the stairs to Donna Demente’s famous Grainstore Gallery for more quirky and creative artworks, allow time to immerse yourself in the world of Victoriana at the interactive Whitestone City museum and splurge at some of the lovely lifestyle boutiques that bookend Harbour Street.
Where to eat in Ōamaru
There’s no shortage of great places to eat in Ōamaru. Kick off your day with a hearty and delicious breakfast at Tees St Café. Think fresh baking and a regularly-changing menu of interesting and innovative eats. Make sure you get there early as the small space fills up fast! Sharing the building with Tees St Café is Cucina, which opens later in the day for dinner. Make a reservation, you won’t regret it. Here, vibrant South American-inspired flavours, home-made pastas and specialty cuts of meat are served in a stylish, plant-filled space. For alfresco dining or casual drinks, visit Scotts Brewing at the edge of the Victorian Precinct. Grab a stone-baked pizza and choose from the large selection of beers made on site. For a seaside lunch, sweet treat or alternative dinner option, head to Del Mar next to the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony.
Grab breakfast at Tees St Café, Ōamaru. © Jo Percival.
Ōamaru Public Gardens
Did you know that Ōamaru is home to some of the oldest public gardens in New Zealand? Opening in 1876, the Ōamaru Public Gardens are a sprawling 13 hectare site in the centre of town and are recognised as a Garden of National Significance. Wander through Victorian-inspired ‘rooms’, including vibrant rhododendron and azalea gardens (peaking with frothing blossoms in spring, of course), native plantings, colourful Chinese gardens and fragrant plots of roses. Dotted with sculptures, fountains, bridges and gazebos, the gardens also include an aviary and an expansive playground.
The entrance to the intriguing Chinese Garden at Ōamaru Public Gardens. © Jo Percival.
Vanished World Centre, Duntroon
Have you ever wanted to have a go at digging for fossils? At the Vanished World Centre in Duntroon you can do just that. Carefully chip away at a crumbling limestone rock to reveal the remnants of ancient seashells which were once entirely submerged in the seabed 25 million years ago. There is a vast amount of information to be absorbed at the Vanished World Centre, from prehistoric timelines to the geological traces of them found throughout the Waitaki District today. See examples of the signature Ōamaru whitestone, volcanic rocks, concretions like the Moeraki Boulders, schist and quartz. An impressive collection of fossils includes trees and shells plus pieces of penguin, shark and whale skeletons.
Dig for your own fossils at the Vanished World Centre, Duntroon. © Jo Percival.
Where to stay in Ōamaru
Looking for a place to stay? Mariner Suites is one of the newest accomodation options in Ōamaru. Just a stone’s throw from the Victorian Precinct, these modern, stylish suites will set you up comfortably for a night or two. Created in a sympathetic design and colour scheme to reflect Ōamaru’s neighbouring historic buildings, Mariner Suites are impeccably clean, comfortable and with serene seaside vistas over the Ōamaru Harbour, it’s tempting to while away an afternoon watch the world go by from your balcony.
Find stylish and comfortable accommodation at Mariner Suites, Ōamaru.
Moeraki Boulders
Have you even been to the Waitaki District if you haven’t visited New Zealand’s most famous concretions? Local Māori legend says that the Moeraki boulders were the flotsam cast from the wreck of the voyaging canoe Arai-te-uru, which came to grief on her way south in search of greenstone. Scientists have a more boring explanation: the boulders are known as ‘septarian concretions’, formed 60 million years ago when piece of organic material on the sea floor became the focal point for cementing minerals that gradually built up into spheres. Try to time your visit here for low tide so you can see more of the intriguing spherical boulders without getting wet feet. Even better, the combination of low tide and sunrise makes for spectacular photo opportunities.
Moeraki Boulders are a Must-Do when visiting the Waitaki District. © Jo Percival.
