Activities in Oamaru
Oamaru is recognised as a destination town with the world-renowned blue penguin colony.
See the world's smallest penguins in their natural environment. Our blue penguins nest close to town under the cliffs along the Historic Harbour foreshore. The Oamaru blue penguin colony is just beyond the Victorian heritage precinct, and you are within walking distance of the town centre, close to shops, restaurants and accommodation.
The colony began when a small number of blue penguins began nesting in a rock quarry area at the edge of Oamaru Harbour in the early 1990s. Today, it is Oamaru’s largest tourist attraction, with over 75,000 visitors per year.
The best viewing is at dusk, however day and evening tours are available.
Other attractions in Oamaru include:
- Yellow-eyed penguin colony
- Historic precincts
- Whitestone Cheese factory
- Moeraki Boulders
- Elephant Rocks
- Vanished World Trail
- Maori rock art
- Waitaki Valley and lakes
- Janet Frame birth place.
- Trout and salmon fishing on Waitaki River.
- Historic buildings including new Opera House
- Riverstone Kitchen
- Choice of two 18-hole golf courses
- Oamaru Botanic Gardens
We are members of the Asure Accommodation Group which consists of quality, independently owned and operated accommodation properties throughout New Zealand.
ASURE Loyalty Programme - stay 9 nights at any of the Asure properties throughout New Zealand and receive $100 credit off your 10th night.
