Oamaru & The Waitaki Valley
Oamaru is one of those towns that completely surprises you. It’s got this quirky mix of history, Victorian architecture and nature that makes it feel like no other place in New Zealand and it's also the Steampunk capital of the world!
The Victorian Precinct is the heart of town which has cobblestone streets, beautifully restored limestone buildings and quirky shops and cafes. It’s easy to see why Oamaru is called New Zealand’s Victorian capital!
Oamaru isn’t just about history - at dusk, you can watch the little blue penguins waddle ashore which is one of the cutest wildlife encounters you’ll find anywhere.
Then there’s the Waitaki Valley which is completely different landscape. The lakes are massive and are surrounded by rolling hills, epic walking tracks and landscapes that feel almost endless. It’s ridiculously beautiful, whether you’re driving through, stopping for a hike, or just sitting by the water with a hot drink.
It’s one of those regions that blends heritage, wildlife, and landscapes perfectly — whether you’re wandering through Victorian streets, chasing penguins, or exploring the lakes and valleys, Oamaru and the Waitaki are well worth a stop on your South Island trip.
If you see “blog coming soon,” don’t worry—it won’t be for much longer! We’re working hard behind the scenes to finish everything in the next few weeks. We’re also adding heaps more guides, updating older blogs, and making it SO much easier for you to plan your trip around New Zealand!
The Victorian Precinct is the heart of town which has cobblestone streets, beautifully restored limestone buildings and quirky shops and cafes. It’s easy to see why Oamaru is called New Zealand’s Victorian capital!
Oamaru isn’t just about history - at dusk, you can watch the little blue penguins waddle ashore which is one of the cutest wildlife encounters you’ll find anywhere.
Then there’s the Waitaki Valley which is completely different landscape. The lakes are massive and are surrounded by rolling hills, epic walking tracks and landscapes that feel almost endless. It’s ridiculously beautiful, whether you’re driving through, stopping for a hike, or just sitting by the water with a hot drink.
It’s one of those regions that blends heritage, wildlife, and landscapes perfectly — whether you’re wandering through Victorian streets, chasing penguins, or exploring the lakes and valleys, Oamaru and the Waitaki are well worth a stop on your South Island trip.
If you see “blog coming soon,” don’t worry—it won’t be for much longer! We’re working hard behind the scenes to finish everything in the next few weeks. We’re also adding heaps more guides, updating older blogs, and making it SO much easier for you to plan your trip around New Zealand!
LAKE BENMORE PENINSULA TRACK
One of NZ's largest lakes, it is surrounded by incredible beauty and is a very peaceful place. It's home to one of our top 5 hikes in NZ!
Blog coming soon! 
This walk will you make you feel like you're on another planet! You can either explore near the entrance or go deeper into the cliffs.
YOUR GUIDE TO OAMARU
Discover Oamaru's unique blend of Victorian architecture, steampunk culture and penguin colonies with our comprehensive guide.
Blog coming soon! |
STEAMPUNK HQ
Journey through time and imagination, where a mesmerizing blend of Victorian history and futuristic innovation meets fantasy.
Blog coming soon! 
Riding through the historic down of Oamaru was awesome but we had one very cute surprise right at the end which was amazing!
Step back in time to the Victorian era in the quirky town of Oamaru. Ride on a penny farthing carousel!
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Nature’s giant marbles scattered across a wild Otago beach, best seen at sunrise when they glow golden against the waves.
WHAT TO DO IN OAMARU WITH KIDS
A Victorian town soaked in history, where kids see little blue penguins up close, ride a historic steam train and pedal on a penny farthing!
Blog coming soon! 
LAKE OHAU
Located in the Waitaki Region, this lake is peaceful, has incredible reflections and stunning mountain views surrounding it.
Blog coming soon! |
ELEPHANT ROCKS
Explore the magical Elephant Rocks in Duntroon, where ancient limestone formations create a surreal, otherworldly landscape. Blog coming soon! |
EXPLORING THE WAITAKI VALLEY: FROM OMARAMA TO OAMARU
Large lakes, small towns and stunning landscapes - the Waitaki Valley is full of surprises from Omarama to Oamaru.
Blog coming soon! |
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