Lonely PlanetOct 7, 2026
Guide to Ōamaru and Waitaki on New Zealand's South Island
Everything you need to know for a break in this stunning and under-explored region of New Zealand.
25 things in this story
- Whitestone Waitaki GeoparkSightNetwork of sites showing ancient sea floor history with fossils.
- Vanished WorldMuseumFeatures displays on geology and fossils, with hands-on activities.
- Elsewhere
- PoshtelHotelŌamaru, New ZealandDecorated with vintage décor, rooms are tastefully themed.
- Ōamaru Steampunk FestivalFestivalŌamaru, New ZealandHeld in June, features teapot racing and parasol duelling.
- Ōamaru’s Victorian Heritage CelebrationsFestivalŌamaru, New ZealandHeld annually in November with races, parade, and garden parties.
- Victorian WardrobePlaceŌamaru, New ZealandOffers costume hire for Victorian garb, starting from $40.
- Alps 2 Ocean Cycle TrailTrailŌamaru, New ZealandFollows historic routes through Alps, alongside lakes, takes 5 days.
- Cycle JourneysPlaceŌamaru, New ZealandOffers bike hire and support for the Alps 2 Ocean trail.
- Adventure South NZPlaceŌamaru, New ZealandOffers organized tours for exploring the Waitaki Valley.
- Oamaru BackpackersHostelŌamaru, New ZealandHighly reviewed with a huge, light-filled lounge room.
- Clos OstlerPlaceŌamaru, New ZealandVineyard with three private villas for accommodation.
- Ahuriri ValleySightŌmarama, New ZealandHigh-alpine tussock landscape, offers fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking.
- The Lindis LodgeHotelŌmarama, New ZealandLuxury complex blending into high-alpine tussocks, award-winning.
- DOC hutHotelŌmarama, New ZealandBudget accommodation in Ahuriri Valley for $15/night.
- Harbour StreetNeighborhoodŌamaru, New ZealandPreserved historic warehouses and offices from the late 19th century.
- Steampunk HQArts centreŌamaru, New ZealandWarehouse-style museum devoted to steampunk with interactive displays.
- Waitaki Valley Wine RegionPlaceŌamaru, New ZealandKnown for pinot gris and pinot noir, with about nine vineyards.
- Valli WinesRestaurantKurow, New ZealandOffers a high-end tasting experience in Kurow's former post office.
- River-T EstateRestaurantŌamaru, New ZealandSip wine while looking out on the vineyards.
- Te Kano EstateRestaurantŌamaru, New ZealandHas plans to open its own cellar door.
- Hot Tubs ŌmaramaAttractionŌmarama, New ZealandPrivate tubs for up to six people with mountain views.
- Clay CliffsSightŌmarama, New ZealandSharp pinnacles and ridges formed 20 million years ago.
- Benmore Peninsula WalkTrailBenmore, New ZealandShort hike with impressive views above Lake Benmore.
- Friendly BaySightŌamaru, New Zealand
- Ōamaru penguinsSightŌamaru, New Zealand