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We scoured the region to find Ōamaru's best bars.

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Discover them with our Neat Places guide.

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The Unique Taste of Ōamaru: Food and Drink Heroes of the Waitaki Region

Bevan Smith from Riverstone Kitchen wearing a blue t-shirt and apron smiling to camera in amongst green trees.
Story Ōamaru & Waitaki
With a focus on sustainable and ethical production, Ōamaru's food and drink heroes are passionate about producing exceptional artisan products by harnessing the unique richness of their geographical location.

The New Zealand Whisky Cellar Door

Signage of The NZ Whisky Cellar Door.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Bars key icon.

Located in the historic surroundings of Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct, The New Zealand Whisky Collection Cellar Door is an opportunity to experience a rare dram of...

VALLI Wine Bar

Waiter serving wine to two guests sitting on bench chair outside wine bar
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Bars key icon.

When you think of Kurow, rugby culture and rustic hotel pubs may come to mind – but the little wine bar on the corner of Bledisloe Street is proof that more boutique...

Victoria Lounge and Eatery

Plush blue seating set against a dark green wall filled with portraits of queens
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Bars key icon.

Victoria Lounge and Eatery in the heart of Ōamaru is a welcome addition to the burgeoning hospitality scene in this small town brimming with charm and character.

The Criterion Hotel

Exterior of The Criterion Hotel in Ōamaru with a person walking past the front in a checkered jacket
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Bars key icon.

First established in 1877, the Criterion Hotel Bar and Eatery is the jewel in the crown in the historic Victorian precinct in Ōamaru.

River-T Estate Wines

A brids eye view image of a cheese and crackers board with people eating it.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Bars key icon.

River-T Estate vineyard and tasting room has the ‘largest selection of Waitaki wine in the world’. Sit inside or amongst the rows, sip a glass and get stuck into any of their locally sourced platters.

The Fort Enfield

Local patron raising a drink at The Fort Enfield in Waitaki.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Bars key icon.

A classic Kiwi pub reimagined — Speights and craft pours plus simple and delicious kai — pub fare as it should be. Drive or bike the 12km from Ōamaru and reward yourself with the best steak and chips around.

Craftwork Brewery

A brown suede couch in front of an old fire place decorated with books and plants.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
Bars key icon.

Ōamaru’s Heritage Precinct is an ode to tradition. In this way it only makes sense that it’s home to Craftwork - an award winning, small scale, Belgian brewery run by brewing couple, Lee-Ann Scotti and Michael O’Brien.