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.
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 Vault

Close up of fun ravioli and olive shaped candles
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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The Oamaru Vault launched in August 2024 with a world of products designed to make everyday moments feel that extra bit special, from beauty and homeware to fashion, accessories and cute things for kids.

Luzette Art

Colourful art shop with a vibrant yellow and purple mural, portrait of an old man, plants and jewellery
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki

Located within Ōamaru’s historical Victorian Precinct, you’ll find a studio space brimming with creativity, colour and cheer.

Silenzio Pottery

Close up of Silenzio Pottery's Andrew Killick
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki

Clay has been used as a medium to craft pottery since prehistoric times, yet its novelty hasn’t worn off – arguably, the allure of a handcrafted ceramic holds...

Feliz & Sage Cafe & Gifts

Waiter picking up a cheese scone from under mesh cloche with tongs
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Cafes key icon.

A daily destination for locals and an inviting stopover for cyclists, Feliz & Sage is a cafe and gift shop adding plenty of life to Kurow’s Bledisloe Street.

Whistle & Pop

Woman reaching into jewellery cabinet at Whistle & Pop
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki

When Bex Hayman gifted her husband a sterling silver dog whistle in lieu of a traditional wedding ring, little did she know that this thoughtful token would be the catalyst...

Art on Thames

Shop with an eclectic selection of colourful artwork on the wall including a series of liquorice allsorts works
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki

If happiness was a shop, it would look like this one. Founded by Philina Den Dulk, Art on Thames is a celebration of beautiful things designed and made in Aotearoa.

Jessica Flora + In Good Company

The cream brick building of In Good Company Kurow.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon. Services key icon.

Jessica Flora is a local Waitaki label that specialises in made-to-order clothing and celebrates Mother Earth. Find this brand and others at In Good Company.

Hyde Boutique

Contemporary fashion boutique with white shop counter surrounded by clothing on metal racks and jeans folded on timber tables
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon.

Retail therapy doesn’t get any better in Ōamaru than Hyde Boutique, a high-end designer fashion destination situated on the town’s busy Thames Street.

Bruce's Barber

A blonde haired woman smiling behind the counter at Bruce's Barber Oamaru. '
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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Located in the heart of the Thames Street shopping district in Ōamaru is the ultimate gentlemen’s grooming experience, Bruce’s Barber.

Oásis Ōamaru

Exterior of Oásis in Ōamaru with olive green tiles
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki

Oásis is a fitting name for this treasure trove of an antiques store found on Tees Street in Ōamaru.

Soul, Surf and Skate

A view of the entrance to the shop from the footpath.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon. Services key icon.

Ōamaru’s one-and-only surf and skate shop, Soul Surf & Skate, is located in the heart of the town’s retail district on Thames Street.

Housekeepers Design

Interior view of the shop at Housekeepers Design in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon.

A beautiful old building full of beautiful new objects. We’re talking New Zealand-made clothing, accessories and homewares that’ll delight even the most discerning of buyers. Do your gift shopping or treat yourself.

William Bee

Overview of William Bee with women's clothing on racks and felted homewares on window shelf and hanging from the ceiling
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon.

A general store since the 1800s, this cosy Ōamaru corner shop is now home to hip baby wear, cool gifts and New Zealand outerwear brand, Moké. Lush fabrics and excellent craftsmanship tie the whole concept together.

Inc. Design

Two women standing behind the counter at Inc. Design Store in Ōamaru
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
Fashion key icon.

Not just a shop, gallery or studio but some combination of all three, Ōamaru’s Inc. Design is an experience in and of itself.

Hub and Sprocket Cycles

Side view of a man holding a bike tyreat Cycle Ventures in Waitaki.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Stay and explore key icon.

Possibly our most bikeable region, the Waitaki is home to plenty of rugged scenery and flat to not-so-flat cycleways. Get your gear sorted and check out the tours that range from day trips to the full A2O at Hub and Sprocket Cycles.

Crafted

Unique sculptures and ceramics on table in front of a wall filled with artistic photography at Crafted Gallery in Ōamaru
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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It’s hard not to be inspired by Ōamaru’s rugged coastline and fabled history. The town is home to many talented makers and artists, and at the collective gallery you can explore their work at your own pace.