Your Guide to Arts and Inspiring Places in Ōamaru

An old Oamaru stone building on a cloudy day.
Read on for your guide to exploring areas of art and inspiration in Ōamaru - a kaleidoscope experience of remarkable places and celebrated burgeoning local creatives, where being different is absolutely encouraged.

Nest Tree Houses

Looking up at a starry sky with Nest Tree Houses in the backdrop.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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The Hakataramea Valley is a slice of rural South Canterbury heaven, with picture-perfect landscapes, incredible views and nature all around.

The Old Confectionery

A bed dressed green and yellow in pillows and duvet cover inside The Old Confectionery Oamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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In recent years, the town of Ōamaru has seen many historic buildings giving new life thanks to restorations to preserve the unique architecture that contributes so much...

Casa Nova House & Restaurant 1861

The entrance to Casa Nova B&B.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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Casa Nova House is a perfect example of Ōamaru’s historic architecture turning a new page in its storied history.

The Vicarage

Jacqui standing at the entrance to her B&B.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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Enjoy a slice of Ōamaru's history alongside impeccable service and hospitality at The Vicarage.

Valley Views Glamping

Two chairs outside a Glamping tent looking over the green fields.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
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Glamping with sweeping views of the Waitaki Valley, and hosts who know its every nook and cranny including the best summer swimming holes. Honeymoon, stay-cation, reunion, whatever the occasion, it’ll be best had here.

Steampunk HQ

Exterior view of Steampunk HQ victorian building in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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This epicentre of Steampunk culture comes alive at the Steampunk HQ, where interactive art comes to life in a way that’s fun, antique and futuristic all at once.

The Terraces

Old artifacts on a dresser and land yacht at The Terraces with table in foreground in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
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Local Kevin Murdoch restored The Terraces building and filled it with historical relics and an art studio. Pop in for a chat with Kevin and the other Ōamaru artist in residence, Al Bell - this is something of an alternative visitors’ centre.

Poshtel

View of bedroom at Poshtel accommodation in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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Poshtel has to be one of the most unique accommodation options around New Zealand. In keeping with one of Ōamaru's most notable personality traits, Steampunk, it’s filled with antiques and relics.

Hot Tubs Omarama

Cedar hot tub next to a small lake looking out towards snowy mountain peaks
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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Weary travellers mustn't miss Hot Tubs Omarama place, where you can soak in a cedar tub in the stunning North Otago landscape. Tubs fit up to eight people and are filled with fresh mountain water for each booking.

River-T Estate Wines

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

Grainstore Gallery

Close up of Donna Demente painting at Grainstone Gallery in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
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Not quite a gallery or a studio, Grainstore Gallery is an emporium of local artist Donna Demente’s larger than life paintings and sculptures and the ephemera that informs them. Climb up the stairs and be immersed in her creative world.

Elephant Rocks

View of Elephant Rocks in the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
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For a nice walk, a bit of bouldering or both, head to Elephant Rocks. Sculpted by wind and rain, these funky outcrops give visitors a glimpse of the limestone that make the Waitaki Valley’s terroir so unique.