The Vicarage

Accommodation key icon.
Accommodation key icon.

24 Reed St, Oamaru

027 502 2517

Visiting Ōamaru and looking for somewhere to stay to recharge and experience the very best in homely luxury and warm hospitality? Then look no further than The Vicarage, a charming bed and breakfast in downtown Ōamaru, where you will instantly feel at home, and if you’re only staying one night, you might just be tempted to book for longer.

The Vicarage property is steeped in history - as is the case with many of the buildings in town. It began life back in 1901 as a manse (clergy housing) for St. Paul’s Presbyterian church and was designed by architect Thomas Forrester, who was responsible for many of the incredible Ōamaru stone buildings in the area. Later on, it became a maternity hospital until it was lovingly restored and turned into the luxurious accommodation it is today.

Owner Jacqui took over the property in 2021 and describes the whole experience as serendipitous. She was looking for a life change, and it was always a dream of hers to own a B&B, and she just so happened to be booked in to stay at The Vicarage when it came on to the market. It was destined to be, and Jacqui is a warm and welcoming host and perhaps one of the region’s biggest proponents. She loves to share her knowledge of the area with her guests and always makes sure to explain the different tourist attractions and highlights of Ōamaru to them. 

Jacqui’s enthusiasm extends to the care and hospitality that has gone into the atmosphere created at The Vicarage. There are homely touches all around this grand old stylish building, with afternoon tea provided, an endless supply of hot beverages, and there’s always a welcome drink on arrival. Enjoy the cosy parlour with gentle music playing and exquisite soft furnishings all around that create a luxurious environment. And in the three guest suites, there are always fresh flowers, chocolate fish on tap in the parlour (as Ōamaru is home to Rainbow lollies!) and a beautifully presented full continental breakfast to look forward to in the morning.

Enjoy this slice of Ōamaru's history alongside impeccable service and hospitality. The Vicarage Boutique B&B is a place you won’t want to leave in a hurry.

Words by Julia Rutherford & Photography by Nancy Zhou

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

24 Reed St, Oamaru

Nearby Places

Cucina

Looking over the shoulder of a person eating a meal with a knife and fork.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
Restaurants key icon.

Argentinian, Italian and Spanish flavours meet Kiwi hospitality at Cucina. Owners Yanina and Pablo, moved their family to Ōamaru in 2008, and celebrate the cuisine they grew up with through Waitaki's best ingredients.

Steampunk HQ

Exterior view of Steampunk HQ victorian building in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Galleries and museum key icon.

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 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.

Crafted

Unique sculptures and ceramics on table in front of a wall filled with artistic photography at Crafted Gallery in Ōamaru
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Galleries and museum key icon.

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.

Similar Places

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.

Nest Tree Houses

Looking up at a starry sky with Nest Tree Houses in the backdrop.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Accommodation key icon.

The Hakataramea Valley is a slice of rural South Canterbury heaven, with picture-perfect landscapes, incredible views and nature all around.

Valley Views Glamping

Two chairs outside a Glamping tent looking over the green fields.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
Accommodation key icon.

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.

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
Galleries and museum key icon.

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.