Steampunk HQ, Oamaru: Address, Phone Number, Steampunk HQ Reviews: 4.5/5
Steampunk HQ
Steampunk HQ
4.5
About
Steampunk hq, which opened in november 2011, is an art collaboration proudly based in oamaru, new zealand. It sets out to portray an industrial version of steampunk, with a giant sense of humour and larger than life visions of an off the wall steampunk universe. Steampunk HQ is well known for its full scale train engine that spits fire and billows smoke The lonely planet guide rates steampunk hq as one of nz’s best new tourist attractions.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,086 reviews
Excellent
601
Very good
311
Average
117
Poor
33
Terrible
24
Kiwiseley
Auckland Central, New Zealand390 contributions
May 2022
Art (like beauty) is in the eye of the beholder. Not sure what is going on, but the word quirky comes to mind. It's like Mad Max meets the old Dr Who. Some of the artwork is interactive and a bit of fun. Some of the artwork seems unfinished. Hopefully this will improve in time as there needs to be some WOW factor.
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kinx81
Hamilton, New Zealand799 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Quirky fun interactive place! $10 admission is reasonable for about an hour of entertainment.
Lots to look at and appreciate the weird and creative souls out there.
Dress warmly as there is no heating and there are outside exhibits as well.
Good gift shop if you’re into the steampunk look.
Lots to look at and appreciate the weird and creative souls out there.
Dress warmly as there is no heating and there are outside exhibits as well.
Good gift shop if you’re into the steampunk look.
Written 19 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
1811027Scott
Auckland, New Zealand168 contributions
Apr 2022
I wasnt that interested initially but visited with keen friends. It was worth a visit and had some interesting features, bit of fun in Oamaru
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
brendafrost
Auckland, New Zealand14 contributions
Apr 2022
Not sure what we expected when visiting here but not what we thought. Seems to be a collection of a jumble of old tvs, machinery etc set up to look like something out of Dr Who for contacting some parallel universe. If you into that sort of thing probably worth a visit.
Written 26 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Grant T
25 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We visited this museum after completing the A2O ride and on recommendation of a friend. It is certainly quirky, priced about right and created by minds that are a little scary. It you want an interestingly different e penitence try this one
Written 12 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sus1952
Palmerston North, New Zealand1,965 contributions
Feb 2022
I found Steampunk to be amazingly interesting and just so clever. What amazing imaginations made these machines from 'old junk'. It was very clever; I especially loved the light 'cupboard'. It is certainly well worth visiting.
Written 1 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BevTonyAuckland
Auckland, New Zealand116 contributions
Feb 2022
Odd but interesting collection of steam inventions.
There are many unusual sights in the collection but is a worthwhile visit
There are many unusual sights in the collection but is a worthwhile visit
Written 22 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AdrienneJ15
Christchurch, New Zealand66 contributions
Feb 2022
I admit I did not go in, having talked to a couple who had been and said "mainly guy stuff". so this review is all about the train! the best $2 I have ever spent in years... the visual and sound effects are so real you feel like it is about to take off. but I think the "coin in slot" area needs to be more prominent. I spoke to people looking at it who had no idea of the option to get the "effects".
Written 17 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ballyjune
Auckland Central, New Zealand29 contributions
Jan 2022
Bit disappointed. The place was dark and a bit scary for younger kids. Not that much interaction or things didn't really do much. Could do with a tour guide or more info. The best bit was the amazing room with lights, mirrors and music.
Thought this would be great for my teen son. He was underwhelmed.
Thought this would be great for my teen son. He was underwhelmed.
Written 24 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
nina p
Auckland Central, New Zealand34 contributions
Jan 2022
I am not into this kind of "stuff" but thought this was well worth a visit. It really got your imagination going. Felt I could almost hear the Daleks creeping up on me. The Portal was awesome.
Written 12 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
rtpana
Cary , NC385 contributions
Has anybody taken a shore excursion from Dunedin to spend the day in Oamaru? Any recommendations?
sphq_mgmt
Oamaru, New Zealand
Hi there,
I have heard that shore excursions to Oamaru are about to start on some cruise liners so check that out. If not, you would have to rent a car in Dunedin and drive the 1 1/2 hours to Oamaru. The drive is scenic especially if you take the coastal roads as suggested prior. Definitely stop off at Moeraki boulders. Great eating places on the way include Fleur's Place iconic seafood restaurant at Moeraki, Vanessa's Cafe at Hampden and Coast Cafe at Kakanui. Oamaru is definitely worth spending 2-3 hours if you have the time. Make your way to the Harbour area park up and walk. There's so much to experience including the artisan galleries in Harbour St (a beautifully preserved Victorian Precinct), Steampunk HQ is a must; a retro futuristic look at a world run by steam powered machinery. You can even hire Pedal Punk four wheel cycles & cruise down to the beautiful Harbour and see the Steampunk Playground and Blue Penguin Colony. That should still give you enough time for the 1 1/2 hour drive back to Dunedin. Look forward to hearing if you come to Oamaru, I think you'll love it. Take care. Jan :)
Shazster
Christchurch, New Zealand209 contributions
Hi, Would like to check on wheelchair access please...
LizzieSlothouber
Perth, Australia112 contributions
yes its wheelchair accessible BUT you have to be very careful ... as its dark inside ... lots of twists and turns and when you get outside .. the ground is small stones ... a bit of a challenge ... hope that helps :)
Entry cost adult and 1child
sphq_mgmt
Oamaru, New Zealand
$10 adult, $2 child, $20 family
Frequently Asked Questions about Steampunk HQ
- Hotels near Steampunk HQ:
- (0.15 km) Empire Hotel Backpackers
- (0.06 km) Criterion Hotel
- (0.22 km) The Old Confectionery
- (0.37 km) Oamaru Backpackers
- (0.38 km) Brydone Hotel Oamaru
- Restaurants near Steampunk HQ:
- (0.03 km) The Woolstore Cafe
- (0.05 km) Casa Mia
- (0.14 km) Cucina
- (0.08 km) Star and Garter
- (0.17 km) The Last Post Pub & Restaurant