Steampunk HQ
Steampunk HQ
4.3
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.3
1,138 reviews
Excellent
640
Very good
319
Average
121
Poor
33
Terrible
25
Elida F
Cairns, Australia44 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
AWESOME!! You HAVE to go for the experience. We loved it, it’s quirky, it’s creative, it’s interactive and a feast for your eyes! AND not expensive at all.
You need to take your time or you’ll miss some really cool stuff. Make sure you read the instructions on things too or you’ll miss the fun of it!
You need to take your time or you’ll miss some really cool stuff. Make sure you read the instructions on things too or you’ll miss the fun of it!
Written 30 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha B
90 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
This is a strange and interesting place. We stopped here to kill some time in the afternoon and enjoyed seeing all of the cool creations. The staff were nice and the displays were fun and interactive, though some were not operational when we where there. The infinity room was a highlight.
Written 12 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Virginia2002
Fairfax, VA379 contributions
Feb 2025 • Friends
This was a fun experience & definitely different the usual museums we visit. We stopped in Oamaru for lunch & took some time to explore. We especially enjoyed the portal & did it twice. Be sure to read the instructions first. Another favorite was the rocket that was outside. Climb in & push the button - I think. I also think there might have been instructions. What happened next surprised us & made us really laugh. Was reasonably priced.
Written 16 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil C
Napier, New Zealand25 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Can't even start to review this. They don't charge enough entry fee. Absolutely, unfortunately there is no f in that word there should be one at the beginning, fantastic, entertainment. Art, skill and engineering all mixed in one place. Just superb. Loved it all.
Written 3 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grant N
Hastings, New Zealand1,508 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Back again and it hasn't changed much. My brother in law and myself had been a couple of years ago but his two sisters had decided it was ridiculous and didn't go. They decided they would do so this time. Enjoyable again and the light room was again worth visiting. The ladies appreciated that. One was happy and enjoyed going around - the other was somewhat dismissive. Regardless the rest of us enjoyed ourselves - it's weird and quirky. Would go again if ever back in Oamaru
Written 17 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nicr0se13
Perth, Australia60 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Fascinating! Brilliant! Creative!
Loved it, well organised and something that was on my bucket list!
Exhibits were well maintained and thoroughly explained.
Merchandise was reasonable.
Highly recommend a visit.
The train and rocket were exceptional!
Loved it, well organised and something that was on my bucket list!
Exhibits were well maintained and thoroughly explained.
Merchandise was reasonable.
Highly recommend a visit.
The train and rocket were exceptional!
Written 23 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
240gary
Christchurch, New Zealand2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
So much imagination and ingenuity to create wonderful and sometimes scary machines and creatures! Our six year old grandson wanted to know what all the machinery was some of which I recognised. Can recommend this as a great family experience.
Written 21 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew9316
7 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We really enjoyed this place. The various items and exhibits in there were a lot of fun to see or mess around with if it was an interactive item. For anyone into steampunk it's a must see if you're in the area.
The one note I will make is that paying the $2 to activate the train or the zeppelin is not quite worth it. The guy that checked us in to our hotel said we should do it, but really it's a lot of sound, a few lights, and some fire that comes out. Perhaps it would be more spectacular at night, but since they close at 4pm we were there long before dark (though both are accessible with the Steampunk HQ closed).
The one note I will make is that paying the $2 to activate the train or the zeppelin is not quite worth it. The guy that checked us in to our hotel said we should do it, but really it's a lot of sound, a few lights, and some fire that comes out. Perhaps it would be more spectacular at night, but since they close at 4pm we were there long before dark (though both are accessible with the Steampunk HQ closed).
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TR82
Brisbane231 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Went into this place about half hr after opening on a wild and windy day but during school holidays so expected a crowd, there was only 1 other group in the museum so felt like we had the place to ourselves.
The museum is a spooky, trippy, artistic feature with heaps of sculptures made from old industrial gear and other scraps- it is dark in most areas and some of the sculptures are a bit scary for little kids (our 5yr old was a bit 50/50 but the 9yo loved it)
The best thing about this place is they encourage you to touch and press and pull everything which is great for kids, they also are ok with photos.
There are heaps of interactive little books and crannys to explore.
Probably allow about an hour to experience the whole museum - at $20 it was very reasonable.
The museum is a spooky, trippy, artistic feature with heaps of sculptures made from old industrial gear and other scraps- it is dark in most areas and some of the sculptures are a bit scary for little kids (our 5yr old was a bit 50/50 but the 9yo loved it)
The best thing about this place is they encourage you to touch and press and pull everything which is great for kids, they also are ok with photos.
There are heaps of interactive little books and crannys to explore.
Probably allow about an hour to experience the whole museum - at $20 it was very reasonable.
Written 3 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SD2606
Christchurch, New Zealand2,434 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
I wasn’t sure of what we would see inside this speciality museum but was certainly surprised and perplexed by it all.
For those that like this style of art and creativity it would be amazing. For a rookie for me I found it a bit difference, a bit strange and a bit weird. I am not sure what to make of it.
For me it was a lot of metal made into obscure art.
For what they have done it is very clever and they have presented it in a very complimentary way. They have done a great job.
But to be honest I didn’t like it myself.
It was a good way to spend an hour to fill our rainy day.
I will give it a good rating as it didn’t satisfy my own preference of art, but for those that like this style it would be most enjoyable.
For those that like this style of art and creativity it would be amazing. For a rookie for me I found it a bit difference, a bit strange and a bit weird. I am not sure what to make of it.
For me it was a lot of metal made into obscure art.
For what they have done it is very clever and they have presented it in a very complimentary way. They have done a great job.
But to be honest I didn’t like it myself.
It was a good way to spend an hour to fill our rainy day.
I will give it a good rating as it didn’t satisfy my own preference of art, but for those that like this style it would be most enjoyable.
Written 19 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Has anybody taken a shore excursion from Dunedin to spend the day in Oamaru? Any recommendations?
Written 5 November 2016
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 :)
Written 6 November 2016
Hi, Would like to check on wheelchair access please...
Written 15 February 2016
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 :)
Written 5 April 2017
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