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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Popular mentions
4.5
1,084 reviews
Excellent
601
Very good
310
Average
116
Poor
33
Terrible
24
Laura S
2 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
This museum is a different sort of vibe! Definitely worth visiting! The portal was my favourite room! absolutely gorgeous! The staff are very friendly and welcoming too
Written 11 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Comtois2570
Besancon, France48 contributions
Nov 2021
A very interesting discovery that will bring you to a science fiction movie.
Very nice artistic creation.
I feel sometimes freaking out but very nice time.
It's worth it.
Very nice artistic creation.
I feel sometimes freaking out but very nice time.
It's worth it.
Written 9 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
adele98
Christchurch, New Zealand44 contributions
Nov 2021
This was new since we last visited...amazing and well worth the visit. Loved The Portal and creative use of 'junk' to create new works. A great start to a morning in the Victorian precinct. It was cold the day we went and colder inside...so dress for low temps!
Written 5 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
carol j
Palmerston North, New Zealand1,717 contributions
Oct 2021
Not normally my thing but thought visiting Oamaru will visit turned my mind well worth it.
Before entering there is a huge steam engine put $2 coin in and it blows steam .
This is a mystery trip through rooms of junk transformed into sci fi sculptures and art.
Situated in the Victorian precinct it offers something for young and old.
Very clever and funky quirky sci fi features with coloured lighting throughout.
Like a Mad Max movie indoors and outdoors .
Brilliant engineering and use of scrap metal down to insects climbing outside walls.
Highly recommend.
Before entering there is a huge steam engine put $2 coin in and it blows steam .
This is a mystery trip through rooms of junk transformed into sci fi sculptures and art.
Situated in the Victorian precinct it offers something for young and old.
Very clever and funky quirky sci fi features with coloured lighting throughout.
Like a Mad Max movie indoors and outdoors .
Brilliant engineering and use of scrap metal down to insects climbing outside walls.
Highly recommend.
Written 21 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Laura W
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Family
What a fantastic place! Sooo much to see and such interesting and unique creations. Loved the ‘portal’. Such a cool old building and great souvenirs too!
Written 20 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bbb128
11 contributions
Oct 2021
This is a 5* location if you feel like you fit my title. If you turn up grouchy or cynical, you’ll probably stay that way. For the rest of us there’s plenty of hands on bits and bobs, with the designers fertile imaginations on show throughout. The entire visit won’t take too long, but the site has a reasonable price tag to match.
Written 17 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hazel E
41 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
OMG guys. Definitely have to go. Fantastic.
Was blown away. Amazing place..
Kids will love it too...10/10
Was blown away. Amazing place..
Kids will love it too...10/10
Written 6 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
KiwiKerry53
Wellington, New Zealand4,401 contributions
Jul 2021
I was never very clear exactly what steampunk was, I just know the costumes followers wear are fabulous, weird and crazy! This place was certainly weird and crazy!
The best money spent had to be the $2.00 to run the outdoor train engine, so funny.
I am none the wiser about Steampunk, but this place is a real laugh.
The best money spent had to be the $2.00 to run the outdoor train engine, so funny.
I am none the wiser about Steampunk, but this place is a real laugh.
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Alison L
Wellington, New Zealand52 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
No idea what to expect with this but it had something for everyone and was really well done. Captured the imagination.
Bring coins to bring the displays to life
Bring coins to bring the displays to life
Written 29 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lambertc887
Hamilton, New Zealand45 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
The lighting is meant to add ambiance but just means you can't see the exhibits very well. My thought about Steampunk is a mix of Victorian era and Scientific gadgets but Oamaru HQ decided to keep all it's junk and rusty machinery and call it Steampunk. Dull, morbid. Where's the lace and copper shine? Yes it's meant to be fun and weird but sorry I didn't get that vibe like other visitors. At least the outside of the building is cool
Written 24 April 2021
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
