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Things to do in Oamaru
Oamaru's Victorian Precinct

Oamaru's Victorian Precinct: Hours, Address, Oamaru's Victorian Precinct Reviews: 4.5/5

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Oamaru's Victorian Precinct

See all things to do
See all things to do
Oamaru's Victorian Precinct
4.5
766
#3 of 29 things to do in Oamaru
Points of Interest & Landmarks
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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About
Visit and explore Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct and experience what this architecturally stunning and unique area has to offer. Explore and enjoy a number of great attractions and activities including galleries, craft, antique and book stores, as well as eateries and bars serving up some delicious food, fine wine, craft beer and world-class whisky. Come along and join in the fun of Victorian Oamaru.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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What is Travellers’ Choice?
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.
Popular mentions
4.5
766 reviews
Excellent
449
Very good
260
Average
52
Poor
4
Terrible
1
808cojo
Nelson, New Zealand74 contributions
Stunning!
May 2021
Not only is this lovely by day....so and walk through at night! Full of eerie atmosphere. Would love to spend more time browsing the interesting shops.
Written 8 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fenchurch40
Christchurch, New Zealand68 contributions
The place has changed since out last visit
Apr 2021
Really enjoyed strolling by the old places near the Steampunk HQ. Interesting and eclectic mix of shops, museum, art gallery, penguins... definitely worth stopping here for a stroll and some lunch. We plan to spend a few days here in future over Steampunk weekend.
Written 24 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grant N
Hastings, New Zealand1,225 contributions
Thank all those who have managed to preserve these buildings
Apr 2021
Great to look at - the history behind it all is very interesting (and can be fully discovered in the short film at the I-Site) - I can see it all becoming more and more used to greater effect over the years. Anywhere else these buildings would have been pulled down for some concrete and glass monstrosity - so well done Oamaru for keeping history alive and well.
Written 21 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kris7676
Auckland, New Zealand68 contributions
Like a step back in time
Apr 2021
We had such a lovely couple of days just wandering the streets of the Victorian precinct, soaking up the architecture and vibe, checking out the shops and galleries and taking so many photos. The walk out to the end of the port was great too. It really did feel like being in small European town. Nothing else like this in New Zealand. A good fix for those who are missing overseas travel! The local artists and business owners really get in the spirit of the Victoriana/steam punk theme and there is a lot of talent there. Would love to come back for the steampunk festival and/or Victorian heritage festival and to spend some more time exploring the second hand/vintage clothes stores.

We've been to a few ghosts tours around Europe and I would have loved to have done one in this part of Oamaru - true stories/history or steam punk science fiction, either would be so much fun.

Things seem to be lively between 10am and 4pm and quiet outside of this (while we were there anyway so if you want to get some photos without random strangers in them, morning or evenings are a great time.
Written 5 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dave S
Kaiapoi, New Zealand121 contributions
Great area and example of days gone by. Certainly a must do when in Oamaru
Feb 2021
After years of driving past Oamaru on my way down south, I have finally realised (some years ago), that it is the trip and not the destination that is key. So we decided to stay one night (should have been two or more) to have a look at the place. It is a lovely town and the Victorian Precinct was a great example of the period. A must do when in town. Nice little bar and cafes there too.
Written 17 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CCNewZealand
Riverhead, New Zealand22 contributions
Bring someone to carry your shopping!
Mar 2021
What a cool place to wander around admiring all the old stone buildings - take your camera and enjoy how they change in the light. Really well thought out selection of shops, cafes and art galleries. We loved Scotts Brewing Company for their great beer and pizza after lots of walking, and the homewares and craft stores - could have spent a small fortune. The Saturday morning farmers market is great for breakfast and music.
Written 17 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tambonz
Waipu, New Zealand824 contributions
Interesting
Feb 2021 • Couples
I guess it's a must see in oamaru.
Quirky clothes art and shops make this the steam punk capital of nz.
Written 28 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Camda
Wellington, New Zealand560 contributions
Well worth a look
Feb 2021 • Family
Fantastic that the city have preserved this area of old Victorian buildings - well done! Like stepping back in time. Felt like we were in an old historic village in France or a movie set maybe. Would be good to see more places occupied however and maybe stall holders/barrows on the street. Everything seemed to close between 3-4 pm.
Written 22 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ManDoFood
36 contributions
Interesting old quarter of Oamaru
Jan 2021
Interesting old quarter of Oamaru. Lots of weird and wonderful shops next to steampunk hq. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea but good to see.
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deanne D
Wellington, New Zealand1,409 contributions
Fascinating
Jan 2021 • Couples
This area of Oamaru town is definitely worth a visit. Park up then Come for a stroll down the Main Street in the Victorian section. Start at the steam punk museum. There are lots of fascinating shops to visit or poke your head into. It is child friendly as well as suitable for adults. There are a few places to grab a drink.
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Oamaru's Victorian Precinct
Oamaru's Victorian Precinct is open:
  • Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM