Best Free Things to Do in Oamaru

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Oamaru

Best Free Things to Do in Oamaru

Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
Traveller rating
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20 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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What travellers are saying

  • Diane C
    Lincoln, UK267 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting boulders. Unusual spherical boulders embedded on the beach and some can be seen in the sandy cliff behind. Great photos, took some in fog but then the sun came out! Good café with toilets, information and good gift shop. Worth a visit.
    Written 18 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Elida F
    Cairns, Australia44 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved the Victorian precinct! Lots of cool quirky shops to browse, the street art is cool and there’s lots to look at.
    Make sure you check out the cool playground, especially if you have kids!
    It’s steampunk-tastic!
    Written 30 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DRKapp
    44 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went on this ride and it was outstanding.
    We traveled with 8 friends and it was really great to share

    We did it with a company that has been bought out. But everyone we spoke to said that it didn’t matter because they are all pretty good.

    Make sure if you’re hiring bikes they are reasonably powered as you don’t want to run out on some of the tough hill.

    Also make sure you have spare tires as getting a flat is a big possibility.
    Written 14 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SD2606
    Christchurch, New Zealand2,440 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    They have created a lovely Public Garden here in Oamaru.
    
Lots of difference sections of flower beds, a children’s playground, a rotunda, an aviary, a fountain and lots of park benches to sit and enjoy the views.
     
    Great place to wonder and relax.
    Written 19 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Naina-Damani
    London, UK990 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bushy Beach is a perfect place to admire the scenery and the playful seals and even native wildlife.
    Written 9 January 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rachael B
    1,890 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    My husband is a bourbon and whisky lover so of course we had to stop here. I did not taste since I am not a fan but enjoyed watching him try all of them and enjoyed talking with the bartender (is this what you call them?). Staff very friendly. My husband really liked the Dunedin Doublewood so we took a bottle back to the states with us.
    Written 20 October 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PETER R
    Christchurch, New Zealand21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an experience.
    The Artist Donna was as delightful and passionate as her paintings and Artistic creations.
    I immersed myself in the glorious surroundings of her passion.
    An hour was not long enough.
    Thank you Donna.
    You are an INSPIRATION

    Written 31 January 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SD2606
    Christchurch, New Zealand2,440 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our girls aged 3 and 5 loved this playground. It was well maintained, safe, clean, tidy and had toilets onsite. Which were also very clean and nice.
     
    It had a nice selection of playground items to suit most ages.
     
    Parking on the road. 

Ice cream truck nearby.
     
    Has the option of a play on the beach as well.
     
    Highly recommend.
    Written 19 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SD2606
    Christchurch, New Zealand2,440 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were here for a week after Boxing Day and spent each day down at the harbour. The kids swam at the beach which was clean and well maintained. We walked out along the pier to enjoy the views. Witnessed a few seals on the rocks.
     
    Parking on the road. 

Ice cream truck nearby.
     
    Pub and shopping nearby.
    Written 19 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kiwiseley
    Auckland Central, New Zealand442 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not sure if it has moved but we visited a building in Harbour Street. The staff were very helpful and the movie giving the history of Oamaru was an oldie but goodie.
    If you want you can try to mount a penny farthing bicycle, play skittles etc Once finished viewing, pay what you think it's worth.
    Written 21 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EllenLovesHawaii
    Honolulu Hawaii21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great selection of foods, both raw and prepared. It has a nice atmosphere We loaded up on fresh products.

    Written 27 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GMdoc529003
    Murwillumbah, Australia43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    as much a museum as a bookstore, if you are interested in antarctic exploration this is a must, the books and equipment on display are amazing
    Written 17 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EricaY01
    Christchurch, New Zealand11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots of gorgeous art, funky jewellery and other cool bits and pieces. A great wee place to find something a bit different.
    Written 27 October 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Grant N
    Hastings, New Zealand1,507 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stopped in while wandering around the precinct - nice clean and spacious areas - bit of a climb to the upper floor - but worth a look. Some items were interesting to me - a lot weren't but there was plenty to meet most tastes. Worth a look
    Written 21 April 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Linda W
    Oamaru, New Zealand23 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A spacious well lit area to display Craft and Art, could display a lot more Art, textiles, Sculpture so heaps of scope for new creators to come.
    Written 30 August 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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