Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Oamaru
THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Oamaru
Best Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Oamaru
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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.
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13 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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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
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What travellers are saying
- Virginia2002Fairfax, VA380 contributionsThis 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 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rich30350Sandy Springs, GA714 contributionsThis is interesting. The boulders are pretty amazing but there aren’t a lot of them. It’s on a nice beach. Go at low tide for the best views.Written 1 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alan BAuckland Central, New Zealand220 contributionsThis has certainly put Oamaru back on the map - it was good to see the old commercial buildings redeveloped as a tourist attraction. Beautiful old architecture well maintained and kept as a reminder of Oamaru’s history.Written 24 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DRKapp44 contributionsWe 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Nancy MAuckland, New Zealand4 contributionsThis is an absolute must. Its very informative and has really friendly staff who take pictures for you. Experience going back in time. Play croquet, see a brief history of Omaru, see a variety of little shops, a bar, laze in chase lounges, and an old school room. Horse and carriage and penny farthings. A bit of everything. Allow at least an hour. Payment is by donation (what you think the visit was worth).Written 9 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Naina-DamaniLondon, UK990 contributionsBushy Beach is a perfect place to admire the scenery and the playful seals and even native wildlife.Written 9 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SD2606Christchurch, New Zealand2,434 contributionsThey 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.
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Great place to wonder and relax.Written 19 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Bob AndersonCrieff, UK52 contributionsExceptionally well done, very informative and extremely well laid out, very authentic.
From the start to finish it really does show the massively important roll that Totara Estate played in the development of the meat industry in New Zealand.
Well done!Written 3 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PETER RChristchurch, New Zealand21 contributionsWhat 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 INSPIRATIONWritten 31 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - chrisandbarbaraDunedin, New Zealand152 contributionsWe were lucky to catch a Bach concert by NZ Symphony in this heritage building. Intimate and great acoustics. Take the time to inhale the inside ambience - old posters and quaint windows. Check it out during the day and return at night for the beautiful light show.Written 8 November 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KiwiseleyAuckland Central, New Zealand458 contributionsNot 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SD2606Christchurch, New Zealand2,434 contributionsWe 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.
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Parking on the road. 

Ice cream truck nearby.
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Pub and shopping nearby.Written 19 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jan Willem tNijmegen, The Netherlands1,427 contributionsThis Museum collects artefacts and objects that tell the natural, cultural, agricultural and industrial stories of the Waitaki District: from early Maori occupation around the Waitaki River mouth, European settlement by whalers and runholders through to the discovery of gold and the wool and meat industries which led to the development of Oamaru as a significant port town. Apart of those there are from time to time other temporary collections related to varies subjects. Today there are renovation works in the buildingWritten 9 November 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
