Location: Oamaru
Top Things to do in Oamaru
The 7 Best Nature & Parks in Oamaru, South Island
Oamaru (/ɒməˈruː/ ( listen); Māori: Te Oha-a-Maru) is the largest town in North Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand, it is the main town in the Waitaki District. It is 80 kilometres (50 mi) south of Timaru and 120 kilometres (75 mi) north of Dunedin on the Pacific coast; State Highway 1 and the railway Main South Line connect it to both cities. With a population of 13,900, Oamaru is the 28th largest urban area in New Zealand, and the third largest in Otago behind Dunedin and Queenstown.
Restaurants in Oamaru
1. Sanctum Grove Equine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Bubbbblz
We had an amazing trail riding experience. Tania was so welcoming and accomodating; she went out of her way to make sure we were comfortable and had a great time. The ride was the perfect length and the walk through the stunning rivers was an unforgettable experience. 100% would recommend!!
2. Friendly Bay Playground
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Melanieg2776
Lots of fun activities for the kids with a handy cafe right beside it for awesome coffee there was a wee small beach there as well
3. Oamaru Public Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
Reviewed By cathotateweg - Kaitangata, New Zealand
We were surprised at how large these garden are. We were staying at the caravan park alongside it and were pleased to be able to walk along the whole gardens down into the town centre. Great track too for our 3 Yr old to ride his bike.
4. Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is a 306km journey from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. This is New Zealand - in all its splendor and beauty - from the highest mountain, past great lakes and rivers to the ocean. , the 9 section trail is an easy to intermediate graded trail, offering a pleasing mix of on and off-road trails. Allow 4-6 days for the entire ride, or simply try out a day excursion. Amidst the grandeur of braided rivers, glacier-carved valleys, turquoise hydro-lakes, tussock highlands and rural plains, are a host of tantalising off-the-bike activities including wine-tasting, penguin-spotting, glider flights or simply quietly soaking in alfresco hot tubs. It's no wonder people come from all over the world to enjoy the Trail's stunning vistas, wide open spaces and expansive landscapes. The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is internationally recognised and a great way to experience the diversity of the South Island.
Reviewed By adiegel - Auckland, New Zealand
Absolutely fantastic ride. Self organised and rode with panniers over 6 days; accommodation on way was great- highly recommend duntroon hotel service abs food were impeccable) Trail is mostly off road and when on the road on extremely quiet roads along fabulous canals etc. when on tracks-the track is fantastic and in good condition- a few stony bits but I am not a highly experienced technical mountain biker and managed easily (was on a hard tail bike not electric bike). This trail is so varied in scenery and absolutely stunning. We did it end of April / may ; cold fingers/feet in the morning but a great time of year to do it.
5. Rockvale Gardens
6. Bushy Beach Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By OldGoatsKnowBest
It will cost you nothing to get a good look at the penguins in their natural element. Just organise yourself to get to the car park about one hour before dark. Aim for a calm, warm evening but if it's misty and breezy, you'll still get to see the sights. The beach and vegetation is nothing especially remarkable but the track is good and you get good views down and out across the water's edge. Penguins will arrive in random places at slightly varied times and most will take their solitary routes up the beach, across the stones and tidal debris and then into the vegetation. Keep walking the whole track and on the way back you'll probably spy penguins up the slopes. The more careful and observant you are, the more you will enjoy. These are big birds and more impressive than the blues down at the penguin colony where you have to pay for your viewing. Your eyes adjust to the light so a torch is not really necessary. The track takes you easily back to your car. Dress for comfort and take good footwear.
7. Bushy Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By AnnaDBJ - Melbourne, Australia
The hoiho - yellow-eyed penguins - come ashore here in the late afternoon to go up to their nests. I arrived at 5:00pm in late September and was super lucky to see 6 penguins through until 6:15pm. (Sunset was about 6:30-6:45pm.) There was a guide from the blue penguin centre there who helped to spot the penguins and had high-powered binoculars to see them - so lucky he was there! He had been there since 3:30pm but the first penguin came out of the water at 5:00pm. Apparently guides are often there in the afternoon during the peak season to help and also keep people off the beach after 3:00pm to keep it clear for these endangered birds. If you go, bear in mind the penguins are not large and move quickly - one that I saw lingered on the beach but the rest hustled relatively quickly across the sand/gravel to the cliffs. We stayed on the path, before the blinds. I had a 300mm camera lens to see them through but binoculars were even better. You won't be seeing them close up but with a good camera zoom or binoculars the yellow stripe is clearly visible. Too far great pics though without an even longer lens. The yellow-eyed penguins come in earlier than the blue penguins, so you can hang out here until towards sunset, then head down to the pier and see the blue penguins.
