What to do and see in Oamaru, South Island: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

Pop-in to our cycle shop, opposite the brewery in the historic area of Oamaru for advice of where to ride. We offer a range of services on The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle trail (A2O). Our tours are second to none and we pride ourselves on delivering high quality services. Our clients are considered are ambassadors and we will cater to your needs. If you want to be independent then we can organise and book your itinerary for you. We offer bike hire including e-bikes and children's bikes. Theres Nothing like slowing things down, getting some light exercise and fresh air. Hire a bike for the day and head inland on the A2O for a spot of lunch at Enfield or further to explore the Rakis tunnel, a great day out.

Learn about our history by taking part in it. Take a tour of the visual tale of our town from the rough-sawn Whitestone beginnings to the polished and finely worked grandeur of our facades that still exist today. Partake of Victorian pastimes or boldly go beyond the curtains to encounter our colourful past. Leisurely repose oneself in the sumptuous surrounds of our parlour.

The beautiful Oamaru Opera House stands resplendent in historic Thames Street, Oamaru, New Zealand. Built over a century ago the Oamaru Opera House is still the first choice for quality entertainment, meeting space and conferencing in North Otago. The Opera House is open to the public 8:30am to 4pm weekdays and 10am to 1pm Saturdays. Feel free to come in and have a look around. For formal tours, staff are available 10am to 1pm weekdays.

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.

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.

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.

The Waitaki & Oamaru Visitor Centre offers district-wide and local information, including visitor guides and maps. You can also talk with our local experts to get local advice and make your stay in the Waitaki unforgettable. In the Centre, you will also find information on the geological sites and cultural histories associated with the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark.