Oamaru Holidays
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Your Oamaru Holiday
Cuisine, art, entertainment and more … There's so much to discover with a Oamaru holiday package. And with the ability to easily customise your city adventure, it's guaranteed to be one that's hard to forget. Oamaru Harbour, Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony and Whitestone Cheese Factory are just a few of the many sights you'll want to explore during your trip to Oamaru. Whatever your travel plans or the size of your budget, putting together a tailored Oamaru holiday is a breeze with Expedia.
Where to stay in Oamaru
Find the best Oamaru areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Oamaru
Oamaru North
Oamaru North might not have many top sights, but Whitestone Cheese Factory and Janet Frame House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Historic Precinct
1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
While visiting Historic Precinct, you might make a stop by sights like Grainstore Gallery and Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct.
South Hill
4 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
If you're spending some time in South Hill, Oamaru Harbour and Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct are top sights worth seeing.
Weston
When in Weston, you can plan a visit to Janet Frame House and Steampunk HQ, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Ardgowan
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Ardgowan and surrounding area, you can visit Janet Frame House and Steampunk HQ.
Oamaru Beach Holiday
Forget the stresses of everyday life and let yourself completely relax during your Oamaru holiday. Few things are more invigorating than the salty sea air and the soothing melody of waves breaking onto the shore. Organise your trip to Oamaru the quick and easy way by locking in one of our Oamaru holiday packages. Many visitors decide to spend their nights close to Bushy Beach, a local highlight just 3 miles from the downtown area.
Things You Should Know About Oamaru
- Book one of our Oamaru beach hotels to appreciate the very best this destination has to offer. Wander along the shore and be amazed by the stunning sunrises just steps from your doorstep.
- No matter your style and budget, you'll find a nice place to stay for your holiday in Oamaru. Why not check out some private holiday homes, like Harold House and Oamaru Holiday Homes Largo House? They're a hit with travellers of all sorts.
- There are tons of activities that keep the 13,000 or so residents of Oamaru busy. A quick look at our Oamaru things to do page will show you the best of what's on offer.
- Score great deals with an Oamaru holiday package. With the money you save, you won't regret indulging in this destination's best offerings. Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, Steampunk HQ and Oamaru Gardens are amazing places to start.
Oamaru Essential Information
Language | English |
|---|---|
Currency | New Zealand dollars |
Population | 13,000 |
Max Temp Winter | 10ºC |
Max Temp Summer | 16ºC |
Top Sights | Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, North Otago Museum and Auto Museum |
Top hotels in Oamaru
Poshtel
126 Thames Street Oamaru Otago
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
£79
8 Aug - 9 Aug
includes taxes & fees
9.6/10 Exceptional! (421 reviews)
"We liked the quirky nature of Poshtel. The room we were in was very dark with extremely high windows. There was a lot of street noise on the Friday night. The continental breakfast was good with plenty of choices. Parking was just on the street with metered parking to be aware of."
Reviewed on 4 Aug 2026
Oamaru Motor Lodge
391 Thames Highway Oamaru
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
£70
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
9.4/10 Exceptional! (744 reviews)
"Fantastic place to stay. I particularly enjoyed the shower as it was easy to control the heat without getting wet while you were fully dressed but everything about this motel unit was more than adequate"
Reviewed on 2 Aug 2026
Brydone Hotel Oamaru
115 Thames Street Oamaru
£69
8 Aug - 9 Aug
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (640 reviews)
"Good central location. Good restaurant. Tidy room and I got an upgrade to a room with a new bathroom which was nice."
Reviewed on 5 Aug 2026
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stay near popular Oamaru attractions
Photo by YoungAdventuress
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
9.0/10 (194 reviews)
Watch the world's smallest penguins waddle home at dusk in this renowned conservation site. The guided evening viewings offer intimate wildlife encounters with these charming blue creatures returning from the sea.
Steampunk HQ
8.8/10 (231 reviews)
Step into a retro-futuristic world inside this 1880s grain lift turned steampunk museum. Explore interactive installations while capturing photos of Victorian machinery with futuristic twists.
Oamaru Harbour
8.8/10 (287 reviews)
This historic harbour showcases ornate Victorian limestone buildings that transport you to the 19th century. Watch the world's smallest penguins return to their nests at dusk in the nearby Blue Penguin Colony.
Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct
9.2/10 (273 reviews)
Step back in time along cobblestone streets lined with ornate limestone buildings in this Victorian-era precinct. Browse artisan boutiques and savour the charm of 19th-century New Zealand.
Janet Frame House
8.8/10 (6 reviews)
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Janet Frame House during your trip to Oamaru. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums.
Whitestone Cheese Factory
8.8/10 (81 reviews)
Discover New Zealand's artisanal cheese heritage at Whitestone Cheese Factory through guided production tours. Sample award-winning local cheeses with optional wine pairings in their tasting room.
Oamaru Gardens
9.2/10 (109 reviews)
Historic Oamaru Public Gardens showcase New Zealand's horticultural heritage with a 5-star rating. Wander through themed areas like the Chinese Garden and Rose Garden, admiring Victorian-era sculptures and fountains.
North Otago Museum
8.6/10 (19 reviews)
This historic museum showcases the Waitaki District's rich cultural heritage and Māori artefacts in an 1882 Athenaeum building. Explore the Willetts Collection and exhibits on the region's unique geological features.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I book my Oamaru holiday with Expedia?
Choose Expedia to organise your next break with ease, all in the same place. Our insider tip for landing an unbeatable deal on an Oamaru getaway? Bundle your airfares, hotel and/or car hire into a package holiday. Then throw in some exciting tours and activities. Many bookings also include flexible cancellation policies, so there's no need to stress if you have to switch up your travel plans. Round-the-clock help with changing and cancelling your trip is available via our Customer Service Portal link.
When is the best time of year to holiday in Oamaru?
Oamaru draws the crowds in August, September and October. If you're hoping for a more relaxed holiday, go there in February, November and December. With daytime average temperatures of 7ºC, June is the coolest period in Oamaru. The warmest time of year is January, when you can experience averages of 14ºC during the day. Whatever the temperature, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied here.
What are the top hotels for my holiday in Oamaru?
The Mews Oamaru and Colonial Lodge Motel are among the best picks in the neighbourhood of South Hill. If you'd like to stay in the Oamaru North area, make a reservation at Ascot Oamaru Motel or Oamaru Motor Lodge.
How do I get a cheap holiday to Oamaru?
Booking a hotel and flight together with Expedia won't just save precious time — it'll save you cash too. An Oamaru holiday makes it a cinch to arrange the ideal trip. With more than 400 airlines worldwide to select from, finding flights that suit your schedule will be no sweat. In addition to that, we have over 321,000 properties globally to choose from. Now that's what you call choice. Whatever your budget, Expedia brings the world within your reach. Learn more about how you can save money on your next holiday when you book a flight and hotel together with Expedia.
What should I do on my Oamaru holiday?
There's an almost endless list of things to keep you busy while having a holiday in Oamaru. Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, Steampunk HQ, Oamaru Harbour and North Otago Museum are just some of this city's leading attractions.
What is the best area to stay in when on holiday in Oamaru?
Oamaru has plenty of wonderful places to see, including Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. Stay someplace nearby and make sightseeing easier.
Do I need a visa for my Oamaru holiday?
Official government websites will have all the information you need on visa requirements, application procedures and any supporting documentation. Your nationality and reason for travelling, whether it be for work or pleasure, will determine if you'll need a visa for Oamaru. Also double-check that your passport is up to date and has at least six months validity remaining after your intended return date. Do all your travel planning ahead of time to avoid any last-minute surprises.
What should I wear on my Oamaru holiday?
First, think about the types of things you'll be doing during your trip to Oamaru and bring versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. For fashion inspiration or even information on dress codes, browse style blogs or relevant social media accounts. Pack your bags with confidence by looking up the forecast in Oamaru. January brings the warmest temperatures, with daytime averages of 14ºC, while June days average 7ºC, making it the coolest time of year.
What does an Expedia Oamaru holiday include?
Choose from any combination of hire cars, hotels and flights. Once you've made your booking, add the fun stuff like activities and experiences. Want to pick your airfare class? That's also possible. The choice is yours when it comes to planning your perfect Oamaru trip. Expedia features all types of properties, with the most popular in Oamaru being private holiday homes and motels. With Expedia, you can expect the flexibility and freedom to design your holiday your way.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Oamaru holidays?
Your bank balance shouldn't prevent you from taking a holiday, so Expedia has devised a solution to help. Now that we've partnered with online lender Klarna, it's easier than ever to book your dream getaway without draining your savings. Klarna offers flexible payment options during the checkout process that take the stress out of budgeting for your break. Consider one of these flexible payment options:
- Pay monthly holidays: Klarna offers manageable monthly payment plans that fit all budgets, so you can take that well-deserved holiday now.
- No-deposit holidays: When you come across an unbeatable deal but don't have the full amount yet, Klarna's no-deposit holiday plan will allow you to Book Now, Pay Later to lock in your escape.
Can I choose my airline with an Oamaru Expedia holiday?
With a holiday package, you're the boss. Whether you'd like to fly to Oamaru in business or coach, simply pick from the available airline options. Expedia has access to over 400 partner airlines all over the world.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected.
