About Oamaru
The Historic Town of Oamaru in the province of Otago was and is one of the more very desirable places of the world to live in.
A solid town, it’s the capital of North Otago. Built with local quarried, creamy-white limestone of exceptional quality, “Oamaru Stone” buildings have withstood the test of time. The wide streets lined with double story buildings feature excellent examples of predominately neo-classical Victorian/Edwardian architecture built mainly late nineteenth century during a very prosperous period of North Otago’s history.
The Harbour/Tyne Precinct of commercial buildings and Historic Harbour is a gem of Heritage preservation in an environment of a “Victorian Town at Work”.
The Port of Oamaru performed a major part in the towns’ prosperity and rapid growth, and whilst no longer an international port of call, the harbour is still a working safe haven for fishing boats and yachts along with the Penguin colonies.
The geographical situation of Oamaru is of significant note because it is the Otago ‘border town’ close to Canterbury with the mighty Waitaki River the dividing line between the two provinces. North of Oamaru the alluvial lowland plains of Canterbury stretch for hundreds of miles, then at Cape Wanbrow the hill range meets the ocean and the first of solid, volcanic rock appears, which continues for a hundred miles down the Otago coast. Thus the southern part of Oamaru is built on the hillside and environs of Cape Wanbrow, while the northern section is built on the flat.
The valleys of North Otago contain some of the best soils in the world, with the Lower Waitaki having very fertile alluvial flatlands while the Waiareka and Kakanui Valleys contain a more volcanic, rich ‘tarry’ soil suitable for intensive organic farming and horticulture. The agricultural and pastoral pursuits in the hinterland and goldmining in the hills and mountains of North Otago, have been very prosperous in the past and continue to be so now, with farming, forestry, industry and now tourism driving the economy. The Upper Waitaki Valley is a vast summer and winter outdoors playground having beautiful hydro lakes, canals and ski fields at Ohau and Kurow.
With the advent of Tourism, Oamaru is well provided to cater for visitors many requirements and enjoys temperate weather with a lot of sunshine. There are a variety of museums, art galleries, antique shops, retail shops, cinema, live music and theatre venues, nightclubs and various cuisines at pubs and restaurants.
For the Eco-tourist there are the blue and yellow eyed Penguins to see and fossil and rock trails to explore. There is excellent sea and fresh water fishing, swimming, parks, walking tracks, the Oamaru Public Gardens, and brilliant sporting facilities.
For tourists wanting an Educational Interactive Experience, Oamaru has it all. Oh to see beautiful sculptured buildings, churches and magnificent stately homes abound.
There are several local and cultural festivals held during the year –
The Victorian Fete, Heritage Week, A&P show, Harvest Home at Totara Estate.
Above all, however, its living Heritage and Historic significance along with superior amenities, are such as to bring pleasure and spiritual calm to all who come within the spell of their rejuvenating environment.
For information about events happening during your stay please click here for the tourism waitaki evnts page.
A solid town, it’s the capital of North Otago. Built with local quarried, creamy-white limestone of exceptional quality, “Oamaru Stone” buildings have withstood the test of time. The wide streets lined with double story buildings feature excellent examples of predominately neo-classical Victorian/Edwardian architecture built mainly late nineteenth century during a very prosperous period of North Otago’s history.
The Harbour/Tyne Precinct of commercial buildings and Historic Harbour is a gem of Heritage preservation in an environment of a “Victorian Town at Work”.
The Port of Oamaru performed a major part in the towns’ prosperity and rapid growth, and whilst no longer an international port of call, the harbour is still a working safe haven for fishing boats and yachts along with the Penguin colonies.
The geographical situation of Oamaru is of significant note because it is the Otago ‘border town’ close to Canterbury with the mighty Waitaki River the dividing line between the two provinces. North of Oamaru the alluvial lowland plains of Canterbury stretch for hundreds of miles, then at Cape Wanbrow the hill range meets the ocean and the first of solid, volcanic rock appears, which continues for a hundred miles down the Otago coast. Thus the southern part of Oamaru is built on the hillside and environs of Cape Wanbrow, while the northern section is built on the flat.
The valleys of North Otago contain some of the best soils in the world, with the Lower Waitaki having very fertile alluvial flatlands while the Waiareka and Kakanui Valleys contain a more volcanic, rich ‘tarry’ soil suitable for intensive organic farming and horticulture. The agricultural and pastoral pursuits in the hinterland and goldmining in the hills and mountains of North Otago, have been very prosperous in the past and continue to be so now, with farming, forestry, industry and now tourism driving the economy. The Upper Waitaki Valley is a vast summer and winter outdoors playground having beautiful hydro lakes, canals and ski fields at Ohau and Kurow.
With the advent of Tourism, Oamaru is well provided to cater for visitors many requirements and enjoys temperate weather with a lot of sunshine. There are a variety of museums, art galleries, antique shops, retail shops, cinema, live music and theatre venues, nightclubs and various cuisines at pubs and restaurants.
For the Eco-tourist there are the blue and yellow eyed Penguins to see and fossil and rock trails to explore. There is excellent sea and fresh water fishing, swimming, parks, walking tracks, the Oamaru Public Gardens, and brilliant sporting facilities.
For tourists wanting an Educational Interactive Experience, Oamaru has it all. Oh to see beautiful sculptured buildings, churches and magnificent stately homes abound.
There are several local and cultural festivals held during the year –
The Victorian Fete, Heritage Week, A&P show, Harvest Home at Totara Estate.
Above all, however, its living Heritage and Historic significance along with superior amenities, are such as to bring pleasure and spiritual calm to all who come within the spell of their rejuvenating environment.
For information about events happening during your stay please click here for the tourism waitaki evnts page.
Bed and Breakfast Association NEW ZEALAND.
Quality Assessed, Home Hosted
Bed and Breakfast Accommodation.
Quality Assessed, Home Hosted
Bed and Breakfast Accommodation.