South Island ▷ Coastal Otago ▷
Oamaru
The Whitestone Town
Oamaru is one of the best little towns in the South Island, full stop. The Victorian precinct built from local whitestone gives it a look unlike anywhere else in NZ, and then someone went and added Steampunk to the mix, which honestly just works. Wander the old quarter, grab a real fruit ice cream, poke around the Steampunk Playground and the HQ museum, and you've got yourself a genuinely good afternoon. Campervan parking right in front of the playground is easy and spacious too.
Stay for the Penguins
The reason you need to overnight here is the Little Blue Penguin colony. Smallest penguins in the world, and they come ashore en masse after dark. There's a paid viewing experience which can get a bit touristy, especially if tour buses are in town that night, so it's worth checking ahead. Alternatively, park up along the foreshore for an evening picnic and just see what turns up. Either way, drive extremely carefully along the foreshore at night as penguins are crossing the road constantly.
Before You Leave
Whitestone Cheese Co is worth a stop if you're into local producers. And if you're after a campsite, there are some solid beachside camping options just south of town along the coast road, or check out the TOP 10 as a reliable base. Oamaru is one of those towns that rewards actually stopping rather than just passing through.
Coastal Otago Oamaru
53 items with the highest ranking score first, showing page 1 of 3.
Freedom Camping
Seal Watching
Walking
Penguin Watching
Camping Grounds
Basic Camping
Dump Station
Heritage Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Camping NZ App
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Playgrounds
