Oamaru
Town in Otago, New Zealand
Oamaru, the largest town in North Otago, in the South Island of New Zealand, is the main town of 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 14,300, Oamaru is the 28th largest urban area in New Zealand, and the third largest in Otago behind Dunedin and Queenstown. The town is the seat of Waitaki District, which includes the surrounding towns of Kurow, Weston, Palmerston, and Hampden, which combined have a population of 23,200.
Read more on Wikipedia →- Population
- 13,700
- Coordinates
- -45.098, 170.971
- Timezone
- Pacific/Auckland
Overview of Oamaru
Oamaru belongs to New Zealand and has the feel of a compact town. About 13,700 people are based here. Which matters when you decide how long to stay. Plan around culture, nature and nightlife and you will not run out of ideas. Its southern-hemisphere position decides when the high season falls.
Things to do in Oamaru
Culture in Oamaru
(7)Our data lists Architectural Buildings, Castles, Cathedrals, Churches and Fountains as culture options here. The full list runs to 7 activities. Straight from the activity profile stored for Oamaru.
Nature in Oamaru
(6)Nature lovers get Beaches, Countryside, Geological Formations, Nature Reserves and Volcanoes. All of it is drawn from Oamaru's recorded activities. That is 6 tagged options in total, so there is room to pick and choose.
Nightlife in Oamaru
(2)Looking for nightlife? Oamaru has Events and Festival. Plan them together and you have a full day. This reflects only what is documented for Oamaru.
Water Sports in Oamaru
(2)Looking for water sports? Oamaru has Bodyboard and Surf. Enough to anchor an afternoon or a full day. This reflects only what is documented for Oamaru.
Wellness in Oamaru
(2)Oamaru's wellness entries include Farms and Ranches. Everything listed here comes from what Oamaru is actually tagged with. Small in number, simple to combine into one outing.
Adventure in Oamaru
(1)Under adventure, Oamaru is tagged with Shooting Ranges. Plan them together and you have a full day. This reflects only what is documented for Oamaru.
Shopping in Oamaru
(1)Looking for shopping? Oamaru has Food. Plan them together and you have a full day. Straight from the activity profile stored for Oamaru.
Sports in Oamaru
(1)The sports shortlist for Oamaru: Biking. All of it is drawn from Oamaru's recorded activities. Small in number, simple to combine into one outing.
Best time to visit Oamaru
December to March brings the conditions water activities need. Choose October to November and March to April for hiking without the heat or the crowds. Culture, dining and nightlife hold up in every season.
Getting there & around
Oamaru is small, so plan to arrive via the nearest hub in New Zealand and continue by car or bike. Time zone: Pacific/Auckland.
Similar destinations
Places near Oamaru that share the same kinds of activities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Oamaru known for?
- Oamaru, in New Zealand, is best known for culture, nature and nightlife. Those categories cover most of what visitors record here, in a place of roughly 13,700 residents.
- What can you do in Oamaru?
- Recorded activities in Oamaru include Architectural Buildings, Castles, Cathedrals, Churches and Fountains. Combine two or three of them and you have a full day without leaving the area.
- When is the best time to visit Oamaru?
- December to March brings the conditions water activities need. Choose October to November and March to April for hiking without the heat or the crowds. Culture, dining and nightlife hold up in every season.
- Where is Oamaru located?
- Oamaru is located in New Zealand. Use the country and region pages to see what else lies nearby and to plan a route between stops.
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