Popularity is determined by the total number of guest reviews of this accommodation compared to all others of the same type and star class in Oamaru, New Zealand
T Bar Restaurant dining, Totara Bar with stained glass ceiling
Proximity to Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, Spacious family and group units
Popularity is determined by the total number of guest reviews of this accommodation compared to all others of the same type and star class in Oamaru, New Zealand
Uniquely themed guest rooms, In-house art gallery access
Popularity is determined by the total number of guest reviews of this accommodation compared to all others of the same type and star class in Oamaru, New Zealand
Corner double spa baths, Proximity to Oamaru's Victorian Precinct
Popularity is determined by the total number of guest reviews of this accommodation compared to all others of the same type and star class in Oamaru, New Zealand
On-site restaurant and bar, William Morris wallpaper
Popularity is determined by the total number of guest reviews of this accommodation compared to all others of the same type and star class in Oamaru, New Zealand
Ocean view rooms available, Proximity to Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Units with spa baths, Close to Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
On-site restaurant dining, Newly renovated and brand new rooms
Shared balcony with seating, Pet-friendly accommodation
Integrated family entertainment complex, Dedicated spa for relaxation
Retro-inspired accommodation, Family-friendly cottage with full kitchen
Popularity is determined by the total number of guest reviews of this accommodation compared to all others of the same type and star class in Oamaru, New Zealand
Garden and outdoor picnic area, Historic 1867 Victorian building
Popularity is determined by the total number of guest reviews of this accommodation compared to all others of the same type and star class in Oamaru, New Zealand
Convenient dining options, Proximity to Oamaru's historic precinct
Views of local wildlife, Convenient tour booking services
On-site restaurant and bar, Family-friendly motel experience
Popularity is determined by the total number of guest reviews of this accommodation compared to all others of the same type and star class in Oamaru, New Zealand
Private in-room spa baths, Quiet residential location
Fitness amenities, Prime State Highway 1 location
Sea and garden views, Close to Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Rural Oamaru farm setting, Interactive alpaca and sheep feeding
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail endpoint, Artistic and cozy interior design
Stargazing opportunities, Historic former Catholic girls' school
On-site Restaurant 1861, Historic Oamaru stone mansion
Historic Edwardian villa ambiance, Proximity to Victorian Precinct
Panoramic harbor and town views, Historic Federation architecture
Outdoor hot tub, Classic 1900s New Zealand experience
Hillside location with panoramic views, Gourmet dining with local ingredients
Popularity is determined by the total number of guest reviews of this accommodation compared to all others of the same type and star class in Oamaru, New Zealand
Outdoor spa and sauna access, Riverside farm-style retreat
Outdoor seating areas, Family-friendly atmosphere
The prices and availability we receive from booking sites change constantly. This means you may not always find the exact same offer you saw on trivago when you land on the booking site.
There’s nowhere else quite like the town of Oamaru, not in New Zealand and probably on the entire planet. A variety of circumstances have created a truly unique place, where old meets new and bohemian spirit rules. Heritage architecture from the Victorian age is remarkably well preserved here, from a time when Oamaru was flush with wealth and ambition, qualities that are now returning to the town. Eccentric art galleries, quirky antique stores, amazing artisan workshops, and boutique hotels have helped regenerate this seaside settlement. That, plus the wonderful natural landscape and wildlife, namely the penguin colonies, have propelled North Otago’s largest town into the spotlight.
Centred around Thames Street, the Victorian Precinct survives from the late 19th century, extravagant buildings built when Oamaru was on the up and up. There was little money here to demolish and rebuild during the 20th century so they stayed, unlike many other places in New Zealand. This has worked in the town’s favour, and now the precinct has transformed itself into a place that blends both past and future with a beatnik flavour. Just strolling around this artsy neighbourhood will keep you entertained for hours, with shops, pubs, cafes, museums and other venues to draw you in. There are also a few hotels nestled within this offbeat area if you really want to immerse yourself in the bizarreness. The North Otago Museum is worth a look if you’re interested in the history of this fascinating town and want to find out more, while the Oamaru Opera House is a fine example of Victorian architecture and regularly hosts events, from theatre and comedy to concerts and ballet.
It won’t take you long to notice some of the strange outfits worn by the locals here, but to find out exactly what is behind this funky dress code you must visit the Steampunk HQ. Finding it is easy, just keep your eyes peeled for a metallic airship with shark teeth and a futuristic steam train, then you know you’ve arrived! It’s a fascinating museum of sculptures and exhibitions, reflecting the science fiction world of Steampunk, a future where steam power still reigns in a world gone mad. Think the surreal contraptions from the books of Jules Verne, or the Martian machines thought up by H.G. Wells in ‘The War of the Worlds’. Oamaru has grown into New Zealand’s capital of Steampunk, and the Steampunk NZ Festival transforms the town during the first week of June. If you’re planning to visit during this time, make sure you book a hotel room well in advance as the town swells with visitors!
While Oamaru has become famous for its heritage architecture and bohemian residents, that only makes up half of this town’s story. There’s something else that attracts visitors by the bucket load, and that’s the penguin colonies. You don’t have to wander far from your hotel to see them either, with the arguably more popular little blue penguins easily seen right from the harbour. There’s a grandstand where hundreds of people can sit and gaze at these cute waddling birds, the smallest type of penguin in the world, as they return to the shore each evening. If you take the short trip down to Bushy Beach you could spot an entirely different type of penguin, the yellow-eyed penguin, or hoiho in Maori. Native to New Zealand and on the endangered list, they are one of the rarest penguin species on the planet, and possibly one of the most ancient of all penguin species in existence.
To get out of Oamaru and explore the stunning natural scenery of the Waitaki District and beyond, there’s no better option than the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. This mammoth cycle trail connects the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki . Depending on which way you look at it, the trails either starts or finishes in Oamaru, but it doesn’t matter which direction you ride! The first section connects Oamaru to Duntroon, a total of 54 kilometres, along which you’ll follow an old railway line and see the strange limestone formations of Elephant Rocks. The entire trail stretches for over 300 kilometres, which probably means you’ll need the best part of a week to complete it, unless you’re an experienced cycling athlete. Not to worry though, there are plenty of hotels in the towns and villages along the way, so you’ll always be able to find somewhere to stay after a long day riding!
April is usually the cheapest month to book a hotel in Oamaru, with typical prices around $84 per night based on 31 price comparisons.
Hotel prices in Oamaru are usually highest during December, with typical prices around $142 per night.
Hotel prices in Oamaru usually range from $78 per night to $205 per night, with typical prices around $107 per night.
Hotel prices in Oamaru are typically lowest in April at around $84 per night, rising to around $142 per night in December.
October
2026
November
2026
December
2026
January
2027
February
2027
March
2027
April
2027
May
2027
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June
2027
Select dates to see exact prices
July
2027
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August
2027
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September
2027
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In Oamaru, you might want to check out Oamaru Motor Lodge, 289 Midway Motel, Criterion Boutique Hotel, Brydone Hotel Oamaru. These hotels come highly recommended by many travelers.
For a taste of luxury in Oamaru, you might want to explore Poshtel, Casa Nova House. These hotels are known for their superior amenities and high-class services.
If you're visiting Oamaru with your family, you could look at Oamaru Motor Lodge, 289 Midway Motel, Brydone Hotel Oamaru, Poshtel. These hotels offer a variety of family-friendly services and activities.
Traveling with pets? The hotels Oamaru Motor Lodge, 289 Midway Motel, ASURE Ambassador Motor Lodge, Moeraki Boulders Motel could be ideal. These hotels are not only pet-friendly but also offer numerous amenities to make your pets feel at home.
If you’re looking for a relaxing spa experience during your stay in Oamaru, check out Oamaru Motor Lodge, 469 On Thames Boutique, The Old Confectionery – all of which offer great spa services and facilities.
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