Oamaru

Its gold rush days may be long gone, but the Waitaki District still shines and Oamaru is the jewel in its crown.

With its nightly penguin visitors, great gardens, funky Steampunk art and pretty Victorian limestone buildings, Oamaru is an Otago treasure. Summerhouse, a place of romance, is just one of many elegant heritage buildings you can visit in town. History isn’t your thing? Just check out Steampunk HQ and zoom down the elephant-seat zipline or the Victorian-era rocket slide in the town’s quirky steampunk playground. Hang around for the penguin parade at sundown.