All things to do in Oamaru: by yourself or following Oamaru tourism tours. If you prefer to let others do their job while you sit back and relax, then taking a tour is a good option to see Oamaru and the surrounding region.

 

New Zealand adventure tours 

 

The other advantage of taking a tour instead of trying to find out everything yourself is that the tour guide usually has vast knowledge about the area and its attractions. You can get all the information that you need directly from your tour guide.

 

New Zealand tours

 

 

Depending on where your interests lie, you can select one of the many New Zealand tours that suits you best:

 

• If you are into wildlife there are specific tours that cater for this. This includes tours to see marine life, birds and the very special glowworms.
   
• If you are into history and culture, then there are historical tours to learn about the Maori heritage and the country’s fascinating history.
   
• For food and wine lovers, add in gourmet tours in your New Zealand vacation that will let you immerse yourself in the country’s delightful food and cuisine.
   
• And last but not least the New Zealand adventure tours for outdoor junkies. There are a range of New Zealand cycling tours, walking tours and kayaking tours to choose from that will enable you to enjoy the great outdoors of New Zealand.
   
  New Zealand bike tours 

 

Oamaru tourism

 

Oamaru is well known for the conservation of the blue eye penguins whose colony lies close to the town’s historical Victorian precinct and harbor.

 

The town’s original architecture still remains and has been restored over the years. The old buildings built from local limestone form part of New Zealand’s protected heritage. The Victorian harbor that lies close to the town centre houses traditional craftsman that still practices the skills of their forefathers.

 

Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

 

The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is a natural nesting area for the blue penguins that return every day after feeding out at sea. A 30 minute walk to Bushy Beach where you will be able to see the rare Yellow-eyed penguins returning to shore every evening. A must do to include in your New Zealand holidays.

 

This is truly a unique wildlife experience not to be missed. There is a grandstand where you seat and watch as the penguins ride in on the waves and amble up to their nests in the Cliffside. In the day time, you can take a tour to see a penguin nest box and if you are lucky, there may be a penguin nesting inside. At the colony centre, there is an informative and educational visitor centre for visitors. Gifts and souvenirs are available as well. The entry fee ranges from NZD15 to NZD22.50 per person. No photography is permitted to not damage the eyes of the blue penguins.

 

The Great Estates Tour

 

This tour will take you back to early New Zealand where you can view the grand homesteads and old estates that stand testimonial to the rich history of the country.

 

 

Visit the famous Totara Estate where frozen meat industry of New Zealand first originated.

 

At the nearby Eldersile Estate, you will be able to view the historic gardens that were designed by Sir Joseph Paxton. Included in this tour is also a visit to Parkside where you will be taken a tour of the home of Oamaru Stone. This famous limestone is the purest in the world.

 

The New Zealand Malt Whisky Company

 

The New Zealand Malt Whisky Barrel house is located near the harbor near to the town centre. This guided tour will include whisky tasting as part of the experience.

 

You will be able to sample various local fares during winter and summer and this include whisky stews, mash, shanks, gourmet food and salads and Irish coffee. Make sure to enjoy a taste of the local produce when you travel to New Zealand.

 

Scenic tour

 

Travel through Totara to Kakanui, an area popular for its market gardens producing various vegetables like tomatoes, Brussels sprouts and potatoes. The sightseeing
tour next takes you to the coastal road to view the famous Moeraki Boulders. Enroute you will be able to enjoy the stunning view along the coast. Thereafter return to Oamaru via Graves Dam and Parkside Quarry (home of Oamaru Stone).

 

For more things to do in Oamaru without following a tour, read on at: Oamaru Attractions.

 

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