Exploring Ōamaru's Victorian Heritage
Ōamaru, located on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, is renowned for its impressive collection of Victorian-style buildings. Constructed in the 1800s using a locally sourced white limestone known as Ōamaru Whitestone, these structures contribute to the town's distinctive architectural heritage. With over 70 buildings registered as protected by the Historic Places Trust, Ōamaru's Victorian charm is unmatched in New Zealand.
Discovering the Victorian Precinct
Many of Ōamaru's historic buildings are situated at the south end of Thames Street, between Coquet Street and Itchen Street. This area features significant public buildings that have been carefully renovated. As you reach the south end of Thames Street and turn east onto Itchen Street, you'll enter the old Victorian warehouse district, now referred to as the Victorian or Heritage Precinct.
Once dilapidated by the 1970s, these warehouses have been restored and now house intriguing shops, galleries, cafés, and even a microbrewery. The stores in this area often embrace the Victorian theme, with staff donning period attire.
Walking Tour Highlights
Starting at the intersection of Thames Street and Coquet Street, head south along either side of Thames Street. In addition to admiring the architecture, take note of the two Whitestone war memorials located in the middle of the road. Upon reaching Itchen Street, turn east towards the Steampunk Museum. South of the museum, you'll find two blocks of converted warehouses waiting to be explored.
The walk itself takes about 20 minutes one way, but to fully appreciate the area, it's recommended to spend at least a couple of hours.
Getting to Ōamaru
To reach Ōamaru, drive along State Highway 1, which connects the town to both Christchurch and Dunedin. From Christchurch, the journey takes approximately three hours, while from Dunedin, it takes about 90 minutes. Once in Ōamaru, the Victorian Precinct is easily accessible on foot from the town centre. While in the area, consider visiting nearby attractions such as the Ōamaru Blue Penguin Colony and the Moeraki Boulders.
