Oamaru

Our most recommended things to do in Oamaru

Oamaru: Blue Penguin Colony Evening Viewing Ticket

Oamaru: Blue Penguin Colony Evening Viewing Ticket

Marvel at hundreds of the world's smallest penguin species as they return from a day's fishing. See the wild blue penguins make their way up the beach and a stony ramp before they cross into their colony. Upon arrival at the Penguin Colony, check in with one of the local operator's team members, before being guided to your seating area. Then, watch the penguins make their journey up to their specially made nesting boxes from no more than 15 meters/16.5 yards away. Throughout the experience, delight in the informative commentary of your expert team. Learn about the average life of blue penguins, their different breeding patterns, and why the conservation of these tiny birds is so important in New Zealand. If you're lucky, you may also see a range of different wildlife in the area, such as fur seals and seabirds.

Dunedin City & Otago Peninsula Scenery Day Tour

Dunedin City & Otago Peninsula Scenery Day Tour

Explore the best of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula on this thoughtfully crafted day tour. Combining the city’s rich heritage, stunning beaches, and unique wildlife, this experience offers the perfect mix of culture and nature. Start with highlights of Dunedin, renowned for its historic architecture and green spaces. A visit to the Dunedin Botanic Garden includes the aviary, home to rare native birds like the playful New Zealand kākā and colorful parrots from around the world. Next, journey to serene beaches where breathtaking coastal views stretch to the horizon. These hidden gems provide a tranquil escape and photo opportunities of the city skyline meeting the sea. The tour continues to the Otago Peninsula, where dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife await. From the Sandfly Bay viewing platform, enjoy sweeping views of the pristine beach below. Observing from a distance ensures their habitat remains undisturbed. Finally, arrive at the Royal Albatross Centre, located on the peninsula’s tip. Learn about the majestic Northern Royal Albatross and their conservation through engaging exhibits. Surrounding cliffs and rugged shores host thriving marine wildlife and thousands of seabirds, offering a truly awe-inspiring experience. This tour provides an unforgettable blend of Dunedin’s urban charm and the peninsula’s natural beauty, leaving you with lasting memories of this remarkable region.

Mt Cook Tour: Finish at Dunedin, Christchurch or Queenstown

Mt Cook Tour: Finish at Dunedin, Christchurch or Queenstown

Embark on a beautiful journey from Dunedin to Aoraki Mount Cook with us. Your day starts with a morning pick-up from your hotel or accommodation anywhere within Dunedin city. As we drive towards Mount Cook, enjoy the flexibility to briefly stop for washroom breaks or food or photos. Passing by charming places like Oamaru, Waitaki River and Omarama, take a brunch stop at Omarama. You'll not only enjoy the scenic views but also soak in the history of these locations. As we approach Lake Pukaki, enjoy a stop at panoramic lookout points and a scenic drive parallel to the tranquil blue waters, allowing you to soak in the serenity and capture breathtaking moments. The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges, and catch a glimpse of ice at Hooker Lake as time permits. Look out for kea, the world's only alpine parrot. Alternatively, engage in other activities like a helicopter ride, depending on weather conditions. Make a brief stop at Mount Cook Visitor Centre and learn more about the history and place or opt for Tasman Glacier Walks as time permits. You have the option to either return to Dunedin or conclude your journey at Mount Cook to embark on a new adventure. You can also choose to be dropped off at either Christchurch or Queenstown. Please select the preferred option during the booking process. Regrettably, our enchanting journey concludes as we drop you off at your preferred location. Cherish the memories of a day filled with spectacular landscapes and the essence of New Zealand's natural beauty.

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Our most recommended things to do in Oamaru

Oamaru: Blue Penguin Colony Evening Viewing Ticket

Oamaru: Blue Penguin Colony Evening Viewing Ticket

Marvel at hundreds of the world's smallest penguin species as they return from a day's fishing. See the wild blue penguins make their way up the beach and a stony ramp before they cross into their colony. Upon arrival at the Penguin Colony, check in with one of the local operator's team members, before being guided to your seating area. Then, watch the penguins make their journey up to their specially made nesting boxes from no more than 15 meters/16.5 yards away. Throughout the experience, delight in the informative commentary of your expert team. Learn about the average life of blue penguins, their different breeding patterns, and why the conservation of these tiny birds is so important in New Zealand. If you're lucky, you may also see a range of different wildlife in the area, such as fur seals and seabirds.

Dunedin City & Otago Peninsula Scenery Day Tour

Dunedin City & Otago Peninsula Scenery Day Tour

Explore the best of Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula on this thoughtfully crafted day tour. Combining the city’s rich heritage, stunning beaches, and unique wildlife, this experience offers the perfect mix of culture and nature. Start with highlights of Dunedin, renowned for its historic architecture and green spaces. A visit to the Dunedin Botanic Garden includes the aviary, home to rare native birds like the playful New Zealand kākā and colorful parrots from around the world. Next, journey to serene beaches where breathtaking coastal views stretch to the horizon. These hidden gems provide a tranquil escape and photo opportunities of the city skyline meeting the sea. The tour continues to the Otago Peninsula, where dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife await. From the Sandfly Bay viewing platform, enjoy sweeping views of the pristine beach below. Observing from a distance ensures their habitat remains undisturbed. Finally, arrive at the Royal Albatross Centre, located on the peninsula’s tip. Learn about the majestic Northern Royal Albatross and their conservation through engaging exhibits. Surrounding cliffs and rugged shores host thriving marine wildlife and thousands of seabirds, offering a truly awe-inspiring experience. This tour provides an unforgettable blend of Dunedin’s urban charm and the peninsula’s natural beauty, leaving you with lasting memories of this remarkable region.

Mt Cook Tour: Finish at Dunedin, Christchurch or Queenstown

Mt Cook Tour: Finish at Dunedin, Christchurch or Queenstown

Embark on a beautiful journey from Dunedin to Aoraki Mount Cook with us. Your day starts with a morning pick-up from your hotel or accommodation anywhere within Dunedin city. As we drive towards Mount Cook, enjoy the flexibility to briefly stop for washroom breaks or food or photos. Passing by charming places like Oamaru, Waitaki River and Omarama, take a brunch stop at Omarama. You'll not only enjoy the scenic views but also soak in the history of these locations. As we approach Lake Pukaki, enjoy a stop at panoramic lookout points and a scenic drive parallel to the tranquil blue waters, allowing you to soak in the serenity and capture breathtaking moments. The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges, and catch a glimpse of ice at Hooker Lake as time permits. Look out for kea, the world's only alpine parrot. Alternatively, engage in other activities like a helicopter ride, depending on weather conditions. Make a brief stop at Mount Cook Visitor Centre and learn more about the history and place or opt for Tasman Glacier Walks as time permits. You have the option to either return to Dunedin or conclude your journey at Mount Cook to embark on a new adventure. You can also choose to be dropped off at either Christchurch or Queenstown. Please select the preferred option during the booking process. Regrettably, our enchanting journey concludes as we drop you off at your preferred location. Cherish the memories of a day filled with spectacular landscapes and the essence of New Zealand's natural beauty.

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What people are saying about Oamaru

Overall rating

4.8
(17 reviews)

Our day with Billy and Lee was outstanding! They did a fantastic job ensuring we spent time at sights and activities that were most appealing to us and the other couple on our trip. The beauty on the Otago Peninsula was breathtaking and as a bird enthusiast I was particularly thrilled to have to time to explore and identify several new species to add to my life list. At one point, on the narrow road of the Peninsula (which, btw, would not accommodate a large coach bus) I said that it would be nice if we could get a picture of the unbelievably beautiful vista, and although it was challenging to find a safe spot for this to occur, Billy found a spot and we safely garnered a picture we will cherish. I highly recommend this tour.

We had the best day. Our guide Billy was friendly and knowledgeable. We had purchased a tour for up to 8 but we ended up being the only two. Billy took us to beautiful places including some that were not well known. He also let us skip the train station so we would have time to go to the castle. The only thing that could have been better was the weather, bit that can't be controlled.

Billy was an excellent guide and took us to all the sights and off the beaten track to see wildlife and ensure that we really got the most out of the tour. He was friendly and informative. The transport was super comfortable and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his tour around Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula.

One of my favorite things I did this trip. If you are an animal lover then definitely go for it! The guides were very nice and provided a lot of information about the penguins and their conservation efforts. It was incredible to be so close to the little blue penguins!

Very nice experience to see hundreds of blue penguins come ashore. Everything is good to see and the explanation is fine. Recommended