The Honeymoon Guide to Oamaru

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Romantic Adventure Activities

The setting of Oamaru’s Victorian-era architecture and vibrant blue waters of the Pacific Ocean offers effortless romance, but couples seeking something a little bit extra should make a special trip to the Oamaru Public Garden. The oldest public garden in New Zealand, the Oamaru Public Garden offers an endearing scene of flower gardens, marble water fountains, a display house and fernery. All in all, it’s a romantic place for couples to take a stroll or a picnic.

If you’re a more active couple, then you may be more interested in embarking on one of the most scenic bike trails in the country? The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle trail, which is over 300km (190 miles starting in Aoraki Mt Cook and finishing in Oamaru, is well worth pursuing with your loved one. With Oamaru being at the end of the trail, the best day ride option is from Duntroon, and the surrounding geological marvels of the Elephant Rocks, to Oamaru. Organise the trip with Cycle Ventures who can kit you up with bikes, maps and transport to the start and/or end point.

For something sure to make your heart melt, check out the little blue penguins waddling to their nests at the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. This attraction is quite the elaborate set-up with viewing stands, lighting so you can see the penguins during this after-dark activity, and commentary throughout the experience. Alternatively, for a more intimate and unobtrusive wildlife experience, watch the yellow-eyed penguins from the viewing hides of Bushy Beach, which are best seen before 9am or after 3pm.

For more adventures for couples, like horse riding along the river and spotting yellow-eyed penguins at Bushy Beach, see the 8 Romantic Activities in Oamaru for Couples.

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Romantic All-weather Activities

The rain will hardly put a damper on your honeymoon in Oamaru. In fact, a rainy day is a good day to check out the grand white limestone buildings of the Victorian Precinct and its hidden attractions. Inspire yourselves at the quirky Grainstore Gallery, pick up some unique pieces at Nanna Bangles or enjoy the old-worldly charm of Michael O’Brian Bookbinder. Sit down for a coffee at the Harbour Street Collective Cafe or a craft beer at Scotts Brewing Co. There’s even a museum-like experience at Whitestone City. Trust us, you’ll easily spend a few hours discovering all of its charms.

Delight the senses with a foodie experience at one of New Zealand’s most popular artisan cheesemakers, Whitestone Cheese (see on Viator and Tripadvisor). Their factory and cafe offer tours of their working cheese factory, diving into the history of Whitestone Cheese, as well as why the geographical location of the factory is so fundamental to their craft. See the cheesemakers in action from the factory viewing platforms and windows before sitting down to a generous tasting platter. Upgrade to combine your cheese feast with tastings of local wines (more details on Viator or Tripadvisor).

For more rainy day inspiration, see the 10 Things to Do in Oamaru on a Rainy Day.

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Romantic Restaurants in Oamaru

It would almost be a crime to not dine out at Oamaru’s delightful restaurants and characterful cafes. A highlight on the food scene is Cucina (1 Tees Street), serving artful plates of Italian and South American cuisine made with local and seasonal fare. Set in one of Oamaru’s grand Victorian-era buildings, the light-filled restaurant is decorated with a generous display of plants to give that alfresco feeling while keeping warm and cosy with your loved one.

Fingers crossed that you’ll get a seat in the cosy cafe of RedRobin Coffee (415 Thames Highway), basking in the quirky charm of Oamaru with its industrial-style decor and what many would say is the best coffee in town. Pair your cuppa with a sweet treat, like ice cream or Belgian waffles.

Finally, with the backdrop of Riverstone Castle, you can’t beat the location of the Riverstone Kitchen (1431 Glenavy-Hilderthorpe Road) and the food is something special too. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant/cafe serves up a creative menu of contemporary European cuisine made from fruit and veggies you can wander around in their on-site gardens.

For more recommendations, head to The Foodie Guide to Oamaru.