Ōamaru Heritage Precinct is a unique feature of the town of Ōamaru and of New Zealand towns in general. The town is generally known for its collection of Ōamaru Whitestone Victorian buildings. For a while during the 1800s, the town experienced rapid growth fueled by sheep farming and gold discoveries in Central Otago. The wharf in Friendly Bay was important until it was eventually overtaken by better harbours and facilities at Port Chalmers and Lyttelton.
In the meantime, uniquely for New Zealand, commercial facilities and warehouses next to the wharf were built from Ōamaru Whitestone (a local limestone), providing a remarkable degree of permanence. As the role of the wharf declined, these Victorian stone buildings were left to rot for about 100 years. Then, one day, a small group of people had the bright idea of restoring the warehouses. This led to the creation of the Ōamaru Whitestone Civic Trust and the development of the Ōamaru heritage precinct, centred around the east end of Itchen Street and Tyne Street.
Improvements and development have continued over the last two decades or so. The buildings house galleries, shops, artisans, and eateries. As you enter the precinct from Tames Street to the north, you will spot the Steampunk Museum, which sets a theme. Victoriana is further represented by several of the shops, the presence of penny farthings and even the way some shop proprietors dress.
The precinct only takes about 20 minutes to walk around. Access is from Thames Street, east onto Itchen Street, or from Wansbeck Street. There is car parking between Friendly Bay and the precinct.
