Ardgowan Travel Guide
Oamaru
Popular places to visit
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Explore the great outdoors at Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, a lovely green space in Oamaru. Amble around the area's marina or experience its museums.
Steampunk HQ
Try out interactive displays, marvel at intricate creations, get lost in a light show or just have some bizarre fun at this art gallery with a difference.
Oamaru Harbour
Explore the waterfront in Oamaru with a trip to Oamaru Harbour. Amble around the area's waterfront or experience its museums.
Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct in Oamaru. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums.
Grainstore Gallery
Delve inside the minds of a group of local artists as you explore the curiosities of this fascinating gallery, housed within a former Victorian grain store.
St Lukes Anglican Church
St Lukes Anglican Church is just one of the places to see in Oamaru, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's marina or experience its museums.
Things to do
Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket
Top hotels in Ardgowan
Brydone Hotel Oamaru
Didn't eat breakfast
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Oamaru Motor Lodge
Easy, friendly check-in. Room clean, well supplied and quiet.
Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026
289 Midway Motel
Great location
Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026
Poshtel
Very good
Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026
Colonial Lodge Motel
Our two bed unit was clean and well appointed. It was well out of the way of the main units so it was quiet. The kitchen had everything we needed.
Reviewed on 2 Jan 2026
Heritage Court Lodge
I wasn't so sure about this place when we arrived but we ended up having a very nice stay here. The bathroom was huge. The master bedroom had a comfy beds and the heated mattress pad was outstanding! My friends were in the second bedroom and she didnt like that her bed was against an outside wall ...
Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Ardgowan
Waiareka Junction
While there might not be top attractions in Waiareka Junction, you can explore the larger area and discover places like North Otago Museum and Steampunk HQ.
Oamaru North
Oamaru North might not have many top sights, but Whitestone Cheese Factory and North Otago Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Historic Precinct
While visiting Historic Precinct, you might make a stop by sights like Steampunk HQ and Oamaru Harbour.
Weston
When in Weston, you can plan a visit to North Otago Museum and Steampunk HQ, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Holmes Hill
Holmes Hill might not have many top sights, but Oamaru Gardens and Steampunk HQ are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
South Hill
If you're spending some time in South Hill, Oamaru Harbour and Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony are top sights worth seeing.
