Waiareka Junction
Oamaru
Visit Waiareka Junction
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 Waiareka Junction

Brydone Hotel Oamaru
The hotel is conviniently located at the heart of the historical centre and with a walking distance to see the penguins. Rooms are a little bit dated but reasonably well mantained.
Reviewed on 2 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
Great!
Reviewed on 3 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
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Other neighbourhoods around Waiareka Junction

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.

Ardgowan
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Ardgowan and surrounding area, you can visit Oamaru Gardens and North Otago Museum.

Historic Precinct
While visiting Historic Precinct, you might make a stop by sights like Steampunk HQ and Oamaru Harbour.

South Hill
If you're spending some time in South Hill, Oamaru Harbour and Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony are top sights worth seeing.

Weston
When in Weston, you can plan a visit to Oamaru Gardens and North Otago Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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.
