Backpacker accommodation at the YHA Oamaru hostel consists of double, twin and multi-share rooms. There is also a full range of backpacker facilities including a self-catering kitchen, comfortable lounge room and internet access. Relax and unwind in the garden over a BBQ or in front of the log fire in the evenings.
During summer, stay a few days in this friendly and welcoming backpacker hostel and experience all that Oamaru has to offer.
YHA Oamaru is a small, pleasant and well-kept hostel close to the town centre. - The Rough Guide to New Zealand
Special features at YHA Oamaru that backpackers love:
- Excellent location in the centre of Oamaru with most attractions just walking distance away, including the penguin colonies.
- Friendly and welcoming backpacker accommodation with all the comforts of home.
- Relaxing garden area with BBQ for chilling out on warm summer evenings.
- Internet access on site.
About Oamaru
Oamaru is the best place in New Zealand to see both the little blue penguins as well as the famous yellow-eyed penguins. The colonies of both penguins congregate on shore at dusk each day, walking distance from the YHA Oamaru, Red Kettle Hostel.
Oamaru is also famous for its magnificent collection of Victorian era Oamaru white stone buildings in its Historic District, the largest collection of protected heritage buildings in New Zealand. This area of Oamaru has been refurbished over recent years and now includes a fascinating museum and art gallery, an absolutely wonderful second-hand book store and many cafes, pubs and restaurants. Browse the Victorian market or take a steam train ride on Sundays.
Cheese-lovers will adore visiting the Whitestone Cheese Café and Shop to sample their range of award winning cheese, including their grand champion blue cheese. Smelly but good! Why not take some cheeses as well as some of Oamaru’s local wines or whisky from the New Zealand Malt Whisky Barrel House down to the delightful Oamaru Public Gardens for a picnic. The gardens are just across the road from the YHA Oamaru backpacker hostel.
Day trips from the North Otago town of Oamaru include the mysterious Moeraki Boulders (just 30 minutes away) and the Waitaki Valley - home to the Vanished World fossil trail, salmon fishing, hydro lakes and Maori rock art. The city of Dunedin is also just a short drive away, and Christchurch is 3 hours to the north.
Oamaru's annual Victorian Heritage Celebrations held in November with the national Penny Farthing Championships make for a very interesting weekend and in February there is the delectable Oamaru Wine and Food Festival. Book early! Oamaru was considered the South Island’s most attractive town – it’s easy to see why.
Top activities to do while backpacking in Oamaru
- Penguins, penguins everywhere – colonies for the New Zealand blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins are near the YHA Oamaru hostel.
- The Victorian Historical District with its famous Oamaru white stone buildings is a wonderful place to amble along, and maybe ride a penny farthing bicycle too!
- Lots of delicious local Oamaru fare to taste: the award winning Whitestone Cheese, malt whisky and locally produced North Otago wines.
- Visit the strange and fascinating Moeraki Boulders just along the coast from Oamaru.
- The Oamaru Public Gardens and the Forrester Gallery in its stunning Oamaru Stone building make lovely outings.
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