Heritage and Architecture
If there’s one thing Oamaru is known for it’s our unique position as one of the most historic towns in New Zealand, with architecture that makes us a frequent location for commercial shoots and movie and television productions (recent productions that have filmed in town include Netflix’s East of Eden; The Royal Treatment and The Power of the Dog; Hollywood’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Mr. Pip). Oamaru is currently (as of 2026) being considered as only the second locality in the country (after Waitangi) to be designated a New Zealand national historic landmark by Heritage New Zealand. This recognises our uniquely well preserved Victorian architecture and vibrant history that played such an important role in New Zealand’s development. Wandering the streets of Oamaru you can easily forget that you’re in as young a country as New Zealand, since it feels much more like a charming town in England. And the buildings house charming shops and businesses that make sure to keep these wonderful monuments of a bygone age alive.