The Best Place to Camp in Oamaru
Oamaru is a must-see destination on any New Zealand itinerary, and is unlike any other New Zealand town. Its Victorian-era old town will have you feeling like you’re stepping back in time, and its two penguin colonies will give you a taste of New Zealand’s wild side.
Regardless of your reason for passing through, Oamaru is a great place to spend the night.
The Best Place to Camp in Oamaru
The best place to camp in Oamaru is the Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park. The park caters to those in campervans and tents alike.
The main reason the Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park is worth a stay, is its location. Especially for those campervanning around and would like a break from the road, this holiday park allows you to park up and always be within walking distance of Oamaru’s main attractions.
Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park pictures of registration, spots, restrooms, and washroom
How to book at the best place to camp in Oamaru
However, arranging a stay at Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park can be somewhat confusing. Seemingly run by the Oamaru Top 10 Holiday Park, all communication is via the Top 10 email address. In addition, during my stay, the office remained closed, and no attendants were in sight.
Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park is run on an honour based system. As such, there’s a board with a map of the park and some forms, with sites either held for those who have reserved via email (like myself) or first come, first served for the remaining sites.
To reserve a site, you must email them at the email address provided on their website, and make a bank transfer. Alternatively, you can use a credit card if you provide your details over the phone. Once reserved, they will place a plastic bucket with a sign saying “Reserved” so your site isn’t taken by those who come in later on in the evening.
For those who have yet to make a reservation, you will have to sign a few forms, all of which are provided at the outdoor kiosk. Then you will need to choose a site. Please note that there might not be availability on the day you arrive so it is best to reserve if possible; however, a few sites were still available when I visited in early January 2024 (peak season).
The Sights of Oamaru
The top sight in Oamaru is the old town. As seen in the movie ‘Power of the Dog’, this old town surprised me with how much there is to see and do. With cute cafes and restaurants, the Old Town is a short 5-minute walk from the Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park.
Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park is only a 5-minute walk from the old town
Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park is also only a 15-minute walk from the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. This was extremely handy, as the Penguins come in to shore each night at dusk. My walk back to the Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park after the Penguin Colony experience was also worthwhile, as penguins were scattered along the coast on the walk back.
Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park is only a 15-minute walk from the Penguin Colony
If you’re a fitness buff, or someone who is into CrossFit, there is also a CrossFit gym a mere 5 minute walk from the Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park. Oamaru’s CrossFit 564 is in a fantastic location, with garage doors that open onto the harbour.
Oamaru CrossFit 564 view from the back and walk to the Penguin Colony from Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park
In short, if you are passing through Oamaru or simply swinging by to see the penguins, the Oamaru Harbour Tourist Park is the place to stay.
