Oamaru

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Moeraki Boulders Beach
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Moeraki

Moeraki Boulders Beach

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4.3/5
161 reviews
Moeraki Boulders Beach are scattered along Koekohe Beach on the east coast of the South Island, New Zealand, between Moeraki and Hampden. At low tide, dozens of giant spherical boulders lie fully exposed on the sand. Most range from 1.5m to 2.2m in diameter, perfectly round like giant stone eggs half-buried in the sand. They are actually grey calcareous concretions: about 60 million years ago, calcite in the ancient seabed mud slowly condensed around organic cores like shells and plant fragments, taking millions of years to grow to their current size. Later, years of wave erosion on the cliffs stripped them from the mudstone, washing and depositing them in their current location. What makes these boulders so fascinating is their combination of inner and outer beauty: their appearance is round and full, and paired with the long, sandy beach and the surf of the South Pacific, the scene is quite unique. Some boulders have cracked or even broken in half, revealing hollow cores with calcite crystals embedded in radial cracks, resembling a turtle shell. The viewing experience is highly dependent on the tide: at high tide, the water covers some of the boulders, while around low tide is the best time to see them fully exposed for a close-up view. Checking the daily tide times before you go can help you avoid the disappointment of seeing only "half an egg" submerged in the water.Hampden · 29.8km from Oamaru

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Featured Culture & history in Oamaru

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Larnach Castle and Gardens Admission Ticket
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4.5/5
· 172 reviews· 29 booked
Duration: 2–4 hrs
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FromDKK 192.86
Iconic Shore Excursion: Iconic Larnach Castle Tour
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
Free cancellation
FromDKK 751.53
Dunedin: Larnach Castle & Gardens Admission Ticket
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 178.69DKK 188.1
City Highlights, Larnach Castle Gardens Tour
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4.7/5
· 38 reviews
Duration: 330 mins
Free cancellation
92.1% of travelers recommend
FromDKK 948.8
Dunedin Highlights Audio Tour: Victorian Heritage and Civic Landmarks
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Duration: 1 hr
English
Free cancellation
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20% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 47.75DKK 59.69
Guided Dunedin City & Peninsula Small Group Tour (Max 10)
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4.8/5
· 24 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 875.44DKK 921.52
Olveston Historic Home Guided Tour
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4.8/5
· 131 reviews
Duration: 1 hr
Free cancellation
95.4% of travelers recommend
FromDKK 102.25

Featured Day tours in Oamaru

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Oamaru blue penguin parade viewing experience in New Zealand [optional daytime/nighttime | VIP seating available]
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FromDKK 82.9
Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket
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4.7/5
· 271 reviews· 47 booked
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
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94.5% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 178.69DKK 188.1
Dunedin Little Blue Penguin Night Tour, South Island, New Zealand
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 90 booked
Duration: 1 hr
English
Free cancellation
FromDKK 339.13
Clearwater Wildlife Tours (small group 10max) Otago Peninsula
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4.9/5
· 115 reviews· 25 booked
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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98.3% of travelers recommend
FromDKK 905.71
Dunedin Nature & City Tour – Full Day Cruise Excursion
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3.5/5
· 2 reviews· 29 booked
Duration: 6–7 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromDKK 365.56
Garden and City tour
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4.6/5
· 56 reviews
Duration: 4–5 hrs
Free cancellation
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91.1% of travelers recommend
FromDKK 230.93

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What travellers say about Oamaru

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_AP***8910 October 2026
5.0
Good way to see some penguins if you didn’t make any prior arrangements to see more.

Ōamaru Penguins

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闲庭漫步3024 February 2020
4.0
This is a place to experience a strange feeling. When I first saw it, I thought it was an industrial museum because there were steam locomotives and other industrial relics piled up at the door. After entering and reading the introduction, I realized that this is the headquarters of steampunk. The so-called steampunk is a science fiction theme based on the Victorian era, which originated from the 1980s to the early 1990s. In this magical world, the early technology and steam power of the Industrial Revolution are infinitely mythical and used everywhere. Gentlemen wearing top hats drive steam locomotives roaming in the sky. Haha, I really learned a lot. After the visit, I feel that my overall quality has improved again.

Steampunk HQ

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tiramisu113020 January 2020
5.0
Oamaru White Stone Town, South Island, New Zealand Walking into the quiet White Stone Town, it feels like going back to the most prosperous port city of Oamaru in the 19th century. The buildings in the town are all built with solid white stone, which is probably why it got its name! A European style travels back to the prosperous Victorian era. It is a unique town that combines history and humanity!

Whitestone City

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翱翔的大鲨鱼24 June 2020
4.0
The town is rich in limestone, also known as Oamaru stone, and the stone for many buildings in Dunedin is also obtained from here. Such as Dunedin Station, University of Otago buildings and so on. Of course, most of the old buildings in the town use this kind of stone, especially Harbor St., a street full of handicrafts that can be mined for treasures.

Oamaru's Heritage Precinct

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quqky11 September 2020
3.0
It's a great place with great scenery. The feeling of living in harmony with animals is also great. You can see sea lions, walruses and penguins here. Of course, if you come earlier, you can enjoy this feeling of freedom even more.

Bushy Beach Road

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🎀彡🐾15 June 2020
5.0
Oamaru Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden in New Zealand. Flowers bloom all year round, and each season has flowers of different colors. It is very beautiful. In the park, there are dense forests and beautiful fountains and sculptures on the wide lawns. It is definitely a garden that makes people feel good and is worth a walk.

Oamaru Public Garden

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百合120328 January 2020
5.0
There was a small camera icon of the Moeraki Boulders on the map, so I navigated directly there, but found that it would take about 10 minutes to walk. Whenever the tide goes out, you can see more than 50 huge boulders exposed above the sea. The scenery on a cloudy day is so different from that on a sunny day that it doesn't seem like the same place. I inexplicably find this attraction very cute: the Moeraki Boulders.

Moeraki Boulders Beach

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网站老张10 October 2026
5.0
A very unique steamship, still providing excellent service despite being over a century old. There are Chinese staff on board, and the buffet restaurant on the other side is quite good. Enjoy a relaxed and pleasant time in Queenstown.

RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise

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Shim_2326 October 2026
5.0
One of the most unforgettable experiences of our New Zealand trip! 🇳🇿❤️ The moment we sailed through Milford Sound, we were surrounded by towering mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery everywhere we looked. It was one of those moments when you just put your phone down for a second and take it all in. Nature is truly amazing, and Milford Sound is even more beautiful in person. Definitely an experience we’ll always remember! ✨⛰️

Milford Sound Scenic Cruises

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Frequently asked questions

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Oamaru blue penguin parade viewing experience in New Zealand [optional daytime/nighttime | VIP seating available], Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket, and Dunedin Little Blue Penguin Night Tour, South Island, New Zealand. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 1 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Oamaru is around DKK 82.9 – DKK 905.71. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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