There’s a magic to the sea that few places capture as perfectly as Oamaru. This charming town on the southeastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. From the bustling harbors to the serene, rugged coastlines, Oamaru’s seaside vistas offer a blend of natural beauty and quiet solitude that left me in awe. The ocean here doesn’t simply touch the shore; it holds it, kisses it, and sings songs to the sky. I’ve always believed that some places speak to you in ways words cannot express—and Oamaru is one of those places.
During my trip, I was fortunate enough to explore some of the most stunning coastal landscapes that New Zealand has to offer. Each location, with its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and wildlife, left a lasting impression on me. So, if you’re planning to visit Oamaru and are wondering where to head for the best seaside views, let me take you on a journey through the most beautiful and memorable coastal spots that I believe should be at the top of your list.
Bushy Beach: Where the Ocean Meets the Sky
One of the most remarkable places I visited was Bushy Beach, located about 5 kilometers from Oamaru’s town center. This beach is a haven for nature lovers, with its golden sands stretching beneath the vivid sky like a painter’s canvas. What struck me the most here was the solitude—the way the beach feels as though it exists solely for you. It’s not often that I find myself completely disconnected from the world, but at Bushy Beach, the only sounds were the rhythmic crashing of waves and the occasional call of a distant seabird.
The beach is known for being a protected area for wildlife, particularly the yellow-eyed penguins, one of the rarest penguin species in the world. As I stood quietly on the beach, I couldn’t help but feel like an intruder in this peaceful world. It was almost as if the penguins themselves were aware of their surroundings, strutting proudly on the sand as if they owned the shore. Their waddling gait was endearing, and I couldn’t resist smiling as they made their way into the waves, disappearing into the ocean as though they were embarking on an adventure of their own.
Tip: Bushy Beach is best visited in the late afternoon or early evening, as the setting sun casts a golden glow over the landscape, making it perfect for photography. If you want to get closer to the penguins without disturbing them, be sure to book a tour through Viator (link here), which costs around NZD 50 per person and allows you to visit the penguin viewing areas.
The Royal Albatross Centre: A Majestic Encounter Above the Ocean
Not far from Oamaru, just an hour’s drive along the Otago Peninsula, lies the Royal Albatross Centre. Situated on a high cliff overlooking the wild Southern Ocean, this is a place that feels as though it belongs to another time. Here, you’ll find the world’s only mainland breeding colony of the royal albatross, one of the largest seabirds in the world. The sheer scale of these birds is breathtaking. Watching them soar above the cliffs, their massive wings cutting through the wind with an elegance that belies their size, left me spellbound.
The Royal Albatross Centre offers guided tours where visitors can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The landscape here is equally as mesmerizing as the birds themselves. The cliffs plunge steeply into the ocean, and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below adds to the dramatic beauty of the site. I felt incredibly lucky to stand on the edge of the cliff, looking out at the horizon, where the ocean and sky merged into one endless expanse.
Tip: Be sure to check out the visitor center for interactive exhibits about albatrosses and their conservation efforts. You can book your tour directly on GetYourGuide (link here) for NZD 50-60, which includes a fascinating commentary from knowledgeable guides who bring the history and biology of the birds to life.
Penguin Place: A Rare Encounter with the Yellow-Eyed Penguins
If there’s one place that truly took my breath away during my visit to Oamaru, it was Penguin Place. This privately owned conservation reserve, located just a few kilometers from the town center, offers an intimate experience with the yellow-eyed penguin—a species so rare that it’s classified as endangered. As I walked along the reserve’s specially built tracks, I felt like I was stepping into a secret world, where the penguins were the undisputed rulers of the land and sea.
At Penguin Place, you’ll find a network of hides and boardwalks that allow you to observe the penguins without disturbing their natural environment. The penguins, with their distinctive yellow eyes and sleek feathers, waddled around the reserve, often stopping to rest or preen themselves. It was impossible not to be enchanted by their playful movements and the gentle sound of their calls echoing across the reserve. Watching them navigate their way through the tall grasses, their fluffy bodies moving in a surprisingly graceful manner, was truly a heartwarming experience.
Tip: Penguin Place is a must-visit, especially during the breeding season (October to March), when you’re most likely to see the penguins in their natural nesting environment. Tickets can be booked through Viator (link here) for around NZD 50-55, and tours typically last around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Kakanui Coast: A Hidden Gem of Tranquil Beauty
For those who are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Kakanui Coast is the place to visit. Located around a 30-minute drive north of Oamaru, this secluded coastline offers an entirely different perspective of New Zealand’s rugged beauty. The Kakanui Coast feels almost untouched by time—its shores are lined with smooth boulders and jagged rocks that rise from the sea like ancient sentinels. The colors of the ocean here are a deep, ethereal blue, and the air smells of salt and freedom.
What I loved most about Kakanui was the tranquility. There were few visitors, and the absence of crowds made it easy to lose myself in the natural beauty around me. The beach is perfect for a quiet stroll, and if you’re lucky, you may spot some wildlife, such as seals basking on the rocks or dolphins frolicking in the waves.
Tip: Bring comfortable shoes for walking along the rocky shoreline, and don’t forget your camera. The coastal views here are stunning, and you’ll want to capture the unique beauty of this hidden gem.
Oamaru Harbour: A Place Where the Past Meets the Present
The Oamaru Harbour itself is a beautiful part of the coastline that combines the charm of the past with the vibrancy of daily life. As a working harbor, it’s not just about scenic views—it’s a place where the rhythm of the ocean blends seamlessly with the bustle of the town’s maritime activities. Walking along the wharves, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the old, weathered timber of the docks, which seemed to tell stories of days gone by. The harbor is surrounded by historic buildings, some of which date back to the late 1800s, lending the area an air of timelessness.
In the early morning, the harbor takes on a quiet, almost surreal quality. The boats bob gently in the water, the sunlight glints off the sea, and the calls of seagulls fill the air. It’s a peaceful place to take a walk, grab a coffee, or simply watch the world go by. There’s also a charming selection of cafes and seafood restaurants around the harbor where you can indulge in fresh local catch while watching the tide roll in.
Tip: The Star and Garter Hotel, located right by the harbor, is an excellent spot for a seafood meal, especially if you’re craving some of the freshest fish and chips in town. You can make a reservation through OpenTable (link here).
Traveling to Oamaru: How to Make the Most of Your Trip
Planning a trip to Oamaru to explore its beautiful coastline is easy and affordable. Here are a few travel tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Flights: To get to Oamaru, you’ll most likely fly into Dunedin (about 1.5 hours away) or Christchurch (about 3.5 hours away) and then rent a car. For affordable flights, check Skyscanner (link here).
- Accommodation: There are many accommodation options in Oamaru, ranging from cozy B&Bs to boutique hotels. I recommend checking out Booking.com (link here) for a variety of options.
- Car Rentals: Renting a car is the best way to explore Oamaru’s beautiful coastline at your own pace. Book through Rentalcars (link here) for competitive rates.
- Tours: For guided tours to places like Bushy Beach, Penguin Place, and the Royal Albatross Centre, I recommend Viator (link here) or GetYourGuide (link here) for easy booking and local expertise.
A Seaside Adventure You’ll Never Forget
My time spent exploring Oamaru’s coastline was nothing short of magical. From the vast, windswept cliffs to the quiet beaches where penguins waddle by, every moment was a reminder of how powerful and beautiful nature can be. There’s something about the way the ocean meets the land here in Oamaru that feels like a personal invitation to pause, reflect, and truly embrace the beauty of the world around you. So, if you’re looking for a seaside adventure that’s both serene and awe-inspiring, Oamaru is the place to be. Trust me—you won’t regret it.
