Network Waitaki Victorian FeteSunday 15 November 2026
Discover the Heart of Waitaki
The Ōamaru Heritage Precinct is more than a collection of historic buildings - it is a vibrant destination at the heart of the Waitaki district. Home to three major annual festivals, the precinct comes alive throughout the year with events, entertainment, and unique experiences that celebrate the region's heritage and creativity.
Beyond the precinct, the Waitaki district offers something for everyone. From stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures to family-friendly attractions, cycling trails, wildlife encounters, and fascinating museums, there are countless opportunities to explore and create lasting memories.
Steeped in history, Waitaki is a region where the past remains visible in its historic towns, heritage buildings, archaeological sites, and stories of early settlement. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, history, or a relaxing getaway, the Heritage Precinct and wider Waitaki district provide an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
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Proud partner of the
Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark
The Heritage Precinct proudly sits within the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark, forming an important part of its cultural and geological story. The distinctive Oamaru stone buildings are a significant example of the region’s built heritage, showcasing how local geology has directly shaped architectural style and identity.
Together, the precinct’s streetscapes demonstrate the close connection between natural resources and human history, making it a key cultural landmark within the geopark and a lasting expression of the region’s unique heritage.
The Museum of the Vanished World - The heart of the Geopark
Located in Duntroon, just over half an hour from the heritage precinct, the Museum of the Vanished World is a window to the wonders of the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark. Founded in the early 2000s by passionate landowners and scientists, the museum was created to share the remarkable geology of the Waitaki district with visitors from near and far. Their vision also helped bring the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark to life. UNESCO status recognises the region’s extraordinary scientific discoveries, rich cultural stories, and distinctive biodiversity. Inside the museum, visitors can explore internationally significant fossils and discover fossils brought to life through engaging displays, education, and hands-on experiences. The museum is also the starting point for the Vanished World Trail, inviting travellers to explore Geosites and some of the region’s most memorable landscapes. With geological gifts available to take home, every visit also helps support the ongoing work of both the museum and the Geopark.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Toanga
The Waitaki district is proud to be home to one of New Zealand’s richest collections of historic places, landscapes, and stories. With 243 sites recognised by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the district offers an extraordinary connection to the people, events, and industries that helped shape Aotearoa New Zealand.
From the iconic Ōamaru Heritage Precinct and historic townships to archaeological sites, churches, bridges, and cultural landscapes, Waitaki’s heritage reflects generations of innovation, resilience, and community spirit. These places provide a unique window into our shared past while continuing to play an important role in the life of the district today.
Whether you are interested in architecture, local history, Māori heritage, or the stories behind our historic places, Waitaki offers countless opportunities to explore and discover. If you would like to learn more about the district’s nationally significant heritage sites and the history that makes this region so special, we invite you to begin your journey here.
Waitaki Arts and Culture
The Waitaki District Council also plays an important role in safeguarding the district’s cultural and heritage assets. The Forrester Gallery Mahika Kai Mahika Toi, housed in the former Bank of New South Wales building on Thames Street, showcases some of the finest art from across the district and beyond. Similarly, the Waitaki Museum & Archive Te Whare Taoka o Waitaki, located in the former Athenaeum building, preserves and presents the rich social, cultural, and historical stories of the Waitaki district for residents and visitors alike.
Both facilities are open to the public on a donation-entry basis, ensuring that local heritage, history, and culture remain accessible to residents and visitors while encouraging voluntary support for their ongoing operation
Agricultural and Farming Heritage
Discover two of Waitaki’s most significant heritage attractions, Totara Estate and Clark's Mill, where the stories of New Zealand’s agricultural and industrial development come to life.
Totara Estate is widely recognised as the birthplace of New Zealand’s frozen meat export industry. It was here in 1882 that the first shipment of frozen meat left New Zealand for Britain, helping transform the nation’s economy and shaping the future of farming across the country. Today, visitors can explore the historic farm buildings, and grounds while learning about the people, innovation, and enterprise that changed New Zealand forever.
Just a short drive away, Clark's Mill stands as one of the country’s best-preserved nineteenth-century flour mills. Built in 1866, the mill showcases the ingenuity and engineering of early industrial New Zealand. Through restored machinery, interactive displays, and guided experiences, visitors can discover how grain grown on the surrounding plains was transformed into flour that helped feed a growing nation.
Together, Totara Estate and Clark's Mill offer a fascinating journey through Waitaki’s rich heritage, providing unique insights into the industries, communities, and pioneering spirit that helped build New Zealand.
To inquire about holding an
event in the precinct:
If you are thinking of holding an event in the historic precinct
please contact Jacob:
2 Harbour Street, Oamaru, 9400
E: admin@victorianoamaru.co.nz
P: 03 434538
C: 027 7788 095