Ardgowan Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Steampunk HQ
Try out interactive displays, marvel at intricate creations, get lost in a light show or just have some bizarre fun at this art gallery with a difference.
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
Explore the great outdoors at Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, a lovely green space in Oamaru. Amble around the area's marina or experience its museums.
Oamaru Harbour
Explore the waterfront in Oamaru with a trip to Oamaru Harbour. Amble around the area's waterfront or experience its museums.
Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Oamaru Victorian Heritage Precinct in Oamaru. Stroll along the marina or experience the area's museums.
Grainstore Gallery
Delve inside the minds of a group of local artists as you explore the curiosities of this fascinating gallery, housed within a former Victorian grain store.
St Lukes Anglican Church
St Lukes Anglican Church is just one of the places to see in Oamaru, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's marina or experience its museums.
Activities
Oamaru: Penguins Evening Viewing Ticket
Our pick of the best Ardgowan Hotel Deals
Brydone Hotel Oamaru
Check in was excellent. Very friendly and helpful. We were given a room upgrade. A pleasant surprise. The Bistro and dining room were great. The food was a bit pricey but we didn’t mind paying a bit more to eat in when we were looked after so well. We would stay there again.
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Poshtel
Beautiful hotel, family run business that went out of their way to make us feel welcome. We had a nice continental breakfast as well. Definitely recommend staying here
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Oamaru Motor Lodge
Excellent assistance when we called to say we would be late. A pleasant over night stay 😊
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
The Mews Oamaru
Clean room.
Reviewed on 10 May 2026
Criterion Boutique Hotel
good stay
Reviewed on 7 May 2026
Alpine Motel
This is a good value, motel. Spacious rooms with good kitchen and bathroom. Even though it is situated on the highway my room was very quiet, well insulated from traffic noise. It was an easy 15 minute walk into the tourist area of Oamaru to go to the pub for dinner.
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Ardgowan
Waiareka Junction
While there might not be top attractions in Waiareka Junction, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and Steampunk HQ.
Oamaru North
Oamaru North might not have many top sights, but Whitestone Cheese Factory and Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Historic Precinct
While visiting Historic Precinct, you might make a stop by sights like Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and Steampunk HQ.
Weston
When in Weston, you can plan a visit to Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and Steampunk HQ, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Holmes Hill
Holmes Hill might not have many top sights, but Oamaru Gardens and Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
South Hill
If you're spending some time in South Hill, Oamaru Harbour and Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony are top sights worth seeing.
