Family Getaway to Oamaru - A Weekend Itinerary
Welcome to Oamaru, the gem of the Waitaki region, where kids can roam free, nature is your playground, and the best adventures are either low-cost or completely free.
We’re a local family of four who left big-city life behind to settle in Oamaru, and we now run Bella Vista Oamaru right in the heart of town. We know what makes a great family trip - affordable fun, good food, safe spaces to explore, and a comfy place to rest at night.
To help you make the most of your time here, we've put together a budget-friendly itinerary that is full of our favourite kid-approved activities, local eats, and scenic spots, all without blowing your travel budget.
Family-Friendly Oamaru Itinerary
Day 1: Friday Arrival & Farm-Fresh Fun
Check-In at Bella Vista Motel Oamaru
Settle into your comfortable, family-ready room at our Oamaru motel from 2pm. We’ve got plenty of garden space, a free BBQ, and outdoor games to keep the kids entertained. If the weather turns, we have board games and a mini library available on request too!
Golden Gully Farm Tours (Afternoon Activity)
Located just a short drive from town, Golden Gully Farm Tours is one of the most authentic and kid-friendly experiences in the region. Your children will get the chance to:
- Feed lambs, calves, and chickens
- See working farm dogs in action
- Learn where their food really comes from
- Even ride on a tractor or pet a miniature pony!
- It’s hands-on, wholesome fun that gets kids away from screens and into real, rural New Zealand.
Local Tip: Book ahead to secure your spot. Farm tours usually run in the afternoon and are small-group focused for a more personal experience.
Dinner: Fat Sally’s or The Last Post
After your Golden Gully Farm Tour, head back to town for a hearty, family-friendly meal. Both of our recommendations are within walking distance of the motel. The Last Post is a local favourite set in a beautiful old post office building. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and offers a great kids' menu alongside classic Kiwi fare for the grown-ups. Fat Sally’s is also a great spot and offers hearty fare at reasonable prices.
Or if everyone’s worn out from the day’s adventures, grab some takeaway and enjoy a picnic dinner back at the motel, using our free BBQ and garden seating while the kids burn off that last bit of energy.
Day 2: Explore Oamaru’s Playful Side
Breakfast: Badger & Mackerel or Columbus Coffee
Kickstart your Saturday with a family breakfast at one of Oamaru’s go-to spots.
- Badger & Mackerel has a relaxed, bustling vibe, excellent coffee, and great cabinet treats for the kids.
- Columbus Coffee (inside Mitre 10) is surprisingly peaceful for a big-brand café - and perfect if you need to grab a few supplies before heading out for the day.
Both offer plenty of seating and easy parking, and neither will judge if your kids are a little wiggly first thing in the morning!
Activities for the Day
- Ride the Oamaru Steam Train - Our son still begs to ride this heritage train every time it’s running. The drivers are incredibly friendly - they’ve even let him "drive" it a few times! It’s a scenic trip to the Penguin Colony and back, with cool facts about trains, sea lions, and more.
- Steampunk HQ + Victorian Precinct - Wander through quirky shops and explore Steampunk HQ, a favourite with our kids. It’s hands-on, weird, and wonderful and packed with interactive displays, lights, and machines.
- Friendly Bay Playground + Storybook Trail - Right by the harbour, this giant playground has something for all ages. Don’t miss the Storybook Trail, a quiet path where kids can explore while you enjoy a takeaway coffee from The Galley Café.
Dinner: BBQ at the Motel - Budget-Friendly & Locally Sourced
Skip the restaurant bill and enjoy a relaxed, affordable evening right here at our motel in Oamaru.
Pick up fresh local produce from your favourite supermarket deli (Oamaru Woolworths is within walking distance) and cook up a simple dinner using our free guest BBQ. While the food sizzles, the kids can run around the garden, kick a ball, or play with our outdoor games.
To top it off, you could also grab a cold craft beer from Scott’s Brewing Co. a local favourite and enjoy it picnic-style while the sun sets. It’s budget-friendly, no-fuss, and one of the best ways to soak in that laid-back Oamaru lifestyle.
Day 3 – Scenic Sunday Road Trip
Morning: Elephant Rocks & Waitaki Fossils
Pack some snacks and head out to Elephant Rocks great for climbing, exploring, and hiding a painted rock from our motel garden. Along the way, stop at fossil sites or explore Māori rock art. It’s a real-life geology and culture lesson in the wild!
Stop at the Giant Richie McCaw Sign in Kurow and snap a fun family photo, before having a picnic near the Waitaki Dam. Kurow is peaceful, scenic, and a great end to your weekend.
Why Stay at Bella Vista Oamaru?
We’re not just your hosts - we’re a local family who lives this lifestyle too. At Bella Vista Motel Oamaru, we make family travel easy:
- Central to everything
- Family units with kitchenettes
- Safe garden space for kids
- Outdoor games, BBQ, and painted rock fun
- Warm, helpful service from real locals
Remember to book direct for the best price and best experience!
Ready to Book Your Family Weekend in Oamaru?
Book your stay at Bella Vista Oamaru today! Be sure to book direct for the best rates, local advice, and a truly family-first experience!
We can also help you book your Golden Gully Farm Tour and other family activities - just ask! See you soon in Oamaru - where kids meet animals, explore nature, and parents get to slow down.
From our family to yours, Bella Vista Motel Oamaru.