Oamaru Bella Vista

Introducing your hosts, Nancey and Nick

Hi! We’re your hosts Nick and Nancey, and we made the move from Auckland to beautiful Oamaru back in 2019. At the time, we were a young family with little kids, and while Nick was working full-time as a tour guide, I was a stay-at-home mum ready to return to the workforce after three wonderful years focused on raising our little ones.

It didn’t take long for us to realise that Auckland just wasn’t the environment we wanted to raise our children in — we were craving space, community, and a better lifestyle. Nick suggested Oamaru, and after spending just one hour here with the kids, I knew without a doubt that this was where I wanted them to grow up. It felt right from the very beginning.

We were completely new to the accommodation industry and had a lot to learn, but after looking at a few businesses, Bella Vista stood out. The strength of the brand, the consistent quality across the country, and the incredible support network gave us the confidence we needed to take the leap. Since then, we’ve never looked back.

Running Bella Vista Oamaru has been a life-changing journey, and we genuinely love welcoming guests to our town and helping them feel right at home. We can’t wait to meet you!

Oamaru, Otago. Your Destination.

Oamaru, nestled on New Zealand’s South Island, boasts a rich tapestry of history and charm. The area was originally inhabited by Māori iwi, including Ngāti Mamoe and Waitaha, who established settlements along the coastline. European settlers arrived in the 1850s, and the town flourished during the late 19th century, thanks to the discovery of Oamaru stone—a creamy limestone ideal for building. This led to the construction of many of the town’s most iconic structures, such as the Oamaru Opera House and the Oamaru Courthouse, both crafted from this distinctive stone . 
Today, Oamaru is celebrated for its well-preserved Victorian heritage, particularly in the Historic Precinct, where cobblestone streets are lined with ornate buildings housing galleries, cafés, and artisan shops. The town is also renowned for its wildlife; the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony offers visitors a chance to observe the world’s smallest penguins returning to their nests at dusk . 
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a unique cultural experience, Oamaru offers a delightful blend of the old and the new.

Our Community Involvement

At Bella Vista Oamaru, we’re passionate about supporting our local community and contributing to the unique character that makes our town so special. We proudly work alongside Tourism Waitaki and Futures Waitaki to promote and grow the region, while actively participating in key local events such as ANZAC Day, Easter, the Christmas Parade, the Victorian Heritage Celebrations, and the world-famous Steampunk Festival.

We also support local organisations like St John, the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, and the Oamaru Repertory Society, and we maintain strong relationships with fellow moteliers and small businesses to create a welcoming, thriving tourism network. As part of the local Chinese community, we’re committed to inclusivity and celebrating Oamaru’s diverse cultural heritage.

At Bella Vista Oamaru, community isn’t just something we support—it’s something we’re proud to be a part of.

Our Sustainability Practices

At Bella Vista Oamaru, we are proud to be an active part of New Zealand’s sustainability journey. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our operations in line with sustainable tourism practices.

We use refillable amenities in all guest rooms to minimise plastic waste, and we have robust recycling systems in place throughout the property. All our lighting is 100% LED, helping us reduce energy use, and we closely monitor and record our energy consumption to identify areas for further improvement. We also prioritise environmentally friendly products and work with local suppliers who share our commitment to sustainable practices wherever possible.

Our goal is to protect and preserve our natural environment while supporting the wider Waitaki community in creating a responsible, eco-conscious visitor experience.

Bella Vista Oamaru is a 4 star Qualmark rated property and awarded Silver status under the Sustainable Tourism Business criteria which is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Founded in 2007, the GSTC is a United Nations-initiated programme which sets the global baseline standards for sustainable travel and tourism.

We look forward to hosting you!