Janet Frame House
Step into the world of acclaimed New Zealand writer Janet Frame at her preserved Oamaru home, a sanctuary of literary history and personal reflection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Janet Frame House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the world of acclaimed New Zealand writer Janet Frame at her preserved Oamaru home, a sanctuary of literary history and personal reflection.
"Such a special place that is being taken care of with real love."
📚 Check Hours Before You Go
Limited opening hours mean checking ahead is crucial to avoid missing out.
🚶♀️ Meander the Garden
Even if you can't go inside, the garden is a beautiful and peaceful spot to explore.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Garden Path
Exterior
Wander through the tranquil garden, a peaceful space that inspired the writer.
Period Pieces & Mementos
Interior
Explore artifacts and displays that offer a glimpse into Janet Frame's life and times.
A Writer's Sanctuary
Interior
Experience the atmosphere of the house where Janet Frame lived and wrote, feeling her presence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Hours
Book in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Check Hours Before You Go
Limited opening hours mean checking ahead is crucial to avoid missing out.
🚶♀️ Meander the Garden
Even if you can't go inside, the garden is a beautiful and peaceful spot to explore.
🗣️ Engage with the Guide
Guides offer valuable context and insights into Janet Frame's life and work.
🤫 Respect the Space
Treat the house with care; it's a special place being preserved with love.
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Check Hours Before You Go
Limited opening hours mean checking ahead is crucial to avoid missing out.
🚶♀️ Meander the Garden
Even if you can't go inside, the garden is a beautiful and peaceful spot to explore.
🗣️ Engage with the Guide
Guides offer valuable context and insights into Janet Frame's life and work.
🤫 Respect the Space
Treat the house with care; it's a special place being preserved with love.
📖 Read Frame's Work
Familiarize yourself with her writing for a deeper appreciation of the house.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Janet Frame House a deeply moving and special place, offering a tangible connection to the acclaimed writer's life. Many appreciate the love and care evident in its preservation and the insightful guidance provided. While some have been disappointed by limited opening hours, those who visit often leave with a profound sense of appreciation for Frame's work and legacy.
"I had been crying in the car for ninety minutes previous to arriving.. lost for words, I pulled myself together and entered the property at full speed bare foot, desperate for balance I spread my hands as far apart as possible.. the game was up, as if spotted by a presence emerging from the curtains my eyes locked in on an animal I had never seen before, its majestic elongated beautiful legs keeping guard but not completely.. a gap revealing a secret.. it had been laying eggs and by the state of its nest they were moments from being fed.
Great place would come back 🫶"
Sam Strathdee
"Unfortunately our visit didn't coincide with the limited opening hours, but loved meandering around the well-tended and colourful garden and peering in the windows. Frame is my literary hero."
Catherine Blomkamp
"Interesting place with period pieces displayed showcasing a portion of Janet Frames life. The guide helped put things into perspective."
Eric Harrison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Janet Frame House is located at 56 Eden Street in Oamaru, New Zealand. Oamaru is accessible by car via State Highway 1. If traveling from further afield, you can fly into Dunedin Airport (DUD) and then rent a car or take a bus to Oamaru.
Street parking is generally available near Janet Frame House in Oamaru. It's advisable to check local signage for any restrictions.
Yes, Oamaru is a walkable town, and Janet Frame House is centrally located. Public transport options within Oamaru are limited, but taxis or ride-sharing services can be used.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Janet Frame House has limited opening hours and these can vary seasonally. It is essential to check their official website or social media channels for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
While walk-ins may be possible depending on availability, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you wish to have a guided tour. This ensures your entry and a more enriching experience.
Admission fees can vary. It's best to check the official Janet Frame House website for current pricing and any special tour costs.
Yes, guided tours are often available and highly recommended. They provide in-depth insights into Janet Frame's life and literary contributions. +1
In some instances, the garden may be accessible even when the house itself is closed. However, it's always best to confirm this with the venue beforehand.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can expect to see period pieces, mementos, and displays that showcase Janet Frame's life and literary work. The house aims to provide a tangible connection to her experiences.
Accessibility information can vary. It's advisable to contact Janet Frame House directly to inquire about specific accessibility features and any potential limitations.
Photography policies can differ. It's best to ask for permission or check for signage regarding photography inside the house to respect the exhibits and other visitors.
A typical visit, especially with a guided tour, might take around 1 to 1.5 hours. However, you may wish to spend more time reflecting in the garden.
A notebook discovered during renovations is a significant find, offering a direct link to Janet Frame's past and potentially revealing new insights into her life or work.
📸 📸 Photography
The garden path offers a picturesque setting for photos, especially during blooming seasons. The exterior architecture also provides charming photo opportunities.
Policies for professional photoshoots may differ. It's recommended to contact Janet Frame House directly to inquire about their guidelines and any associated fees.
Photography inside may be restricted to protect the artifacts and maintain the atmosphere. Always check for signage or ask staff for guidance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the historical aspect and the visual elements of the house. Engaging guides can sometimes tailor their explanations to be more accessible to younger visitors. Reading some of Janet Frame's simpler poems or stories beforehand might also enhance their understanding and enjoyment.
📚 Literary Enthusiasts
Engage deeply with the guides, ask questions, and take your time to absorb the atmosphere. Reading her works before or after your visit will undoubtedly deepen your appreciation for the space and its significance.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Dunedin
Combine your visit with an exploration of Oamaru's famous Victorian precinct for a full day of historical and literary discovery. Ensure you check the opening hours in advance, as they are limited, to make the most of your limited time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Janet Frame's Legacy
Her connection to Oamaru is significant, and the Janet Frame House serves as a vital space to preserve and share her legacy. The house aims to offer visitors an intimate understanding of her life and the environment that shaped her creative output. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has even lauded her as 'one of our greatest ever novelists,' highlighting her national importance.
Visiting Janet Frame House provides an opportunity to connect with her literary world on a personal level. By exploring the spaces she inhabited and the artifacts that tell her story, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for her profound impact on literature.
The Oamaru Victorian Precinct
The precinct's charm lies in its authentic atmosphere, where horse-drawn carriages might still be seen and the architecture transports you to the 19th century. It's a popular destination for those interested in history, architecture, and unique shopping experiences.
Visiting Janet Frame House can be combined with a broader exploration of Oamaru's Victorian heritage, making for a rich and varied day trip. The contrast between the intimate literary focus of the house and the grand historical setting of the precinct can be particularly compelling.
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