Oamaru Public Gardens
A 34-acre Victorian oasis featuring a marble fountain, sculptures, aviary, and playground, perfect for leisurely strolls and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoms in full bloom
Oamaru Public Gardens
Best Time
Blossoms in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 34-acre Victorian oasis featuring a marble fountain, sculptures, aviary, and playground, perfect for leisurely strolls and family fun.
"A delightful visit to the charming garden and aviary in Oamaru, highly recommended for a leisurely stroll. "
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Holiday Park
If staying at Top 10 Oamaru, the gardens are just a short, pleasant walk away.
🚲 Cyclist's Oasis
The Alps to Ocean bike trail passes through, offering a beautiful rest stop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Charm
Throughout the gardens
Wander through beautifully maintained gardens with a historic Victorian feel.
The Wonderland Sculpture
Central gardens
Admire the astonishing detail of Sir Thomas Clapperton's 1926 'Wonderland' sculpture.
Aviary Encounters
Aviary section
Meet Jimmy the cockatoo and observe various bird species in the charming aviary.
Playground Fun
Playground area
Enjoy the children's play area, complete with a Humpty Dumpty wall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Blooms
Getting Around Oamaru
They also serve as a scenic route for cyclists on the Alps to Ocean bike trail. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Holiday Park
If staying at Top 10 Oamaru, the gardens are just a short, pleasant walk away.
🚲 Cyclist's Oasis
The Alps to Ocean bike trail passes through, offering a beautiful rest stop.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the beauty of forest pathways, sculptures, and seasonal blooms.
🦆 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for ducks and ducklings, and say hello to Jimmy the cockatoo!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Holiday Park
If staying at Top 10 Oamaru, the gardens are just a short, pleasant walk away.
🚲 Cyclist's Oasis
The Alps to Ocean bike trail passes through, offering a beautiful rest stop.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the beauty of forest pathways, sculptures, and seasonal blooms.
🦆 Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for ducks and ducklings, and say hello to Jimmy the cockatoo!
💧 Water Play Area
Check for the opening of the water play area, perfect for families in warmer months.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Oamaru Public Gardens a delightful and charming place for a stroll, appreciating the variety of themed gardens, the 'Wonderland' sculpture, and the children's play area. While some areas might show signs of neglect, the overall beauty and pleasant atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop, especially for families and cyclists.
"Decent garden for taking a stroll, was there a bit too early for the full blooming season, but a few flowers were showing here and there. Some areas look a bit neglected such as the Chinese garden, but other places look alright. Lots benches too 👍"
Helena Ying Cecilie Wang
"Stayed at the top 10 Oamaru, this park is about 5 mins from there,very impressive different gardens within the park.
Children's play area, bridges over the water.
Such a beautiful place definitely worth a visit"
Adrian Lee
"Beautiful garden. Well worth the stop. When we visited the glass houses were closed as they were undergoing restoration. I'm very envious of the private house that sits in these gardens, it is an amazing little piece of paradise."
Zoe Whiting
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The gardens are easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. They are also a short walk from the Top 10 Holiday Park making them convenient for cyclists. Public transport options may be limited, so driving or cycling are recommended.
Absolutely! The gardens offer pleasant walking paths through various themed areas, including forest pathways It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
Yes, the Alps to Ocean bike trail passes directly through the gardens, offering a scenic route for cyclists.
While specific parking details can vary, there is generally parking available in the vicinity of the gardens, especially if you are arriving by car.
The gardens are located close to the town center, making them an easy addition to your Oamaru itinerary. It's a lovely way to get to town from nearby accommodations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Oamaru Public Gardens are generally free to enter and explore, making them an accessible attraction for all visitors.
The gardens are typically open daily from dawn till dusk, allowing for flexible visiting times. However, specific features like the display house may have their own hours or be temporarily closed for maintenance.
No, Oamaru Public Gardens are a public space and do not charge an entry fee. Enjoy the beauty of the gardens at no cost.
Yes, the gardens have hosted events like New Year's Eve celebrations in the past, featuring music and good vibes.
Occasionally, certain areas like the display house may be temporarily closed for restoration or maintenance. It's advisable to check local updates if you have specific areas of interest.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Highlights include a marble fountain, the 'Wonderland' sculpture, and various themed garden areas. There are also forest pathways
Yes, the gardens are equipped with numerous benches, providing ample opportunities to sit, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Yes, there is a delightful children's play area, which even features a Humpty Dumpty wall, making it a great spot for families.
A notable sculpture is 'Wonderland' by Sir Thomas Clapperton, commissioned in 1926, known for its astonishing detail.
Beyond the playground, there's a water play area that opens seasonally,
📸 📸 Photography
The gardens offer diverse photographic opportunities, from the intricate details of the 'Wonderland' sculpture
Yes, especially during blooming seasons, the gardens showcase a variety of flowers, including dahlias, making it a beautiful location for floral photography.
Certainly! The aviary provides opportunities to photograph various birds, and you might spot ducks and ducklings along the creek.
The historic Victorian precinct surrounding the gardens offers charming architecture, and within the gardens themselves, the 'Wonderland' sculpture is a unique photographic subject.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating a softer, more atmospheric feel, especially with the light and shade patterns in the forest pathways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawns, and let the kids explore the open spaces and the charming aviary. +1It's a safe and engaging environment where kids can run around and discover new things. The gardens are easily accessible and offer a great way to break up a road trip or enjoy a local outing.
🚴♀️ Cyclists on the Alps to Ocean Trail
It's an ideal place to refuel, perhaps with a packed lunch, and appreciate the well-maintained floral displays and sculptures before continuing your journey. The gardens offer a refreshing change of pace and a scenic highlight along the trail.
📸 Photographers and Nature Lovers
while the forest pathways offer atmospheric shots with beautiful light and shade. During blooming seasons, the vibrant floral displays provide stunning opportunities for macro and landscape photography. Don't miss the aviary for bird photography or the charming marble fountain. Early mornings and late afternoons generally offer the best light for capturing the gardens' magic.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Wonderland' Sculpture: A Hidden Gem
Visitors often marvel at the craftsmanship and the story behind this piece. It adds a layer of cultural depth to the natural beauty of the gardens, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The sculpture is a focal point that draws attention and sparks conversation among those who explore the grounds.
Experiencing the 'Wonderland' sculpture is a key part of appreciating the Oamaru Public Gardens' unique character. It’s a piece that has stood the test of time, contributing to the gardens' reputation as a world-class botanical attraction.
A Stroll Through Oamaru's Victorian Past
Walking through the Oamaru Public Gardens offers a chance to connect with this history. You can imagine the townspeople of yesteryear enjoying these same pathways and floral displays. The presence of features like the marble fountain and the well-maintained garden beds contribute to this immersive historical experience.
Exploring the Victorian precinct adjacent to the gardens is highly recommended to fully grasp Oamaru's past. This combination of historical architecture and natural beauty makes for a rich and engaging visit.
Family Fun in the Gardens
In warmer months, the water play area offers an additional splash-tastic attraction, perfect for cooling down on a sunny day.
Beyond the play facilities, the general environment of the gardens, with its open spaces and gentle pathways, is ideal for family picnics and leisurely strolls. Making memories at Oamaru Public Gardens is easy, whether it's through play, a family picnic, or simply enjoying the natural beauty together. The variety of attractions ensures there's something to entertain every member of the family.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit