Steampunk HQ
Immerse yourself in a world of gears, steam, and futuristic inventions at Steampunk HQ, a quirky museum in Oamaru.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Indoor fun, rain or shine!
Steampunk HQ
Best Time
Indoor fun, rain or shine!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Immerse yourself in a world of gears, steam, and futuristic inventions at Steampunk HQ, a quirky museum in Oamaru.
"You will be surprised!!! Really cool. Would recommend to anyone in the area to go and check it out."
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
Bring your camera! This place is packed with unique backdrops and interactive elements perfect for memorable photos.
🧸 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids of all ages will love pushing buttons and exploring. It's a hands-on experience that keeps them engaged.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Infinity Room
Inside the main building
Step into a mesmerizing 'time portal' with mirrors and lights, creating an endless, starry illusion.
Interactive Exhibits
Throughout the museum
Push buttons, pull levers, and engage with quirky machines and sculptures that bring the steampunk world to life.
Victorian-meets-Futuristic Art
Main exhibition hall
Explore a unique blend of Victorian aesthetics and wild, futuristic inventions with a steam-powered twist.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Quirky
Interactive Fun for All
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
Bring your camera! This place is packed with unique backdrops and interactive elements perfect for memorable photos.
🧸 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids of all ages will love pushing buttons and exploring. It's a hands-on experience that keeps them engaged.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
You'll easily spend an hour or more exploring and interacting with the exhibits.
✨ Don't Miss the 'Portal'
The infinity room is a major highlight, often described as a 'time portal' or 'sensory room'.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
Bring your camera! This place is packed with unique backdrops and interactive elements perfect for memorable photos.
🧸 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids of all ages will love pushing buttons and exploring. It's a hands-on experience that keeps them engaged.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
You'll easily spend an hour or more exploring and interacting with the exhibits.
✨ Don't Miss the 'Portal'
The infinity room is a major highlight, often described as a 'time portal' or 'sensory room'.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently surprised by how much they enjoy Steampunk HQ, praising its interactive nature and unique exhibits. It's a highly recommended stop for its creative, quirky, and engaging experience, especially for families and those who love photography. While most find it a highlight, a few younger children might find some elements less engaging.
"I was actually surprised that I really enjoyed this activity. Was a lot to see and do here. The kids loved it and so many things to touch and experience. Is an outside area so we did that first with the weather about to turn! Really cool. Would recommend to anyone in the area to go and check out it. You will be surprised!!!"
Haley brown
"Steam Punk HQ Was great fun! Everything is interactive. Lots of buttons to push and levers to move and things that make noise or flash lights. There are vehicles to climb in & on and amazing machines and sculptures and giant roaches on the wall! Ever wanted to play an evil dentist? Or mad scientist? This is the perfect opportunity. Quirky kids of all ages will love this place!"
Lori Irwin
"Definitely go to this. 2kids loved it 1 didn't. Ages, 13, 11 and 9. Fun activity and lots of cool photos and things to do"
kelly walker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Steampunk HQ is located in Oamaru's Victorian precinct on the South Island of New Zealand. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular stop for road trips along the east coast.
Yes, it's situated in the heart of the historic Victorian precinct, making it a central and unmissable attraction in Oamaru.
Many visitors combine a visit to Steampunk HQ with exploring the rest of the Victorian precinct, which is known for its architecture and shops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are generally reasonable, offering great value for the interactive experience. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
While not always necessary, booking in advance can be a good idea, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee entry.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Steampunk HQ website or their social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for families with children, but adults and teens also find it incredibly fun and engaging due to its interactive nature. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a highly interactive museum filled with unique steampunk art, sculptures, machines, and the famous infinity room. You can push buttons, pull levers, and climb on exhibits. +1
Most visitors spend at least an hour, and often longer if they enjoy photography and interacting with all the exhibits.
Yes, Steampunk HQ is a photographer's dream! The unique exhibits and the infinity room offer countless creative photo opportunities. 
The main exhibits are indoors, making it a perfect attraction regardless of the weather. There might be some outdoor elements as well.
The infinity room, often called a 'time portal' or 'sensory room,' is a highlight featuring mirrors and lights that create an illusion of infinite space.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is highly encouraged! It's a visually stimulating place with many unique exhibits perfect for capturing.
The infinity room is a must-capture, along with the various interactive machines, sculptures, and the overall steampunk aesthetic.
Generally, flash photography is allowed, but it's always good practice to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to break up a road trip and offers a unique, imaginative experience that differs from typical tourist attractions. The blend of art, science, and a touch of the bizarre is sure to entertain everyone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Don't shy away from the interactive elements; they often make for the most dynamic and engaging photos. The museum's blend of art and invention offers endless creative possibilities, making it a rewarding visit for anyone looking to capture something truly different.
✨ Offbeat Travelers
+1The museum celebrates creativity and the unconventional, making it a perfect stop for those who appreciate the unusual. The interactive nature ensures you're not just a spectator but a participant in the steampunk narrative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Steampunk Aesthetic
The exhibits are not just static displays; they are often kinetic and interactive, inviting visitors to become part of the steampunk narrative. From giant mechanical creatures to elaborate contraptions, the creativity on display is a testament to the power of imagination. It’s a place that sparks curiosity and encourages a playful engagement with art and technology.
This unique blend of art, history, and fantasy makes Steampunk HQ a standout attraction. It’s a place where the past is reimagined, and the possibilities of invention are celebrated in a visually stunning and engaging way.
The Infinity Room: A Portal to Another Dimension
+1 This immersive space uses mirrors, lights, and ambient music to create a disorienting yet captivating illusion of infinite space. It’s a truly unique experience that leaves a lasting impression.Visitors often express awe at the visual spectacle, comparing it to modern digital art installations. The combination of hundreds of lights hanging down, reflected endlessly in the mirrored surfaces, creates a breathtaking effect. It’s a perfect spot for surreal and memorable photographs, making it a must-see within the museum.
+1The infinity room is a prime example of Steampunk HQ's commitment to providing an interactive and mind-bending experience. It’s a highlight that many visitors recommend and remember long after their visit, showcasing the museum's ability to blend technology with artistic vision.
Interactive Exhibits for All Ages
From giant roaches on the wall to vehicles to climb in and on, the exhibits are designed to spark joy and curiosity. The opportunity to play the role of a 'mad scientist' or 'evil dentist' through these interactive elements adds a layer of playful immersion. It’s this active participation that makes the experience memorable and fun for visitors of all ages.
This interactive philosophy ensures that Steampunk HQ is not just a place to observe, but a place to experience. The constant engagement keeps visitors entertained and allows them to discover the creativity and engineering behind each exhibit in a personal way.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit