This Little Blue Penguin statue stands in the center of downtown Oamaru, Otago which puts a smile on each face that passes by it. Oamaru, Otago is the home of the Little Blue Penguin and so the community had this statue made from Oamaru stone which has become a well known symbol in this town. Oamaru, New Zealand is a place where the Little Blue Penguins waddle up the beach daily to return to their homes as evening approaches. They spend the entire day at sea fishing covering as much as fifty kilometers some days. People then view the penguins from a stadium as each Little Blue Penguin starts to wash up along the shore one by one and walk along the rocks towards home with a few stops in between.

This adorable statue of a Little Blue Penguin was created out of Oamaru Stone and stands proudly in the downtown area of Oamaru, NZ. Tourists that visit Oamaru find this statue very unique and soon come to realize the meaning it holds in the hearts of the local residents. A smile is easily seen on people's faces as they pass by the Little Blue Penguin statue. The Little Blue Penguin stands with its little head held high as if posing for all the cameras as the people snap his picture. The statue is probably the most photographed attraction throughout the entire town of Oamaru, Otago on the South Island of NZ.

Bright red flowers blossom in one of the circular gardens at the Oamaru Public Gardens on the South Island of New Zealand, encompassed by white flowering plants and a fountain displayed in the middle. Each of the gardens are very well tended to, making this public location one of the prettiest places to stroll through in the summer months. The gardens have been opened to the public since 1876 making it one of the oldest ones known throughout the country. Nature surrounds visitors as flowers flourish everywhere in the Oamaru Public Gardens with walkways that meander throughout the flower beds. The paths are well suited for joggers and walkers, making this place a delight for everyone.

At the yearly Wine and Food Festival held in Oamaru on the South Island of New Zealand, thousands of people spend the day here and bring their picnic supplies. Some years the weather may not cooperate, but this particular year the sun was shining and people thoroughly enjoyed the festival. Activities are lined up throughout the day for adults as well as children, creating the ideal atmosphere for a family day. Excellent food, wine and a variety of entertainment are enjoyed by all as each group of people find a place to lay their blankets. Most families with small children like to find a place in the shade under the trees so that the kids have a place to get out of the sun.

Situated on the South Island’s east coast Oamaru is North Otago’s main service centre. Oamaru has New Zealand’s largest number of heritage buildings, much of the town’s original architecture still remains and has been restored so locals and visitors alike can enjoy the attractive historic townscape.

A building which was used by multiple organizations including councils and law offices, the beautiful Opera House along Thames Street in downtown Oamaru, is now primarily used for theatre and movie watching. Opera House, Oamaru, Otago, South Island, New Zealand.

A collection of Oamaru’s finest preserved buildings is known as the Historic Precinct. Crafted from Oamaru Stone and built in 1870-1890, this Precinct remains today as New Zealand’s most intact Victorian Streetscape. The Criterion Hotel has been fully restored to a working style pub of the Victorian era, try an authentic beer or sample their famous pork pie. Wander through the old bookstore, antique shop or vintage auto collection. There are regular Sunday markets held here and a novel way to travel around is on the vintage steam train. Visit Totara Estate to view the origin of the meat freezing industry in New Zealand. Tour the comprehensive museum, view antique farming equipment and explore the four farm buildings, also built from the local limestone. Oamaru is home to two species of Penguins. Located at the Oamaru Harbour is the Blue Penguin Colony, a nesting area for the world’s smallest species of penguin. A seated grandstand allows visitors to view these amazing birds every night. Nearby, Bushy Beach is home to the rare yellow-eyed penguin and here visitors can watch these fascinating creatures waddle ashore at dusk each evening. The Oamaru Red Sheds (also located beside the Harbour) is another interesting location, here you will see several craftsmen practicing their traditional trades, including woodwork, blacksmiths and stone carvers. Popular annual events in Oamaru include the Victorian Heritage Celebration Week (held in November) and the Oamaru Stone Carving and Whitestone Waitaki Food and Wine Festival (held in Oamaru Gardens in February).