Harbour & Tyne Historic Precinct

The Harbour & Tyne Historic Precinct was the original commercial district of Oamaru. The grand, highly decorated buildings were built from locally quarried limestone - Oamaru whitestone, as it is called. Today the area is recognised as having New Zealand's most complete collection of Victorian buildings.As you walk around the streets you'll notice the Scottish Society Hall (1864), the Criterion Hotel (1877), Smith's Grain Store (1882) and the ornate Harbour Board offices. In keeping with the Victorian theme, various interesting businesses operate in the precinct including a bookbinder, a cobbler and curio shops. Locals in Victorian dress, or even riding a penny farthing bike, are not unusual here.Sunday is a special day in the precinct. A produce and craft market operates from an old woolstore and a vintage steam train provides 30 minute joy rides.In November each year the precinct hosts a Victorian fete which features the New Zealand National Penny Farthing Championships and the World Stone Sawing Championships.