Oamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations
Annual celebration of Oamaru's heritage, set among the Victorian limestone streetscapes and harbour area. A volunteer-run festival, with small-town warmth, music, food, lectures, tours, dances, crafts and heaps of Oamaru creativity.
Tour the Restored Junction Hotel
Between Thursday 13 November 2025 and Saturday 15 November 2025
The 1879 Junction Hotel stands tall and proud at the southern entrance to Ōamaru, on the corner of Wansbeck and Towey Streets. Fully restored and fabulously furnished it is a 'must do' to visit this year.
Enjoy a tour of the Junction's 34 rooms and thoughtfully laid out gardens. Refreshments will be served.
The Junction Hotel
Ōamaru Noir Express
Thursday 13 November 2025
Step aboard the Ōamaru Noir Express for an unforgettable journey into the past.
Be transported to a time of elegance and refinement, and enjoy a dining experience reminiscent of what Victorian travellers once savoured in Ōamaru.
As you arrive, you'll be serenaded by live singers on the platform, then welcomed with a glass of bubbles before settling in for a delicious entree, main, and dessert. Seats are limited, so book early to secure your place aboard the Ōamaru Noir Express.
Harbourside Station
The Language of Flowers and Fans at the Junction Hotel
Friday 14 November 2025
Discover the Victorian secret language of fans, flowers and making pot pourri.
The Junction Hotel
Enter the Shadows of Ōamaru's Old Cemetery Grounds
Between Friday 14 November 2025 and Saturday 15 November 2025
Join us on a haunting wander among the graves of those who came before. Beneath weathered stones and fading names lie stories of early settlers. Laid out in denominational blocks and sections, stories of individuals, family and district endeavour, live on through carved names and dates.
Receive a free CD with inscriptions for both the Old and Lawn cemeteries compiled by the Waitaki Society of Genealogists.
Tour led by Beryl Miller.
Ōamaru Old Cemetery, meet at Greta St Gate,
Victorian Garden Party - Ticket for Refreshments
Friday 14 November 2025
Enjoy the delightful elegance of the ever-popular Victorian Garden Party at the Ōamaru Public Gardens. Partake in light refreshments and entertainment while admiring the costumes.
Ōamaru Public Gardens
Madame Blayde's Fashion Parade
Saturday 15 November 2025
This year’s fashion show will be a take on the Victorian silhouette, unveiling the darker side of Victorian elegance.
Here, fashion is mysterious, dramatic, secretive, and a little unconventional. Imagine crinolines rustling with hidden plots, bustles concealing whispered secrets, and the cutaway coat becoming a symbol of both grandeur and rebellion.
Scottish Hall
High Tea at the Junction Hotel
Saturday 15 November 2025
A time to relax before the festivities of the evening. Gentlemen may like to take a tour of the basement, but only for the adventurous.
The Junction Hotel
Rascals Ruckus
Saturday 15 November 2025
We promise a fun night of Ceilidh dancing, so let you hair down and join us for a right ol' knees-up! Dunedin's Scottish Fiddle Orchestra will provide the music and call the dances to help you romp through the evening. Light supper included.
Cash/Eftpos Bar Scoundrels dress encouraged, but not required.
Scottish Hall
