top of page

Browse through events below or click image above to download pdf 

2016

Medicine in the Victorian Era


Pre-Celebrations lead up events 2016

 

Heritage Schools Programme
Monday 31st October to Wednesday 16th November
Schools from the greater Waitaki and Timaru Districts are invited to book onto a choice of three activities highlighting this year’s theme “The intriguing world of medicine in the Victorian era” and showcasing the special Victorian heritage of Oamaru and the surrounding area. All activities are hands-on. Choose from a theatrical experience, with “Lane of Marvels” at the Oamaru Opera House, Celebrate 150 years of Clarks Flour Mill or step back in time and explore life on the Victorian farm at Totara Estate. Students can also dress the part to join in the fun further! Bookings essential. 
Contact Brooke Kofoed Event coordinator. Phone 027 334 9104. or email events@tourismwaitaki.co.nz

 

Penny Farthing and Vintage Cycle Tour
13th–17th November

This year the penny farthing and vintage cycle tour will travel around the Taieri plain and up the coast to Dunedin.
‘The Great South Seas Expedition’. The tour is from 13th–17th November arriving in Oamaru for the start of the Heritage Week celebrations.

 

An interactive look at North Otago history from whoa to go - 0 to 2020
Judy Stevenson presents 12 daily sessions from 9th–20th November. Each session looks at two decades and covers people, places, pastimes and production. North Otago history will be looked at in relation to provincial, national and international goings on. The medical theme will also be included.
Daily sessions start from the 9th November and are $12 each, or $100 for all 12, sessions include afternoon tea or supper. Tickets available from www.vhc.co.nz or at the i-SITE.Held upstairs at Star & Garter, Itchen St., Oamaru.

 

Vintage Car Club Swapmeet
8am, 12th November. The North Otago Vintage Car Club is hosting their annual Swapmeet, a treasure-trove of delights for all vintage and veteran enthusiasts, something for everyone.
Entry $5 at the gate, A&P Show Grounds, Caledonion Road.

 

Scotts Alps 2 Ocean Charity Ride
301km, 4 Days, 1 Amazing Trail – 15th–18th November.
Scotts Alps 2 Ocean Charity Ride is a 4-day large group charity ride along the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. This is not a race - it’s a scenic ride for a good cause. Funds raised will be split 50/50 between St John and the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail to assist with ongoing maintenance and improvements to the trail. Come join us for an epic undertaking as we traverse from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean.
Register your team of cyclists and come join the adventure! Stay in local communities along the way, discover the attractions and scenery of the regions. The winning team will be the one that raises the most for charity.
To register visit www.alps2ocean.com or email events@tourismwaitaki.co.nz



 

Daily and continuous events 2016

 

Forrester Gallery – Wonderlab: Art and Anatomy
On display: A large medically-themed sculpture by Karitane artist Rowan Holt made for Art in Neuroscience, a collaboration with the Otago University’s Brain Health Research Centre (BHRC) and the Otago Polytechnic School of Art. Out of sight out of mind: Intriguing quirky and captivating exhibits from the W.D Trotter Anatomy Museum. Thumbs up: hands on activities for all ages.
Open daily 10.30am–4.30pm. Admission free. Forrester Gallery, 9 Thames Street.
Phone 03 433 0853  www.culturewaitaki.co.nz

 

Opera House Tours
Take a backstage tour of Oamaru Opera House and learn all about the building’s history. 12pm daily tours, Thursday 17th and Friday 18th November.
Cost is $3 per person or $9 for families of four. Bookings from the Opera House box office before the tour.
Oamaru Opera House, 90 Thames Street. Phone 03 433 0779.

 

St Luke’s Historic Church Open
Monday to Saturday - 10.30–3.30pm. St Luke’s Historic Church with North Otago Floral Art Society 
Friday and Saturday 10.30am–3.30pm. Sunday 12–4pm. St Luke’s Church, Corner Itchen and Tees Streets.
Gold coin donation.

​

Oamaru Steam and Rail Trip
Welcome aboard the locomotive which will take you from the Harbourside Station to the Quarry Siding in the harbour area and return. Trips every 45 minutes from 11am Saturday and 10.30am Sunday.
Return fares: Adults $8, children $3, Family (2 adults 2 children) $20. Book at the station or i-SITE. Pedestrian access via steps from Itchen and Harbour Street.

 

Oamaru’s Top 10 Mini Golf
Even though golf was a men’s game, in 1867 The Ladies’ Putting Club of St. Andrews was formed as a members-only green for women golfers. Try your luck at Oamaru’s Mini Golf course. An eighteen-hole course designed around the local tourist attraction from the Waitaki. Each hole is allotted an information board about that attraction. Fun for everyone in the family.
$5 per person during heritage week. 16th-20th Nov. Return your score card with completed details to take part in the prize draw for $150 vouchers for Top 10 Accommodation and $50 petrol voucher.
10am–6pm, Oamaru Top 10 Holiday Park, Chelmer Street.

 

Note: The Oamaru Repertory Society Inc. production of “Morrell’s Miracles”, 
has been cancelled.
They are however staging Reel Movies - A Nostalgic Cinematographic Experience!

On Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Rendell on Reed Art Competition/Exhibition
Rendell on Reed Rest home is celebrating its 21st Anniversary and have invited our local high schools, Waitaki Girls High, Waitaki Boys High and St Kevin’s College to submit their work.  We will display all submitted art work at Rendell on Reed. We invite you all to come and vote for your favourite piece. Public viewing is open daily between 10am to 4 pm in the hallways of the original wing. Our heritage building entrance is off Reed Street, up the driveway on your left, just past the Catholic Basilica.
Final judging will be held on the evening of 18th November from 6.30pm–8.30pm.
Drinks and Nibbles will be provided. Free admission.

 

The New Zealand Organ Museum Open
The New Zealand Organ Museum Trust has moved into the historic 1865/75 gothic St John’s Presbyterian church in Herbert, 18 minutes south of Oamaru.
The museum will be open from 10am during each day of the Victorian Heritage Celebrations. Come and see and hear a variety of instruments demonstrated. There will be recitals on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons at 2pm featuring local performers Ron Newton and Eden Bradfield of Oamaru, and David Burchell from Dunedin. 
Entry by donation. St John’s Presbyterian Church, Ord Street, Herbert. 18 minutes south of Oamaru on SH1.

 

Custom House Gallery
Come and admire local art which will be for sale in our gallery.
Open 10am–4pm. Tyne Street.

 

Whitestone Walking Tours
Explore, discover, and experience the fascinating story behind the prosperous development of Victorian Oamaru through the eyes of a professional guide in period costume. Tours approximately 1 hour.
$20 per person, $40 couple, children free. Book at the i-SITE.

​
 

Wednesday 16th November 2016

​

10am–4pm  Oamaru Steam and Rail Workshop
Venture behind the scenes into the workshop of steam and rail – the ultimate in a blokes’ shed. Come and see our steam engine loco being restored.
Entry by donation. Workshop on railway siding behind the Woolstore Complex.

​

12.05pm  The Waitaki Valley Singers
Enjoy their first midday concert with conductor Wendy Eckhardt. Bring your lunch, tea and coffee provided.
Entry by gold coin donation. St Paul’s Church, 5 Coquet Street.

​

3pm–5pm  Oamaru War Memorials
Join local historian Helen Stead as we visit war monuments of granite, marble and Oamaru stone and crosses beside memorial oaks. View the quilt given to Oamaru nurse Isobel Clark and stand beneath VC recipient Donald Forrester Brown’s photograph in the Oamaru House. Travel to Waitaki BHS Hall of Memories where flags, stained glass and pennants tell of deeds of endeavour and sadness. 
Tickets $20. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE. Meet at Opera House Foyer.

 

6pm  Forrester Gallery wonderlab: Art and Anatomy presents two speakers from the University of Otago.
Take a whirlwind tour of the W.D. Trotter Anatomy Museum with curator Chris Smith. Find out about the “burlesque brain” from Fieke Neuman, who will talk about her innovative anatomy teaching aids.
Free admission. Forrester Gallery, 9 Thames Street.
Phone 03 433 085 www.culturewaitaki.co.nz


​

Thursday 17th November 2016

​

10am-12pm  Oamaru’s Classical Architecture
Conservation historian Helen Stead takes you under, through and past some of Oamaru’s magnificent historic buildings; linking classical designs brought with artisans and pioneers rejoicing in the local availability of easily worked limestone giving historic Oamaru its distinctive character.
Tickets $20, Book on this site here or at the i-SITE. Meet at i-Site.

 

12.05pm  Forty Flying Fingers and The North Otago Women’s Club Choir
Music at St Paul’s church features four pianists at pianos with the North Otago Women’s Club Choir. Bring your lunch. Tea and coffee provided.
St Paul’s Church, 5 Coquet Street. Gold coin donation.

 

5pm  2016 Grand Opening
You are invited to the official opening of the 2016 Victorian Heritage Celebrations. Enjoy the entertainment, mingle with friends from last year, meet the sponsors, and admire the costumes that have been created for this year’s theme. This is your chance to be one of the first to see inside the new attraction in Harbour Street. 
Tickets $10. Book on this site here at the i-SITE. Entrance from the seaward of the Victorian Precinct.

 

6pm  Secret Passions, Secret Remedies
Dr. Julia Sutherland will present a talk: “Secret Passions, Secret Remedies: Drug addiction and women in Victorian Society”.  
Free entry and all welcome. Oamaru Public Library, 62 Thames Street, Oamaru.

 

7.30pm  The Victorian Domestic Goddess Triumphs Over Adversity - And Assorted Other Afflictions
Sorry - this event has been canceled.
If you have purchased tickets please contact iSITE for your refund.

 

7.30pm–10.30pm  Phonograph Panacea
A dose of dancing to medicinal music from Grandpa Hall’s gramophone. Palatable potions for sale to cure all ailments. Limited places, bookings essential. No door sales. Cash bar operating. Transport options available.
Tickets $20 includes supper. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE.
The Granary, Totara Estate, 8km south of Oamaru.

 

7.30pm  Reel Movies - A Nostalgic Cinematographic Experience!
We will be showing four old films, loosely connected to the Victorian medical theme of the Celebrations. These are: “The Cure” (Charlie Chaplin), “Never Weaken” (Harold Lloyd), “County Hospital” (Laurel and Hardy) and “To Serve Man” (The Twilight Zone -1962).
To get everyone into the mood of the evening the theatre will be decorated to represent the era of the films and one of our own members, Linda Cant, has very kindly offered to set the scene by playing the piano for us as we take our seats and during the interval. Also popcorn will be available for purchase before the performance and ice-creams during the interval. After the showing, light refreshments will be available in the Green Room and the Bar will be open.
Oamaru Repertory Theatre - 15 Itchen Street.
Box Office sales only. Tickets $15
Box Office open hours: Thursday 6.30 to 7.30pm  Friday 12.00pm to 5.00pm and 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
Sunday 12.00pm to 4.00pm.

​

Friday 18th November 2016

 

8.15am–9.45am  Acidspurter’s Disastrous Breakfast at Portside restaurant.
Between lost shoes and trousers, spilt drinks, and setting himself on fire amid the screams of a waitress finding herself suddenly disrobed in front of everyone and Dr Arkenfarter doing his best to make amends to everyone present its simply another Professor Franken Acidspurter disaster with ensuing hilarity for all. Enjoy the antics and a full English breakfast, arrive by train or meet us there.
Train departs Itchen St at 8.15am and departs Portside at 9.45ish to return to Itchen St.
Tickets $25 which includes your train ride and your breakfast. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE.
Portside Restaurant, Waterfront Road.

​

8.30am–3pm  Apothecary Tea Party at the Sanatorium
We’ve got the prescription for an empty stomach as our Café & Bar is transformed into the town dispensary for fortifying sweets and savouries. Ladies, calm your frayed nerves and restore your vigour in our Hysteria Room.
Opera House Café & Bar. Oamaru Opera House, 90 Thames Street. Phone 03 433 0779

 

9am–10am  The World Famous Star and Garter Breakfast with Richard Bowering
Dine in the world famous Star and Garter Restaurant and be entertained by Richard Bowering on baritone and June Cameron on piano. 
Tickets $25. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE. Star and Garter Restaurant, 9 Itchen Street.

 

9.30am–11.30am  The Benefit Ball Practice
For those who wish to learn or practice dances for this evenings Ball.
The dance list may be found here. Gold coin donation. Scottish Hall, 10 Tyne Street.

 

10am–12pm  Of Ships, Sheep & Grain
From open Roadstead Oamaru Harbour welcomed migrants, stock and building materials from the 1840s, then exported wool, grain and frozen meat direct to London as breakwater and wharves were built. From tents on the beach to Oamaru-stone buildings for merchants, bankers and millers the nearby streets grew rapidly. History with Helen Stead.
Tickets $20. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE.
Meet on the Overhead Rail Bridge, Lower Wansbeck Street, Oamaru Harbour.

 

10am–12pm  Café Promenade
After the lovely breakfast at Portside spend the morning promenading in your finery along the streets of Oamaru enjoying the selection of delicacies on offer at Oamaru cafes and marvel at shops windows which have been decorated in heritage style.

 

10am – 2pm  Elevenses with Mrs B
Call into the Early Settlers Hall to sample the delights from Mrs Beeton’s kitchen with a cup of tea, coffee, or a small glass of madeira. Try your hand at Victorian parlour games or just relax and have a chat.
$5 per serving. Early Settlers’ Hall, Severn Street, just behind the Opera House.

 

10.30am–3.30pm S t Luke’s Historic Church North Otago Floral Art Society Display.
Gold coin donation. St Luke’s Church, Itchen Street.

 

2.05pm  Variety Concert
A St Paul’s concert featuring local artists.
Bring your lunch. Tea and coffee provided. Gold coin donation. St Paul’s Church, 5 Coquet Street.

 

12.30pm  Waitaki Herald Victorian Retail Window Display
Prize-giving and presentation of the silver tray for the best dressed Victorian window.
Oamaru Opera House, 90 Thames Street.

 

12.30pm  Great Photo Opportunity
Join Oamaru’s heritage family for a group photograph in costume on the steps of the Opera House.
Oamaru Opera House, 90 Thames Street.

 

12.30pm  Costume Awards
Straight after the ‘Great Photo’ on the Opera House steps, winners of the best dressed medical themed costume will be presented.

 

1pm  Forrester and Lemon Memorial Lecture
Please check our website or with the i-SITE closer to Heritage Week for this year’s speaker and topic. Details were not available at the time of publishing
Admission free, The Ink Box – Oamaru Opera House, 90 Thames Street.

 

1pm   “Where we went and the adventures we had”
In line with custom those dauntless and daring survivors of this year’s Heritage cycle tour will present their deeds of derring-do to an astonished audience.
Free entry and all welcome. Oamaru Public Library, 62 Thames Street, Oamaru.

​

1.30pm–3.30pm  Croquet in the Gardens
Have a go at croquet in the gardens with help from the Awamoa Gardens Croquet Club.
Oamaru Public Gardens, Band Rotunda

 

2.30pm–3.30pm  Crombie & Price Victorian Garden Party
A good garden party needs a good garden and there are few better than the Oamaru Public Gardens. Look for the Band Rotunda and join the guests enjoying fine food, silver service and magical music.
Admission free. The Band Rotunda in the Oamaru Public Gardens.
Wet weather venue St Paul’s Church Hall Coquet Street.

 

2.30pm–3.30pm  Oamaru Gardens Picnic Competition
Join the elegantly attired gentry as they sip their cups of tea at the Garden Party, show off your best tea things and bring some delectable delicacies in the style of a Victorian Physician or Quack. Prize for the best dressed picnic table that is dressed to this year’s theme. Please set your tables up around the area that is reserved for the garden party.

​

5pm  Wandering Banquet featuring ‘Uncle George’s’ Magical Soiree
Be fascinated and magically entertained by our own “Uncle George” New Zealand’s only Victorian magician. Complete in top hat and period dress with pockets of miracles and puzzling delights lovingly restored and cleverly performed from the times of her majesty Queen Victoria. Start with delectable canapés at the Criterion, then all aboard the train for a leisurely ride too Portside for your main course. Then return on the train for your dessert to be served at the Criterion. A very pleasant way to start the evening, then on to your evening entertainment or onto the ball.
Tickets $60 includes your meal and train ride. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE. Criterion Hotel, Tyne Street.

 

6pm  Organ Transplant
Music lovers in Oamaru are in for a rare treat as internationally renowned concert organist Kemp English brings his stunning new state-of-the-art digital organ to the town for the very first time. Kemp will present a not-to-be-missed programme of delightful selections from the organ’s magnificent repertoire.
Entry by donation. Whitestone Contracting Auditorium. Oamaru Opera House, 90 Thames Street.
Phone 03 433 0770 www.oamaruoperahouse.co.nz

 

6.30 to 8.30pm  Rendell on Reed final judging of the art competition.  
In the Heritage building of Renell on Reed. Entrance off Reed Street, up the driveway on your left,
just past the Catholic Basilica.Drinks and nibbles provided.
Free admission

 

7.30pm  The Turn of the Screw
Dark, intense and powerful, this adaption of Henry James’ classic Victorian ghost story will immerse the audience into the world of a 19th century English manor house filled with mystery and eerie suspense. A young governess journeys to a lonely English mansion to care for two recently orphaned children. But she is not their first governess... and very soon she realises that something is very wrong.
Adults: $25 (+ service fees) Seniors/Students: $20 (+ service fees)
Book at the Opera House, 90 Thames Street or on Ticket Direct.

 

7.30pm  Reel Movies - A Nostalgic Cinematographic Experience!
We will be showing four old films, loosely connected to the Victorian medical theme of the Celebrations. These are: “The Cure” (Charlie Chaplin), “Never Weaken” (Harold Lloyd), “County Hospital” (Laurel and Hardy) and “To Serve Man” (The Twilight Zone -1962).
To get everyone into the mood of the evening the theatre will be decorated to represent the era of the films and one of our own members, Linda Cant, has very kindly offered to set the scene by playing the piano for us as we take our seats and during the interval. Also popcorn will be available for purchase before the performance and ice-creams during the interval. After the showing, light refreshments will be available in the Green Room and the Bar will be open.
Oamaru Repertory Theatre - 15 Itchen Street.
Box Office sales only. Tickets $15
Box Office open hours: Friday 12.00pm to 5.00pm and 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Sunday 12.00pm to 4.00pm.

​

8pm  Hospital Benefit Ball
The Trustees of the Waitaki District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board Inc. (1885) invite altruistic citizens to attend this Benefit Ball. Tonica, a quartet from Dunedin, have been engaged to play and a four course supper will be served through the evening. Liquid refreshments may be purchased during the evening. Dress code: Formal ball attire or dress uniform. Limited places, booking essential.
No door sales. Ballroom opens at 7pm. Grand March commences at 8pm. Dancing until late. 
Tickets $60. The Scottish Hall, 10 Tyne Street. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE.
The dance list may be found here.

 

8pm  Two Comedians and a Hypnotist
Because laughter is the best medicine. Prepare to laugh your garters off and knock your braces for a six with an array of humorous antics that have to be seen to be believed! Join us for a hilarious evening of entertainment from three of New Zealand’s premier visual entertainers.
The night kicks off with the marvellously mystifying Victorian Magician “Uncle George” and renowned funambulist Johnathon Acorn, who together will provide an hour of cunning comedy before the headlining act.
A show not to be missed, Oamaru welcomes…wait for it… hypnotist extraordinaire, Guy Cater! Having headlined comedy and entertainment events in NZ and internationally, absolute master of the mystical, Guy will have you in fits of laughter quash the doubts of any sceptics out there. The question is…will you be brave enough to volunteer? Brace yourself ladies and gents, you’re in for a treat!!
Tickets $30. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE. Loan and Merc, Harbour Street.
Cash bar available.
 

​

Saturday 19th November 2016

 

9am  Highland Dancing
Enjoy a Celtic fling at St Paul’s, where Highland Dancers will be competing all day.
Admission prices at the door. St Paul’s Church, 5 Coquet Street.

 

9am–10am  The World Famous Star and Garter Breakfast with Nigel Costley
Start your day with a hearty breakfast from the delicious banquet served in one of New Zealand’s oldest restaurants. Be entertained and educated by Nigel Costley as he speaks of Truby King’s journey to Japan 1904 and how this influenced his career and the formation of Plunket in 1907.
Tickets $25. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE. Star and Garter Restaurant, 9 Itchen Street.

 

10am–4pm  Sale ‘Grandma’s Treasures’
Sale at St Luke’s Hall, Wharfe Street.

 

10.30am–3.30pm  St Luke’s Historic Church open
North Otago Floral Art Society Display.
Gold coin donation. St Luke’s Church, Itchen Street.

​

12pm  Whitestone Contracting Grand Street Parade
The sights and sounds of yester year will wend their way through town for all to see. Join in, or watch from the sideline. Competition for the schools and community groups that take part – Cash and prizes for the best school and community group floats. 
Starts Tyne Street along Itchen Street and into Lower Thames Street.

​

1.30pm–5pm   Working Vintage Machinery
From the age of steam and early internal combustion engines comes a working display of rural machinery.
See a reciprocating sawmill, a museum of rural life, steam traction engine, steam roller, early cars, and many
stationary engine.
At the southern end of the Precinct.

 

1.30pm  Oamaru Bicycle Polo Tournament
See the country’s finest bicycle polo players battle it out for glory and honor at the polo match being held on the Victorian Precinct ‘Polodrome’.
Seaward side, south end of the Victorian Precinct, near the Loan and Merc.

 

1.30pm  The 22nd Heritage Bicycle Championship
New Zealand’s foremost heritage cycling event attracting wheelmen (and women) from all around the globe. This will be another high thrill as riders participate in sprints, slaloms, relays, slow races, and the ghastly Tyne Street Grunter. Collect your entry forms from Club Trailer on Tyne Street prior to 1pm. All riders are encouraged to wear traditional riding attire and the emphasis is on participation and enjoyment. Separate races for Penny Farthings and pre-10speed safeties.
Prize-giving will be held following the events.
Enquiries oamaruordinary@gmail.com, Phone 027 293 1059, Tyne Street & Harbour Street.

 

1.30pm–3.30pm   Masonic Lodge Open to View
Refreshments available. Lodge rooms are open, come and see the fabulous architecture of Forrester and Lemon, meet a Freemason, learn about their ancient rites and traditions. Rest a while and enjoy the healing powers of a cup of tea, coffee or herbal infusion with grannies famous Health Biscuits or some beneficial oaty ginger digestives.
Gold coin donation for the “Tea and Bikkies”. Masonic Lodge, Wansbeck Street, Oamaru.

 

1.30pm  A guided bus tour of historic churches and pipe organs with Dr Ron Newton
With the theme for this year’s celebrations in mind, what could be more appropriate than a bus tour of historic organs of North Otago? Join Dr Ron Newton for an afternoon of discovering historic buildings and pipe organs of Oamaru, Maheno and Herbert, listening to their music, and singing along as well. The tour will finish at the New Zealand Organ Museum’s new home in St. John’s Presbyterian church in Herbert before returning to Oamaru.
Tickets $20. Book at www.vhc.co.nz or at the i-SITE. Bus leaving from farmer’s market carpark on Tyne Street.

 

2pm  Farmhouse Tea with Thomas Brydone at Totara Estate
Come and join us for the very best farmhouse tea and hear none other than Mr Thomas Brydone tell the tale of the bold experiment at Totara Estate in 1882 which led to the growth of a multi-billion-dollar industry.  On arrival enjoy a tour of the estate, meet the swaggers and explore how the farm workers lived.  Then, settle down for a generous serving of traditional tea time fare pioneer style followed by a truly entertaining talk from Mr Brydone.  Walking up the hill to the Brydone Monument overlooking the estate can end your visit with great views over North Otago. This is an afternoon tea not to be missed! Bookings essential, No door sales.
Adults $20 (Heritage New Zealand members $15) Children $10 Book on this site here or at the i-SITE.
Totara Estate, 8kms South of Oamaru on SH1.

 

2pm  Rendell on Reed Rest Home’s 21st Anniversary Celebration
Come and join in, with celebrating 21 years of rest home care in one of Oamaru’ s historic buildings. 
Our celebration will start with our oldest resident raising the ceremonial flag, followed by the Art competition prize-giving in the Rose Garden. Facility tours will be available by our helpful staff in period costume; this tour will also include one of Oamaru’ s best kept secrets, a delightful little historic chapel. Residents of Rendell on Reed will have their art pieces displayed here. 
High tea will be provided in the Heritage Lounge, served by our staff in period costumes.
Free Admission. Rendell on Reed, 70 Reed Street.

 

2pm-4pm  North Otago Early Settlers Portraits
Over 180 Portraits of North Otago’s Early Settlers hang cheek by jowl in the Early Settlers Hall.  A huge project researching and recording who these settlers are; where they came from; when they arrived here; where they lived and what they did when they arrived in North Otago is under way.  Maybe you will find photographs of your ancestors, or help identify unknown portraits.
Gold Coin entry. Early Settlers Hall, 1 Severn Street, access available beside Opera House.

 

2pm-4pm  Traveller’s Tales at Adventure Books
Stories from the sometimes desperate or occasionally amusing happenings deriving from requirements of medical assistance while travelling: Come prepared to enchant an audience with your strangest, most compelling, funny or bizarre traveller’s tales.
All welcome. Free Admission. Adventure Books, 7 Harbour Street.

 

2pm - 4pm  Schola Cantorum of Christchurch
Early Renaissance song and songs from victorian times
$15 or $10 senior/unwaged/student. Tickets sales at the door: St Patrick’s Basilica, Reed St, Oamaru.

 

4pm–4.45pm  Harbour Heritage Garden Party
Regale in the joys of an afternoon garden party complete with tea, cakes, an oral history of the herbal and medicinal use of herbs in the Victorian homestead, and garden games for the children. Tales from great gardeners of the Victorian age come alive!
Admission free, all welcome. Harbour Heritage Garden, behind the Loan & Merc on Harbour Street.

 

4pm–5pm  Clarks Mill Guided Tour with Machinery Operating
Originally part of Totara Estate, this flour mill will be open and operating.  Take a guided tour through this 19th Century engineering marvel and see the mill machinery running.  Follow the journey of a grain of wheat from its arrival to its departure as the fine Snow Wreath flour formerly manufactured here.
Guided Tour Fee $15. Heritage New Zealand Members free. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE.
Clarks Mill, Maheno, 12km South of Oamaru on SH1.

 

4pm–7pm  Physical Therapy Session (Tea Dance)
Come and experience this modern treatment to assist and improve health and well-being for all. Dancing is known to be a complete exercise for body and brain. Cost includes a health promoting afternoon tea. Suitable for all ages and ability. Limited tickets, booking recommended. 
Tickets $15, includes afternoon tea. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE.
Masonic Centre, Wansbeck Street.
The dance list may be found here.

 

6pm–8.30pm  Murder Mystery Dinner – Calling Dr Death
Join us at the Brydone Hotel for a three course dinner and solve the mystery! St. Algernon’s Hospital is home to eight of the world’s most brilliant doctors. So when the hospital board announces they’re looking for a new Chief of Medicine, competition quickly hots up. Before the week is out, a doctor will be dead – murdered by one of their esteemed colleagues. But who will be killed... and who will do the killing? Limited numbers bookings essential.
Tickets $50. Drinks sold separately. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE.
Brydone Hotel, 115 Thames Street, Oamaru.

 

6.30pm  The Turn of the Screw
Dark, intense and powerful, this adaption of Henry James’ classic Victorian ghost story will immerse the audience into the world of a 19th century English manor house filled with mystery and eerie suspense. A young governess journeys to a lonely English mansion to care for two recently orphaned children. But she is not their first governess... and very soon she realises that something is very wrong.
Adults: $25+service fees, Seniors/Students: $20+service fees.
Book at the Opera House, 90 Thames Street or on Ticket Direct.

 

6.30pm–7.30pm  She’s Alive !!!! as Dr Arkenfarter and Professor Franken Acidspurter are in the house.  
A look into the chaotic laboratory of Dr Arkenfarter and Professor Franken Acidspurter’s attempt to create life as a young lady from the agency, comes to apply for the position of laboratory assistant. During the show as she is progressively electrocuted, shot, stabbed, decapitated, levitated and often thought dead the catch cry of “she’s alive” is repeatedly heard from Arkenfarter with great relief to all. A magical vaudeville romp through Victorian surgical and medical misadventure Victorian magician “Uncle George” as Prof. Franken Acidspurter and beloved international fool and puppeteer Jonathon Acorn as Dr Arkenfarter, including Arkenfarter’s famous treatise on haemorrhoids, with plenty of patented snake oil cure-all available for purchase along with other Victorian treats.
Tickets $25. Scottish Hall, Tyne Street. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE.

 

8pm  Hospital Staff Hoedown
The Chief Warden and Matron have been given permission to invite all wardens, nurses, ambulatory patients and their families and friends, to a knees-up at the Loan and Merc. Starting time 8pm. Valley Bluegrass, the southernmost bluegrass band in the world, will provide toe tapping music to get everyone up and dancing.
A rustic supper is included in the ticket price. Liquid refreshments may be purchased during the evening.
Limited places, booking recommended. Door opens 7.30pm. 
Tickets $30. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE. The Loan and Merc, Harbour Street.

 

Sunday 20th November 2016

​

8am  Silver Fern Train Excursion from Dunedin
Travel in style on the Silver Fern with Taieri Gorge Railway along the scenic coast from Dunedin to Oamaru.  Spend a wonderful day at the Network Waitaki Victorian Fete then, loaded with bargains and happy memories, enjoy the leisurely afternoon trip back to Dunedin.
Departs Dunedin Railway Station at 8am to arrive at Oamaru at 11am.
Departs from Oamaru at 2.30pm and arrives back in Dunedin at 5.30pm.
Adults $99, children $28. Book at Taieri Gorge Railway; Phone (03) 477 4449 or email railway@taieri.co.nz.

 

10am–4pm  The Network Waitaki Victorian Fete 
Roll up, roll up and take a step back in time and sample the nostalgia of the Victorian Era! Wander through the quality boutique stalls selling all manner of exquisite wares that will line the streets.
Be entertained by the musicians, singers, and dancers, jugglers, street performers, magicians and stilt walkers. There will be some thing for your amusement found on every corner to ensure this day is one to remember. 
Dress up in your Victorian best and join in all the fun of the Fair!
Entry $10, Children Under 18 Free. Cash only to enter the Fete, however, Eftpos will be available within the Fete.
Harbour & Tyne Streets. Programme and stall site inquiries at www.victorianoamaru.co.nz

​

10am-4pm  Custom House Gallery and café 
Come and admire local art which will be for sale in our gallery or relax and enjoy the refreshments from our cafe in Tyne Street.

 

10am  Heritage Church Services
St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, 5 Coquet Street.

 

9.45am  St Luke’s Anglican Heritage Service
Dress up in your finery; come and celebrate our heritage with St Luke’s historic church: hear an organ recital from 9:45 to 10:30, followed by a brief traditional Victorian morning service, followed by a scrumptious old-fashioned morning tea. Includes North Otago Floral Art Society Display.
All welcome. St Luke’s Historic Church, Itchen Street. Open Noon to 4pm.

 

1pm–3pm  Clarks Mill Open
If you missed seeing Clarks Mill operating on Saturday, here’s a chance to take a self-guided tour around the mill at your leisure when it is not operating.  Originally part of Totara Estate, Clarks Mill is a 19th century engineering marvel with four floors of original roller milling machinery to explore.
Tour fee $10 (Heritage New Zealand members free) Book on this site here or at the i-SITE or cash only at the door.
Clarks Mill, Maheno, 12km South of Oamaru on SH1.

 

4pm-6pm  Headstones & Stories
A twilight walk through Oamaru’s oldest cemetery with conservation historian Helen Stead. Laid out in divided denominational areas, headstones tell tales of sadness and great endeavour as well as who the early settlers were and what they did.
Tickets $20. Book at www.vhc.co.nz or at the i-SITE. Meet at Greta Street gate.

 

4pm  Reel Movies - A Nostalgic Cinematographic Experience!
We will be showing four old films, loosely connected to the Victorian medical theme of the Celebrations. These are: “The Cure” (Charlie Chaplin), “Never Weaken” (Harold Lloyd), “County Hospital” (Laurel and Hardy) and “To Serve Man” (The Twilight Zone -1962).
To get everyone into the mood of the evening the theatre will be decorated to represent the era of the films and one of our own members, Linda Cant, has very kindly offered to set the scene by playing the piano for us as we take our seats and during the interval. Also popcorn will be available for purchase before the performance and ice-creams during the interval. After the showing, light refreshments will be available in the Green Room and the Bar will be open.
Oamaru Repertory Theatre - 15 Itchen Street.
Box Office sales only. Tickets $15
Box Office open hours: Friday 12.00pm to 5.00pm and 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Sunday 12.00pm to 4.00pm.

 

4.30pm  She’s Alive !!!!!! as Dr Arkenfarter and Professor Franken Acidspurter are in the house.  
A look into the chaotic laboratory of Dr Arkenfarter and Professor Franken Acidspurter’s attempts to create life as a “young lady from the agency”, comes to apply for the position of laboratory assistant. During the show as she is progressively electrocuted, shot, stabbed, decapitated, levitated and often thought dead the catch cry of “She’s alive” is repeatedly heard from Arkenfarter with great relief to all.
A magical vaudeville romp through Victorian surgical and medical misadventure Victorian magician “Uncle George” as Prof. Franken Acidspurter and beloved international fool & puppeteer Jonathon Acorn as Dr Arkenfarter, including Arkenfarter’s famous treatise on haemorrhoids, with plenty of patented snake oil cure-all available for purchase along 
with other Victorian treats. 
Tickets $25. Door sales available. Book on this site here or at the i-SITE. Scottish Hall, Tyne Street.

bottom of page