Guardians of the Victorian Precinct

Since 1987, the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust has championed the restoration and revitalisation of Oamaru’s original commercial heart – now known as the Heritage Precinct.

With a portfolio of 16 heritage limestone buildings, the Trust preserves New Zealand’s most complete Victorian streetscape.

Lovingly restored by local craftsmen and filled with unique artisans and independent businesses, these iconic 1860s–1880s structures remain central to Oamaru’s character.

The Trust acts as landlord to our wonderful tenants, who each make the precinct a truly special destination with their unique businesses and events.

To support the ongoing work of the trust, make a donation here.

The Heritage Precinct is New Zealand's Best Collection of Victorian Buildings, 16 of which are owned by the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust.

Most of the Trust's sixteen buildings were built during the period 1870's – 1880's and are today New Zealand's most complete streetscape of Victorian mercantile buildings. 

The buildings are constructed of locally quarried Oamaru Stone (limestone). 

The easily carved stone lent itself perfectly to the creation of the elaborate Neo-Classical style so favoured by the clients of Oamaru's busiest architect at the time, Thomas Forrester.

The Trust is fortunate there are stone masons in Oamaru today who have the skills to restore the buildings to their former grandeur. The restoration of the buildings and tenanting them with unique businesses, artisans and crafts people is part of the on going commitment the Trust has of preserving and developing Victorian Oamaru's Historic Precinct.  

Each of the buildings, built during the Victorian period, has it's own story, character and charm. Click on the image to see more about each of the buildings, their history and the secrets they hold.