Oamaru has two unusual claims to fame: remarkable Victorian architecture and penguins. This is indeed an unusual combination but Oamaru is no ordinary town. Many of the town centre’s newly renovated historical buildings play host to an array of quirky galleries, wonderfully bizarre shops, and trendy cafes all run by a small tight-knit community of often wildly eccentric bohemian locals. Oamaru’s main attraction is undoubtedly the opportunity to witness colonies of blue penguins, the smallest and only blue species of penguin in the world, as well as yellow-eyed penguins, one of the world's rarest birds. Once this highlight has been ticked off the list, take a stroll around the well-preserved Historic District, with its distinctive, limestone, nineteenth-century buildings that have afforded Oamaru the title “The Whitestone City”. Throw in a surprisingly impressive culinary scene and it's no wonder that this kooky little hamlet is fast gaining a reputation as New Zealand’s coolest town.
Pen-y-bryn Lodge was built as a private residence in 1889 by the famed architectural firm of Forrester & Lemon for local businessman John Bulleid and his wife, Fanny. Pen-y-bryn is Welsh for “Top of the Hill” and indeed the house sits atop South Hill, one of Oamaru’s most sought-after districts. Reputed to be the largest single storey timber dwelling in Australasia, the house has kept true to its Victorian heritage and today offers discerning guests the ideal combination of old-world elegance and modern amenities.
Pen-y-bryn has five guest rooms and dining capacity for up to 30 sit-down guests, 50 cocktail party-style guests indoors and 100 including outdoor spaces.
