Steampunk HQ - It is crazy, quirky and unique; unlike any other visitor attraction in this universe!
Steampunk HQ NZ’s premier Steampunk experience is a museum and workshop situated in the historic Victorian precinct of Oamaru. It is crazy, quirky and unique; unlike any other visitor attraction in this universe!
Outside of the imposing free-standing Oamaru stone building, "steampunk" engine SP001 greets visitors by belching flames, smoke and eyrie sounds; whilst inside, a museum of two large darkened rooms and a basement presents a theme of a dark post-apocalyptic vision of a future "as it might have been".
Contraptions and bizarre machinery featuring heavy use of copper, gears, pipes, gas cylinders, as well as an ensemble of skeletal sculptures are lit by flickering lights and accompanied by film, projection and sounds. A back door leads to a large yard with projects and machines in various stages of being "steampunked" including a train carriage, “aethertractor” and giant motorbike. The building's exterior walls are decorated with creations such as giant flies and a fisherman made from metal and industrial parts.
The Infinity Portal is the latest creation; a gateway to other dimensions, both real and imagined. All the walls are completely reflective and a grid of hundreds of multi coloured LED lights are suspended from the ceiling, playing light sequences that move and ripple through the space.
This is one of the most interesting and unusual attractions in NZ - no question about it!
All prices are shown in NZD ($)
This is a cool place, very unique. Had a lot of fun here
Welcome to the world of Steampunk.
My family enjoyed our time here. Cool experiences :)
Brought my husband and elderly mum to this. Lots of variety of machines and interactive parts. Clear signage explaining stuff. All on one level with a few features to climb or requiring more agility to get into. Great souvenir shop. Spent just over an hour here and really enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend.
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Amanda Whiffen from New Zealand wrote on 17 April 2025
A delight!
Loved the creative chaos! Wondrous artefacts everywhere you look - bet you can't get round without a grin! My favourite bit was the mirrored room with lights - I honestly felt like a wee while in there was some kind of joyous colour therapy :) Nice selection of steampunk trinkets and clothes in the gift shop, including some budget friendly magnets and jewellry. Fun for folk of all ages. A side note - the lighting and sound adds to the atmosphere but could be overwhelming for people with sensory issues.