Created from a 19th century grain store, with the original railway tracks running through the centre of the building, in the historic precinct in Oamaru, Whitestone City takes visitors back to explore our past. Dressing up, riding a penny farthing carousel and taking a lesson in the school room - equipped with cutting edge Victorian teaching aides such as the finger-vice, back straightener and for those who like to chat, the dunce chair.
Whitestone City tells the stories of the Waitaki and invites visitors to involve themselves in these stories through the interactive exhibits. An indoor lawn with Victorian games and pastimes gives visitors a taste of recreational activities created hundreds of years ago, seemingly simple to our modern standards, but once the first quoit is tossed that age-old competitiveness kicks in and the fun triumphing over your opponent shows that the very simplicity is the beauty of these bygone pursuits.
An educational short film instructs one how to dress themselves properly in the min-theatre, replete with red velvet seats - in Victorian times boots were laced up first not last, because once a corset was fixed in place there would be no leaning down. Victorian costumes are also available for visitors to give their newly learned tips a go and they are free to experience Whitestone City in these outfits.
A wander through the replica high street is a living local history lesson, but here you can touch the past. Shops are filled to overflowing with heritage food items including Kiwi classics Edmonds baking powder and reading the 100-year-old first aid advice in the apothecary will make you feel kindly towards your modern-day Doctor next time you need a prescription. And of course, a trip to town would never have been complete without smartening up with a trip to the barber - visitors can recline in an original leather and wood heritage barber’s chair.
Whitestone City proudly invites people to share in our stories with a tangible, immersive experience and our friendly staff will also entertain with verbal renditions of some of our colourful history.
*Whitestone City is Oamaru's number 1 rated attraction on Trip Advisor.
