Members of the Studio Carolina Izzo team have been in Oamaru lately working in some of the city’s fantastic Victorian buildings.

Today, Oamaru is only the 24th most populous settlement in New Zealand, however, in the late 19th century was the country’s 6th. As a result, the city has perhaps the country’s greatest collection of Victorian architecture in a small area. Particular streetscapes in the town appear exactly as they would’ve at the turn of last century and the ‘Oamaru stone’ used in the architecture once gave the town the name “The White City by the Sea”.

While also being famous for its prominence during the Otago Gold Rush, the surrounding area of the Waitaki region is well-renowned for its fantastic landscapes and wildlife. The world-famous Moeraki boulders are a short drive away and blue penguins can be seen nesting in the town’s harbour district in the evenings.

A few of the heritage buildings in the area are being carefully renovated and restored to help the town capitalise on the increasing popularity of its heritage. Studio Carolina Izzo is excited to be working alongside the council in restoring these great buildings.

We hope to see other councils in NZ’s cities and regions following this proud town’s lead in honouring their built cultural assets.