European settlement began in 1853 in Oamaru. The Harbour, during the late 19th Century, was vital for Oamaru and its farming hinterland. Grain and wool were housed in often-ornate warehouses built and carved from locally quarried Oamaru limestone.
As the rural economy boomed, the Harbour area became a hub for prosperous businesses, banks, hotels and new industries.
Today, many of the majestic Oamaru Whitestone buildings comprising the Harbour/Tyne Historic Precinct still stand. They are now home to a collection of curio shops, restaurants, gift stores, a Motoring Museum, a hotel, a fascinating book store, traditional craftsmen, the Oamaru Steam Train and Sunday markets.