The term steampunk was coined in the 1980s to describe a fictional technology that incorporates designs with 19th century industrial steam-powered machinery, and is often set in the 19th century British Victorian era. The Steampunk HQ, located in the Victorian district of Oamaru, is a museum entirely dedicated to this fictional technology. Oamaru has been known to be the steampunk capital of New Zealand, and with features like a steampunk playground, it is not hard to see why.

Located in an 1883 Victorian-styled building, the museum brings visitors into the world of steampunk, displaying contraptions, gadgets, machines and more, powered by gas and steam. Impossible to miss, this museum is welcomes you with a fire-breathing train engine right at the entrance, alongside a shark-mouthed blimp. After touring the gallery, visitors can exit through the back door that leads them to a large yard filled with machines in various stages of steampunk. Being such an interesting attraction, it is no wonder that Steampunk HQ was rated one of New Zealand’s best new attractions in 2012.