Frances McElhinney, of Nelson, will take up the role on December 8, replacing Megan Peacock-Coyle.
For the past eight years, Mrs McElhinney has been the Nelson School of Music's general manager, overseeing programming for events, conferences and touring performances, venue hire, marketing and promotion, budgeting and financial reporting and a music programme for community education.
She has also managed the Nelson Jazz and Blues Festival and annual Winter Festival.
She told the Otago Daily Times she was excited about the job ahead. She had watched the redevelopment and restoration of the Opera House in 2010 with interest.
When the role of director was advertised, applying ''felt like the right decision to make''.
Mrs McElhinney has lived in Nelson for 24 years, but is originally from Dunedin.
Her grandparents lived in Oamaru, and her mother was born and raised in the North Otago town.
''[Oamaru] has got a special place in my heart,'' she said.
Her husband Mike will join her in the move to Oamaru.
Waitaki District Council community services group manager Thunes Cloete said Mrs McElhinney was chosen from eight applicants for the position.
''I think she is going to be really good for the Opera House,'' he said.
''She is going to bring her specialties and her uniqueness and that's what you sometimes need, that change in management to take it to the next level.''
Mrs Peacock-Coyle finished in the role on October 24, after two and a-half busy and highly successful years in Oamaru.
On November 10, she will take up the position of manager at Tauranga's Baycourt Community and Arts Centre.
