Omarama

Travel Guide
Omarama showing wildflowers and a lake or waterhole
Rivers, lakes and the rugged beauty of the Southern Alps surround this small town in the outdoor playground of the Waitaki Valley.

Get a bird’s-eye view from a glider, hike or bike with views of the Southern Alps, visit a farm, catch some fish or soak in a hot tub beneath a starry sky in Omarama. This little town in the Waitaki Valley is known for the rugged beauty of the hiking and biking trails that are scattered throughout the area.

Omarama sits at a crossroads in the Waitaki District, in the Province of Otago. It’s just an hour from Lake Tekapo, in the center of New Zealand’s stunning South Island.

Make the short trip out to the Clay Cliffs just to the west of town. This jagged moon-like landscape is the work of 2 million years worth of erosion. Wander among the crevices of the clay and gravel cliffs to appreciate the bizarre formations.

Take to the skies and soar like an eagle with a glider flight from Omarama Glider Airport. The clear air and vast landscapes mesmerize as your pilot catches the thermals to drift silently over the land, pointing out the landmarks far below.

Enjoy a fun farming experience with a visit to The Wrinkly Rams farm. See a sheep shearing show and learn all about the farming and wool industry that makes up a big part of New Zealand rural life. Sit down in farm’s café for a tasty meal and buy a woolen item from the gift shop.

Catch your own dinner by dropping a line in the water in one of the local rivers. Fishing is made a bit easier at Ladybird Hill. The friendly staff here will set up your rod to help you catch one of the salmon from their farm. Ask them to smoke the fish for you and enjoy your fresh meal with a bottle of wine from their vineyard.

Round off your day with a sleep-inducing soak at Hot Tubs Omarama. Each hot tub has its own private setting, providing views over the lake and mountains. Relax with a glass of wine and watch the sun go down, then gaze up at the stars in the night sky and toast to this heavenly corner of the Southern Hemisphere.

Ahuriri Motels
Ahuriri Motels
2.5 out of 5
State Highway 83, Omarama
The price is RM325 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
RM325
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this motel in Omarama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Totara Peak Gallery and Hot Tubs Omarama are located nearby. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (372 reviews)
"Very clean & nicely furnished room, had a great stay and found the staff extremely friendly and helpful Would absolutely stay again"

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2024

Ahuriri Motels
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
3 out of 5
State Highway 8, Omarama
The price is RM467 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
RM467
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Omarama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Clay ...
8/10 Very Good! (250 reviews)
"Quiet and cosy"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Sierra Motel
Sierra Motel
2.5 out of 5
8 Twizel-Omarama Road, Omarama, Otago
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM562 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
RM562
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this motel in Omarama. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Totara ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (253 reviews)
Perfect stay
"I was bit hesitant booking this hotel as it's 50 kms away from Lake Pukiki and Lake Tekapo/Mt. Cook were further away. However, it turned out to be great stay. The motel is maintained very well. All the amenities were good and very clean. The owners are very hardworking and make sure that the guests ..."

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

Sierra Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Glencairn Glamour
Glencairn Glamour
3.5 out of 5
30 Glencairn Road, Twizel
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
THANK YOU
"Thank you for letting us stay with you. We can feel like home."

Reviewed on 14 Apr 2023

Glencairn Glamour
Twizel Cottages
Twizel Cottages
3.5 out of 5
2 Irishman Drive, Twizel
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located nearby. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Nice place except for the beds.
"Our only complaint with this property were the beds. They were very soft and worn. We were a group of two couples travelling. All 4 of us had bad sleeps on the two beds and complained of sore backs. Good beds are so important. The rest of the cottage was locked lovely."

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2024

Twizel Cottages
Glencairn Beauty
Glencairn Beauty
3.5 out of 5
16 Glencairn Road, Twizel
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Excellent stay.
"Excellent home. Appears brand new. Super comfortable and clean."

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2024

Glencairn Beauty
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Omarama

3.5
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 16.666666666666668%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 16.666666666666668%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 66.66666666666667%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Helen
12 Mar 2020

Stunning back country scenery.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Dec 2019

We would, and may go back to stay another time. Would definitely recommend.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
17 Feb 2019

The wrinkly ram is only open for breakfast and lunch. Had an OK meal in hotel. More like a canteen and had to ask reception person to get us a drink as bar was not open. Building needs a lot of work as dated and tired but was OK for one night.