Omarama Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Omarama
Omarama showing wild flowers and a lake or waterhole
Omarama
Clay Cliffs featuring mountains and tranquil scenes
Omarama

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹5,727 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
₹5,727
₹6,693 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Omarama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions Totara ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (464 reviews)
Spacious and friendly.
"Lovely helpful host. Great well appointed unit, spacious and everything we needed. The heaters kept us cosy after we woke to -1 degree in the morning. Thank you for the great user friendly laundry facilities. We felt the hot water system could have been better. The shower was weak and hard to get ..."

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Ahuriri Motels
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
3 out of 5
State Highway 8, Omarama
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Omarama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (320 reviews)
"Wonderful location with what all the amenities a couple wants during their leisure"

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Sierra Motel
Sierra Motel
2.5 out of 5
8 Twizel-Omarama Road, Omarama, Otago
The price is ₹9,372 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
₹9,372
₹10,792 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Omarama. Enjoy free parking, daily housekeeping and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (312 reviews)
"As a single elderly traveller I felt safe and comfortable. Excellent room layout and bathroom. The bed and pillows were top quality. A great experience."

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

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.
Twizel Cottages
Twizel Cottages
3.5 out of 5
2 Irishman Drive, Twizel
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Twizel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
"Nice tidy unit . Great for a long weekend"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Twizel Cottages
Glencairn Glamour
Glencairn Glamour
3.5 out of 5
30 Glencairn Road, Twizel
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in Twizel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
Great house rental in Twizel
"Wonderful house in Twizel. Clean, spacious, in a quiet neighborhood. Bit far to walk to town center, but just a 2-3 minute drive. Only downside was they told us after making the reservation that there were no toiletries (e.g. shower wash & shampoo). Internet password was out of date but they were ..."

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2025

Glencairn Glamour
Glencairn Beauty
Glencairn Beauty
3.5 out of 5
16 Glencairn Road, Twizel
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in Twizel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"This was our favorite stay in New Zealand. Comfortable house in the cute town of Twizel with lots of dining options, two grocery stores, amazing stars, and convenient to Mt Cook. The house is in a neighborhood so a bit tricky to find at night, but very comfortable with a well-equipped kitchen and ..."

Reviewed on 6 May 2025

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

Reviews of Omarama

3.5
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 17%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 67%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Helen

Stunning back country scenery.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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.

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