Omarama

Travel Guide

Omarama
Omarama which includes wild flowers and a lake or waterhole
Omarama
Clay Cliffs which includes tranquil scenes and mountains
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.

Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
3 out of 5
State Highway 8, Omarama
The price is €179 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
€179
includes taxes & fees
15 Mar - 16 Mar
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Omarama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (308 reviews)
"Parking limitations"

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2025

Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Ahuriri Motels
Ahuriri Motels
2.5 out of 5
State Highway 83, Omarama
The price is €81 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€81
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this motel in Omarama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Totara ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (445 reviews)
"Clean comfy small unit"

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2025

Ahuriri Motels
Sierra Motel
Sierra Motel
2.5 out of 5
8 Twizel-Omarama Road, Omarama, Otago
The price is €145 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
€145
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
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 our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (305 reviews)
"A pretty standard room but had everything we needed for an overnight stay."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 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.
Pops Place - Omarama Holiday Home
Pops Place - Omarama Holiday Home
Omarama
Stay at this vacation home in Omarama. Enjoy a garden and air conditioning. Popular attractions Totara Peak Gallery and Hot Tubs Omarama are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Brilliant
"Very tidy and great place to stay Would stay again"

Reviewed on 25 Nov 2024

Pops Place - Omarama Holiday Home
Twizel Peaceful Retreat
Twizel Peaceful Retreat
Twizel
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and tennis courts. Popular attractions Twizel Town Centre and Mueller ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
Great location
"Great for a one night stop on way to Mount Cook and the area wish we could have stayed longer though"

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2025

Twizel Peaceful Retreat
Private holiday home
Private holiday home
Twizel
Stay at this vacation home in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
Vacation
"Great place to stay with plenty of room."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Private holiday home
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 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.