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.

Ahuriri Motels
Ahuriri Motels
2.5 out of 5
State Highway 83, Omarama
The price is €76 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
€76
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 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! (453 reviews)
"good location. Old buildings. toilet floor looks and feels like it can succumb any minute"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2025

Ahuriri Motels
Sierra Motel
Sierra Motel
2.5 out of 5
8 Twizel-Omarama Road, Omarama, Otago
The price is €152 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
€152
includes taxes & fees
2 Apr - 3 Apr
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! (308 reviews)
Overnight while passing through.
"Convenient location for stopover. Tidy condition."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2025

Sierra Motel
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
3 out of 5
State Highway 8, Omarama
The price is €114 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
€114
includes taxes & fees
29 Mar - 30 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! (311 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2025

Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
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.
Original Twizel Bach - Pet Friendly
Original Twizel Bach - Pet Friendly
Twizel
Stay at this vacation home in Twizel. Popular attractions Twizel Town Centre and Mueller Ridge are located nearby.
7.6/10 Good! (17 reviews)
Twizel
"Great place to stay at"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025

Original Twizel Bach - Pet Friendly
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! (92 reviews)
Perfect for relaxing and recharging
"My family and I stayed at this property after traveling extensively across New Zealand. We very much enjoyed the homey and comfortable feel. The communication with Andrea was phenomenal! Andrea was easy to connect with and ask questions as well as providing the necessary information. We enjoyed the ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

Twizel Peaceful Retreat
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 garden. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Property was nice and quiet. Beautiful home that fit 5 guests well."

Reviewed on 12 Feb 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

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.