Omarama

Travel Guide

Hot Tubs Omarama featuring a pond
Omarama showing wildflowers and a lake or waterhole
Wrinkly Rams which includes food
Clay Cliffs which includes mountains and tranquil scenes
Wrinkly Rams featuring interior views

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 ¥10,648 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
¥10,648
¥12,278 total
Jun 22 - Jun 23
includes taxes & fees
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! (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 May 27, 2025

Ahuriri Motels
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
3 out of 5
State Highway 8, Omarama
The price is ¥15,319 per night from Jun 28 to Jun 29
¥15,319
¥17,712 total
Jun 28 - Jun 29
includes taxes & fees
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! (319 reviews)
"Wonderful location with what all the amenities a couple wants during their leisure"

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
BigSky Motels
BigSky Motels
2 out of 5
52 Ahuriri Drive, Omarama, North Otago
Fully refundable
The price is ¥14,953 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
¥14,953
¥17,289 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf motel in Omarama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (126 reviews)
"Quiet, clean and modern rooms. Everything you need. I felt very safe here as a solo traveller. They even keep your bikes safe."

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2025

BigSky Motels
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.
Cosy 1960's Kiwi Holiday House
Cosy 1960's Kiwi Holiday House
Omarama
Stay at this property in Omarama. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Totara Peak Gallery and Ladybird Hill Vineyard are located ...
Cosy 1960's Kiwi Holiday House
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 garden. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"really great place! We arrived late but check-in procedure has all been arranged by the host. Very clean, and love the kitchen. 2min drive to nearby supermarket and super convenient."

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2025

Twizel Cottages
Original Twizel Bach - Pet Friendly
Original Twizel Bach - Pet Friendly
Twizel
Stay at this vacation home in Twizel. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Twizel Town Centre and Mueller Ridge are located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (24 reviews)
Relaxing & quiet stay
"Single beds a bit uncomfortable.No TV - possibly due to a freeview satellite upgrade?Otherwise worked well for us.Would come again."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

Original Twizel Bach - Pet Friendly
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

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 18%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Not much in Omarama.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Small quiet town about an hour from Mount Cook.