Omarama

Omarama is a small, sun-baked town at the edge of the Mackenzie Basin, where the turquoise waters of the Ahuriri River meet the vast, open skies of New Zealand's South Island. This is a place of stark, elemental beauty—a landscape of tussock-covered hills, braided rivers, and distant snow-capped peaks that feels both ancient and alive. For travellers, Omarama is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those drawn to the skies: it's one of the world's premier gliding destinations, thanks to the unique thermal currents that rise from the surrounding plains. But even if you never leave the ground, the area rewards with hot springs, star-filled nights, and a sense of peaceful isolation that's rare to find.

Highlights & What to See

• Gliding at Omarama Gliding Club – Take a scenic or instructional flight with expert pilots, soaring over the Southern Alps and the braided Ahuriri River for an unforgettable aerial perspective.
• Ahuriri River & Conservation Area – Walk or cycle along the river trails, spot native birds like the black stilt, or simply soak in the silence and the views of the Ben Ohau Range.
• Omarama Hot Tubs – Unwind in private, wood-fired hot pools overlooking the valley; a perfect evening activity, especially under the dark, star-filled sky of an International Dark Sky Reserve.
• Clay Cliffs – A short drive north, these dramatic pinnacles and hoodoos of weathered conglomerate rock create a surreal, otherworldly landscape ideal for photography and short walks.
• Lake Benmore & Ohau Canal – Just south, these turquoise lakes are popular for fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, with stunning mountain backdrops.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend one night in Omarama, which allows time for a gliding experience or hot tubs in the afternoon, followed by a morning walk along the Ahuriri River or a quick trip to the Clay Cliffs. If you're a keen glider pilot or want to explore the nearby lakes and tramping tracks, two nights give you a more relaxed pace and the chance to enjoy the area's starry skies. Omarama is an ideal stopover between Lake Tekapo and Wanaka or Queenstown, so it fits neatly into a self-drive itinerary without requiring a dedicated detour.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Twizel – 20 minutes south, the gateway to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the turquoise Lake Pukaki, with excellent salmon farms and short walks.
• Lake Ohau – A serene lake with a ski field (winter) and tramping tracks (summer), about 25 minutes east.
• Lindis Pass – A dramatic alpine pass on the road to Wanaka, with a short lookout walk and epic high-country scenery.
• Wanaka – 1.5 hours west, a vibrant lakeside town with hiking, wine, and the famous #ThatWanakaTree.
• Aoraki/Mount Cook Village – 1 hour north via Twizel, for glacier walks, stargazing, and the Hooker Valley Track.

Please check official sources for current details.