Adventure and Relaxation in the Heart of South Canterbury
Omarama, nestled in the Waitaki District, is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking a mix of high-adrenaline activity and peaceful natural beauty. The town is world-famous for gliding, drawing pilots from across the globe to soar above the Southern Alps and experience bird’s-eye views of New Zealand’s breathtaking mountain terrain. With consistently excellent flying conditions, it’s no surprise that Omarama has earned its place as one of the top gliding spots in the world.
Back on the ground, Omarama serves as an important stop on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, offering cyclists a gateway to awe-inspiring stretches of high country landscape. Riders can pedal through expansive tussock plains, past glacial lakes, and alongside rugged peaks. Whether you’re completing the full trail or enjoying a day ride, this is a brilliant way to see New Zealand’s South Island from a unique and peaceful perspective.
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
Natural Wonders and Local Relaxation
Just a short drive from the town centre lies one of the region’s most extraordinary geological formations – the Clay Cliffs. These towering, fluted pinnacles of silt and gravel were formed millions of years ago and now provide a dramatic contrast to the soft skies above. The area is a photographer’s dream and offers a taste of something truly otherworldly in rural New Zealand.
For a more tranquil experience, the Omarama Hot Tubs offer private, wood-fired tubs with views of the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of cycling or sightseeing. Not far from town, Lake Benmore awaits with its calm waters ideal for fishing, boating, or a relaxed picnic by the shore. As part of the Waitaki hydro scheme, this lake also offers a peaceful escape surrounded by rolling hills and native bush.
Top Things to Do in Omarama New Zealand
- Soar above the Southern Alps with a scenic glider flight
- Cycle a section of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
- Relax in private outdoor hot tubs with mountain views
- Explore the striking Clay Cliffs geological site
- Fish or paddle on the tranquil waters of Lake Benmore
- Enjoy stargazing in clear night skies, part of the Dark Sky Reserve
- Visit local cafés and artisan shops in Omarama village
- Capture panoramic photos of high country landscapes
- Join a guided tour to learn about local Māori and farming history
- Watch sheep shearing demonstrations at a local station
Lake Benmore is a large man-made lake in Waitaki Valley, just a 30-minute drive from Omarama. It spans 75 km2, with stunning crystal blue waters and a snow-capped mountain backdrop. Created in 1964 by the Benmore Dam on the Waitaki River, it is a popular tourist spot that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The lake is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, offering several boat ramps for activities such as boating, water skiing, and fishing. The lake's beauty can also be experienced by taking a leisurely drive along the scenic route or by taking a hike along one of the many trails in the area.
Lake Benmore Holiday Park provides a variety of accommodation options, including cabins, self-contained units, and powered sites for campervans and tents. Visitors can also explore the Benmore Dam and the town of Omarama, both of which are close by. Whether for an outdoor adventure or a relaxing retreat, Lake Benmore is an unmissable destination near Omarama.
Just 10 km west of Omarama, the Clay Cliffs is a breathtaking natural rock formation that is a must-see while in the area. The tall pinnacles and narrow ravines make for a stark and otherworldly sight.
The cliffs are made up of layers of gravel and silt, deposited by rivers flowing from ancient glaciers over a million years ago.
The Clay Cliffs are on private land, and visitors are required to pay a $5 vehicle admission fee at the gate. To get there, turn onto Quailburn Rd off SH8 and then onto unsealed Henburn Rd. It's a short drive from Omarama, and the stunning views are well worth the trip.
