Nestled in a broad basin between mountain ranges, Ōmarama is well known to glider pilots. Come here to soar in the skies and fish in the fast rivers.
Ōmarama means the place of light and glider pilots love the air above the small township near the southern end of the Mackenzie Basin.
As a junction town, Ōmarama is naturally a great place to stop and stay if you're coming from Christchurch, Christchurch or from Ōhau via the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. After a long day travelling or pedalling, have a relaxing soak in a private hot tub filled with pure mountain water at Hot Tubs Ōmarama under the starry night sky.
Or now that you’re in the high-country, watch a live sheep shearing show at the Wrinkly Rams with shearing and sheep dog demonstrations. The Wrinkly Rams is also a popular restaurant and souvenir shop.
In New Zealand, Ōmarama is known as the gliding capital. Kahu Soaring(opens in new window) offers an introductory gliding experience that's perfect for first-timers. You can see the world from a whole new perspective while soaring in the sky.
Don’t miss the unique geological attraction, the Clay Cliffs, just north of Ōmarama. You feel dwarfed walking among towering pinnacles and ridges separated by steep ravines. It’s like something straight out of a western movie.
The Ahuriri River adds plenty more character to the landscape – both out at the Clay Cliffs, from the town and in the air from your glider. It runs by Ōmarama and into Lake Benmore and is a particularly popular spot for fly-fishing.
