Location: Omarama
Top Things to do in Omarama
The 7 Best Things to Do in Omarama, New Zealand
Omarama is a small township (population 267 at 2013 census) at the junction of State Highways 8 and 83, near the southern end of the Mackenzie Basin, in the South Island of New Zealand. Omarama is in the Waitaki District, in the southern Canterbury region. The Ahuriri River is a short distance to the north of the township.
Restaurants in Omarama
1. Hot Tubs Omarama
Overall Ratings
5 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By JM2007SJ - San Jose, CA
Such a beautiful and interesting place once you get beyond the check-in area, as the exterior and parking area of the business looks bland.
The hot tubs are private, quiet and serene. We did this twice while in Omarama and would recommend this to everyone. I will say, don’t plan on having any energy after your time in the tubs - it just melts away all your cares and thoughts. We visited at 8pm both times and this was perfect.
The first night we had a smaller tub with a view of a pond where ducks and birds were active, and relaxing to watch as the sun set. The second night we had a larger tub, that didn’t have a view of the pond, but we enjoyed it just the same.
Each hot tub has its own little building with a changing room and lights, so you have a private place to change and leave your stuff while you are in the tub and then change afterwards.
They do tell you “nude bathing is fine” when you are being shown to your tub, so if you forgot bathing suits - no problem! You cannot see people in the other tubs and they cannot see you.
2. Clay Cliff
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By connie w - Nashville, Tennessee
Our drive and hike to the Clay Cliffs was a pleasant surprise and a great introduction to New Zealand. Driving through private land on dirt roads, opening and closing cattle gates, payment donation suggested but optional. We had the cliffs to ourselves.
3. The Wrinkly Rams
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
New Zealands most entertaining sheep shearing show.
Reviewed By Kasia P - Vienna, Austria
We stopped by on our way to Christchurch. We had Lambshank and Seafood Chowder - both absolutely excellent! The carrot cake is very good too. Perfect value for money. They have small lambs the children can play with, and a wool shop. Very nice and good place!
4. Glide Omarama
Overall Ratings
5 based on 48 reviews
An International Gliding School with Trial Flights - 30 minutes, 1 hour or 2 hours long, and Learn-to-Fly courses. For nearly 30 years we have taught new-comers and pilots from all over the world the art of Mountain Soaring in the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
Reviewed By Kris-Ania - Warsaw, Poland
Arriving on a sunny day in Omarama and seeing the gliders soar along the Mountains I drove up to the Glide Omarama office on the local airfield, got a friendly kiwi welcome and before I knew it I was sitting with Phil in the glider cockpit for my Mountain Adventurer glider trial flight, overlooking lakes and Mountains. A unique experience with a highly professional and very friendly team. With great care Phil took me through every step of the flight with lots of information. But the absolute highlight was when he told me "the glider is yours to fly"! I'll never forget this moment. You cannot have a better team and location anywhere in the world to try this. Worth every dollar! Thank you guys!
5. Ladybird Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Catch your very own Salmon at Ladybird Hill Omarama. We have our own Salmon farm license which enables customers to enjoy the thrill of catching a feisty salmon then having it hot smoked within 30 minutes ready to eat. Kids of all ages spend hours playing in our themed ladybird playground, as well as challenging themselves with the giant chess game.
Reviewed By MStJB - York, United Kingdom
A really good experience. And an ace recommendation from the man Neville at the Sierra Motel.
I managed to catch, on fly, a 3lb salmon. Result. The fish was smoked and then we ate it for dinner (thanks Carol) that night whilst drinking the excellent wine produced from the Ladybird vineyard adjacent to the restaurant.
And then to cap it off, we marched to the top of the hill behind the restaurant and watched the sun go do down over the valley.
Magical, must do.
6. Lindis Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By moonlotus18 - Hamilton, New Zealand
This highway is one of the most beautiful in the heart of South Island. The historic gold rush in the region in the 1800s was based on this pass. Although the highway bypasses the old road used by pioneers, the views today are nevertheless stunning. Be sure to stop by the scenic lookout to get an amazing view of the mountainous region. Truly breathtaking and awe inspiring.
7. Big Rooster
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
This amazing little antique store is often described as the best shop in New Zealand. It is an eclectic mix of antiques, rare books, gifts, collectables, and new and old jewelry. There is also a movie museum with original props and costumes created by New Zealand artists, such as Xena, Princess Warrior, Cleopatra 2525, and others. The store is simply something you must experience to believe.
Reviewed By globaljuju - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
I have been here several times, and I could spend hours and hours more there. There are rooms and rooms full of amazing stuff - new and old. There is something for everyone - vintage faux fur jackets, beautiful green stone necklaces, toys for the kids, books on anything and everything, full size movie and TV show costumes, household items, (we bought an amazing copper and wrought iron hand crafted strainer spoon to hang on the wall), tools, license plates from around the world... you name it, you can find it here! No matter how much you look, there is always more to see. The prices on everything are very reasonable, and the inventory seems to change every time I go in there (about every six months).
