Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Omarama
POP 267
At the head of the Waitaki Valley, Omarama is surrounded by mountain ranges and fab-
ulous landscapes. Busy times in this sleepy place include the rodeo (28 December) and
the sheepdog trials (March).
Sights & Activities
Clay Cliffs Paritea
LANDMARK
This bizarre moonscape is the result of two million years of erosion on layers of silt and
gravel that were exposed along the active Ostler fault line. The cliffs are on private land;
before setting out, pay the $5 vehicle admission fee at Omarama Hot Tubs. To get to the
area, head north from town for 4km on SH8, turn left onto Quailburn Rd, and then turn
left after 4km onto unsealed Henburn Rd.
Wrinkly Rams
FARM
( 03-438 9751;
www.thewrinklyrams.co.nz
; 24 Omarama Ave; adult/child $20/10)
A regular
stop for tour buses, Wrinkly Rams stages 30-minute shearing and sheepdog shows, in-
cluding lamb-feeding in season. Phone ahead to tag along with a tour group, or book
your own one-off show. Attached is one of Omarama's better
cafes
(mains $7-25;
7am-4.30pm;
)
.
Omarama Hot Tubs
SPA
( 03-438 9703;
www.hottubsomarama.co.nz
;
29 Omarama Ave; per 1-/2-/3-/4-person tub $45/
80/105/120, pod 75/140/180/200; 11am-late)
If your legs are weary after mountain bik-
ing or hiking, or you just want to cosy up with your significant other, these private,
wood-fired hot tubs could be just the ticket. The concept is Japanese, but with the sur-
rounding mountain ranges, the lakeside setting and a pristine night sky, you could only
be on the South Island of NZ.
Choose between a 90-minute soak in a tub (each has its own dressing room) or a two-
hour session in a 'wellness pod', which includes a sauna. The chemical-free glacier and
snow-melt water is changed after each booking, and the used water is recycled for irriga-
tion. Therapeutic massages (30/60 minutes $60/100) and beauty treatments are also
available.
Glide Omarama
GLIDING
