Omarama is a small town in the South Island’s Mackenzie Basin. This is an area of mountains, lakes and spectacular scenery. Omarama is near Lake Benmore and Lake Ohau, making it an ideal staging place for boaters and water-skiers, and the Ahuriri River is famous for its fly-fishing.
The terrain produces some of the best updrafts in the world, and Omarama is well-known as a gliding location, particularly after hosting the World Gliding Championships.
The air is also remarkably clear and free of light pollution, which makes it an ideal location for the Benmore Peak Observatory.
Omarama is also about fifteen minutes’ drive from the closest thing New Zealand has to badlands – the Clay Cliffs. Wind and water erosion has produces spectacular pinnacles and valleys.
At the end of a day of hiking, fishing or skiing, tourist can relax in genuine, chemical-free Onsen hot tubs. Each tub is private and self-contained.
