Omarama - South Island, New Zealand

South of Twizel, the SH8 runs through the tussock and grass laden Mackenzie sheep country leading to Omarama, the gliding capital of New Zealand. Omarama in Maori means "place of light".

Omarama is a small town with a few cafes, a petrol station, limited accommodation and a small visitor centre. The highlight of this place is the presence of strong westerly winds that rise over the majestic Southern Alps creating unique airwaves across the flat prairies of the Mackenzie country. This provides the ultimate setting for thrilling gliding expeditions.

Omarama Activities

There are gliding operators who take maximum advantage of the unique conditions, offering fabulous glider rides to pilots, enthusiasts and visitors alike in two seater gliders. The machines themselves are modern day technological wonders and you get a chance to control them on the flight. There are trips to Aoraki Mt Cook as well.

In January each year since 2007, ten top glider pilots race each other on a set course at the World Gliding Championships held here. At speeds of 300 kms per hour, the planes are tracked by helicopters using cruise missile technology.

They beam pictures back to the ground onto a giant screen, with a crowd of 15,000 or more roaring approval. It is exciting stuff and Omarama comes into the world spotlight at this time of the year. With its natural cliff backdrops, Clay Cliffs Scenic Reserve, 5 kms north of Omarama, is a very picturesque spot.

There are other activities around Omarama. Hunting chamois and red deer is popular, as is fly fishing in the rivers around Omarama. The venison, trout and salmon are all excellent quality and fun to catch.

Omarama Accommodation

Limited accommodation is available. There is a backpackers set in neatly manicured gardens on a merino sheep farm about 8 kms north of Omarama, and a sheltered Top 10 Omarama Holiday Park with camping, rooms and powered campervan sites. Clay Cliffs Estate is the only eating place worth a mention in this area.

LooknbookNZ can organise your Omarama accommodation and Omarama activities bookings and allow you to have a blast in this tiny town in the heart of sheep country.