Nestled within the broad Mackenzie Basin with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Omarama is a magnet for glider pilots and fly fishing enthusiasts. It also lies on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, New Zealand’s longest cycle trail, and features sheep-shearing shows, snowfields and outdoor hot tubs.

Things to do

A larger-than-life merino sheep statue greets you to Omarama, showcasing the importance of the wool industry. You can watch live professional sheep shearing and learn about Merino wool production at the Wrinkly Lambs show. Kids love hand-feeding the sheep and watching lamb bottle-feedings.

The Wrinkly Lambs complex is also a great place to discover local art and sample New Zealand food and drink. The Wrinkly Rams Wine Bar showcases wines from the Central Otago region as well as New Zealand craft beers, which are served in a garden patio.

Hot Tubs Omarama offers private soaking in outdoor wooden tubs with unobstructed sky views for stargazing. You can also drive an hour to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to view constellations through professional telescopes at Mount John Observatory. The park is host to an International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places on earth for stargazing.

Striking natural terrain includes the Clay Cliffs, which sit just outside the city limits. Spreading across Ostler fault line, the spectacular geological formations include craggy cliffs, crumbling pinnacles and steep ravines. In winter, head to the Ohau Snow Fields for skiing, sledding and snowboarding.

Getting There

You can rent a car at Queenstown International Airport, about 164 kilometres from Omarama. Buses, shuttles and taxis offer transportation around town and to the cliffs, snowfields and national park.