In the middle of (almost) nowhere in southern Canterbury in New Zealand’s south island; the Omarama Clay Cliffs walk is where you will get a sense of what it’s like to walk on planet Mars. The rugged landscape that borders the small town of Omarama is a spectacular sight to see whether up close or from a distance.

The Omarama clay cliffs are made up of layers of gravel, silt, and dirt that have been carved out by rivers and glaciers over millions of years. The clay cliffs can be seen from Omarama township from across the Ahuriri river. The pinnacles of the clay cliffs create a mesmerizing site and an incredible point of difference in the surrounding landscape.

Is Omarama Worth a Visit?

That entirely depends on your desire to explore a landscape that is out of this world. Omarama might be a small town near Lake Tekapo but it’s not a town that should be ignored; Omarama is a small town just over an hour’s drive from Wanaka. A usual pit stop for anyone making their way to Hooker Valley Track or the usual place to grab a coffee while waiting for the snowstorm to clear in Lindis Pass.

Omarama hot tubs allow for an incredible bathing experience whether in sun or snow, and the terrain that borders Omarama allow for fantastic photo opportunities. The township has a couple of small cafes and bakeries and a great visitors centre where you can pick up some souvenirs for yourself or your family.

About Omarama Clay Cliffs

Omarama clay cliffs sit on private land and the land owners very kindly let any Tom, Dick, and Harry drive onto their property to marvel at these century-old creations. A $5 donation is expected at the gate, so take a bit of cash with you.
Walking around the Omarama Clay Cliffs is like stepping onto another planet, the cliffs were eroded by a river running through the area millions of years ago, exposing the stone, dirt, and grit that you see today.

We arrived here on a windy, cold, and wet morning. The Eastern side of the clay cliffs are extremely exposed and the entrance to the cliffs can create a freezing wind tunnel. Take a few warm layers for the walk and be prepared for your face to almost freeze off.

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Hundreds of tourists from around the country and the globe flock to Omarama Cliffs each year to get pictures of the interesting landscape. Find any New Zealand-based travel blogger on Instagram and you’re bound to find pictures of the clay cliffs.

How to get to the Clay Cliffs in Omarama

Getting to the clay cliffs in Omarama is simple if you have a car and an open schedule. Head to the town of Omarama and take Quailburn Road off State Highway 8; 3 minutes North of Omarama township. Drive this route until you come to the clearly labelled signs for the cliffs which will direct you the rest of the way. The cliffs are on private land, so a $5 charge is expected at the gate to maintain the road surface and vegetation. Don’t be a d*ck and drive through without paying because that will ruin it for the rest of us.

The last section of the road is gravel and a few potholes may pop up. If you have a rental vehicle be very careful not to lose a wheel or smash a bumper.
The path from the carpark is short and not steep, but definitely not wheelchair friendly due to the enourmous rocks and gapping holes in the ground, so watch your ankles!

Driving From Wanaka to Omarama

If you are staying in Wanaka then taking a day trip to Omarama clay cliffs is a pretty easy drive. The hour-and-a-half drive will take you through some beautiful scenery over the Clutha River and through Lindis Valley and along state highway 8. Visiting Omarama clay cliffs is a great activity for less than ideal weather conditions as all you will need is a warm jacket and good walking shoes because the township of Omarama will have everything you need for warm lunch or a spot for souvenir shopping.
If you’re traveling during snowy conditions be careful not to get stuck on the wrong side of Lindis pass; heavy snowfall can close the pass for anywhere from an hour to overnight and until the roads have been snow plowed to allow for safer driving conditions.

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Finding Omarama Accommodation

Top 10 Holiday Park Omarama

If instead of heading to Omarama clay cliffs for a day trip and you’re traveling your holiday through the area to continue your holiday along the south island, then you’re going to need to find some accommodation in Omarama.
The Omarama Top 10 Holiday Park is a great first option if you have a self-contained campervan if you have a young family and you want your children outside playing, or even if you want to save some money and don’t mind sharing a kitchen with other people. The Omarama Holiday Park has several motel rooms, cabins, and units on offer, but first in first served because they only have a select few of each. Then as previously mentioned if you have a campervan or even a tent you can book out either a powered sigh to hook your campervan to or a nonpowered site if you’re going for the classic camping experience.

AirBnb

If you’re a couple wanting a bit more privacy than what a campground can offer then searching for accommodation in Omarama on AirBnb will be your best option. There is plenty of farmers with small cabins on their property that are rented out to holiday goers to experience the great outdoors but from within the comfort and safety within four solid walls. The prices might be more than what you find at the campground but the bedding and décor might be a little bit more luxurious.

Omarama Motels and Apartments

The Omarama Sierra Motel and Apartments are also another good option if you’re wanting privacy and little shampoo and conditioner bottles, they have several accommodation options available from studio apartments to two bedroom units. They may look basic but the Sierra Motel will be exactly what you need if you’re looking for a place to stay that includes a private kitchen and living room space to stretch your legs and relax indoors infront of the television.

Countrytime Hotel

If you’re looking for accommodation in Omarama with a bit of character then the Countrytime Hotel is just what you’re looking for. With 48 rooms available this heritage hotel in Omarama has everything you need onsite for a relaxing holiday in the south island. With beautiful mountain views, a restaurant and bar and nearby cycling, hiking and walking trails why would you need to go anywhere else? Except the clay cliffs of course. The rooms have the choice of either mountain view or garden views so you don’ miss out on beautiful scenery every time you open your curtains.

Things to know Before Arriving at Omarama Clay Cliffs

The cliffs sit on private land, it costs $5 per vehicle to enter the property and cross the gates to the clay cliffs. Which is a fair price when you think about the care needed to preserve the thousand-year-old cliffs and to maintain the road. There are no toilets on site, your last opportunity for a toilet stop is in Omarama township at any of the several cafes, and the clay cliff walking track is not suitable for people with mobility issues, the paths are extremely rocky with large grooves cut out due to rain running down from the cliffs.

Several hazards are present in the area, including rock fall, uneven surfaces, earthquakes and flash flooding. Always check the weather before heading out on an adventure, especially when travelling through the South Island in winter, as heavy snowfall can close any of the passes at short notice.

Best Things to do in Omarama

I wouldn’t blame you if you thought the clay cliffs were the only thing going on for Omarama, It’s the kind of town that if you blinked during your drive you would miss it. But fear not, if you’re looking for things to do in Omarama you’ll easily find something to keep you occupied.

Omarama Hot Pools

The Omarama hot pools are still on my list of places to experience; these central south island hot tubs are one of the best places to stop if you want a hot soak with a view. Each Swedish hot tub sits in a private area of native land overlooking the landscape beyond Omarama. Th Omarama hot pools are well worth the visit if you’re visiting during winter.

Lindis Pass

If you’re in Omarama then you would have probably already driven through Lindis Pass, if not then I’d definitely recommend the drive. During winter if there is heavy snow fall Linids Pass often closes until the road can be cleared of heavy snow, but if you’re travelling through in summer take the opportunity to stop at any of the rest areas and explore the terrain. You will get some beautiful photos with the round winding through the hills.

Whether you’re driving through Omarama to get somewhere else, or you’re in nearby Twizel or Wanaka. The Omarama clay cliffs are worth the pit stop and photo opportunity.