Omarama is at the top of the Waitaki Valley in the Waitaki district, at the junction of State Highways 8 and 83, around 45 minutes from Twizel and at the foot of the Lindis Pass.

Why is Omarama famous for gliding?

Omarama is considered the southern hemisphere's premier gliding destination, with wave lift and thermal conditions created by the Mackenzie Basin's wind patterns producing some of the world's longest soaring flights.

What are the Clay Cliffs near Omarama?

The Clay Cliffs west of Omarama are dramatic eroded silt pillars and ravines formed from glacial outwash deposits, accessible on a short walk, with a small entry fee to the private land.

What are the Omarama Hot Tubs?

Ōmarama Hot Tubs offers private outdoor cedar soaking tubs under the Mackenzie's dark skies, open year-round, with stargazing quality enhanced by the region's dark-sky reserve designation.

How do I get from Cromwell to Omarama?

By car, around 75 minutes east via State Highway 8 over the Lindis Pass. From Twizel, around 45 minutes north on SH8.

Which schools are in zone for Omarama?

Omarama is not covered by a school enrolment zone. Nearby schools may accept enrolments under open enrolment or by application.

How do I check my school zone in Omarama?

Use the School Zone Checker on this page. Enter your address to check your school zone and see which schools you have a guaranteed right to enrol at.

Omarama, Otago | Postcode, Population & Property Values

Est. Median Value: $555K
Median Weekly Rent: $200/wk
Safety Score: 87/100
Green Space: 50%
Current Weather: 1.9°C
Median Age: 49 yrs

Living in Omarama

Omarama sits at the top of the Waitaki Valley where the Mackenzie Basin hands over to Central Otago, and it performs several functions simultaneously for the travellers who encounter it. The town is the last petrol before the Lindis Pass, the first services after the Lindis Pass, the gateway to the Ahuriri Valley, and the thermal soaring capital of the southern hemisphere, a claim supported by the conditions that the convergence zone between the Mackenzie's nor'wester and the Waitaki Valley's drainage creates above the town most summer afternoons.

Around 500 people live in Omarama permanently, and the glider pilots, clay-target shooters and hot-pool visitors who arrive seasonally bring the number to something more. Ōmarama Hot Tubs' outdoor cedar tubs offer the hot-water experience in a stargazing context that the Mackenzie's dark-sky status makes comprehensively excellent.

The Ahuriri River running northwest from the town into the Ahuriri Conservation Park is among the South Island's better brown trout fisheries, known among anglers with the quiet insistence of people who would prefer the river remain as good as it is. The Clay Cliffs west of town are a geological curiosity of silt pinnacles and ravines, accessible on a short walk from the car park.

Omarama School serves the local primary years; Twizel and the Mackenzie schools share the secondary load.

Is Omarama a good place to live?

Omarama is home to roughly 909 people across 537.9 km². On Suburb's overall livability scale, Omarama scores 66 out of 100, with a safety score of 87/100 and 50% green space.

Schools: Omarama has 1 school in or near the suburb, spanning early-childhood through to secondary education. See the Schools tab below for the full list.

Housing: The estimated median value is around $555K, and weekly rent typically sits around $200.

Lifestyle: Omarama has cafés, shops and things to do nearby. Public transport stops are within easy reach. The current temperature is 1.9°C. See the Weather tab for monthly averages.

Whether Omarama is right for you depends on what you’re looking for. Use the data and community tips below to decide if it suits your lifestyle, family and budget.

Map

Livability Breakdown

Safety87
Amenities36
Schools0
Housing Affordability68
Green space100
Community67
Transport20

Some dimensions are still pending data: schoolQuality.

Property & Economics

Est. Median Value: $555K
Median Weekly Rent: $200/wk
Median HH Income: $78K/yr
Pop. Growth (5yr): +18.8%
Data Year: 2023

Key Financial Indicators (NZD)

† Est. Median Value is suburb.co.nz's own estimate, modelled from available public data. We aim for accuracy, but where data is limited, estimates may be imprecise.

Nearby Suburbs

Browse all suburbs in Waitaki District →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Omarama?: Omarama is at the top of the Waitaki Valley in the Waitaki district, at the junction of State Highways 8 and 83, around 45 minutes from Twizel and at the foot of the Lindis Pass.
Why is Omarama famous for gliding?: Omarama is considered the southern hemisphere's premier gliding destination, with wave lift and thermal conditions created by the Mackenzie Basin's wind patterns producing some of the world's longest soaring flights.
What are the Clay Cliffs near Omarama?: The Clay Cliffs west of Omarama are dramatic eroded silt pillars and ravines formed from glacial outwash deposits, accessible on a short walk, with a small entry fee to the private land.
What are the Omarama Hot Tubs?: Ōmarama Hot Tubs offers private outdoor cedar soaking tubs under the Mackenzie's dark skies, open year-round, with stargazing quality enhanced by the region's dark-sky reserve designation.
How do I get from Cromwell to Omarama?: By car, around 75 minutes east via State Highway 8 over the Lindis Pass. From Twizel, around 45 minutes north on SH8.
Which schools are in zone for Omarama?: Omarama is not covered by a school enrolment zone. Nearby schools may accept enrolments under open enrolment or by application.
How do I check my school zone in Omarama?: Use the School Zone Checker on this page. Enter your address to check your school zone and see which schools you have a guaranteed right to enrol at.

Omarama Weather

Current conditions: 1.9°C, broken clouds

Month	High (°C)	Low (°C)	Rainfall (mm/day)	Sunshine (hrs/day)
☀️ Jan	22.27	11.2	3.27	11.95
☀️ Feb	21.05	10.17	2.47	11.54
🍂 Mar	17.7	6.88	2.96	9.73
🍂 Apr	15.24	5.8	3.23	8.24
🍂 May	10.41	2.31	2.5	6.4
❄️ Jun	6.14	-0.21	1.68	4.98
❄️ Jul	6.5	-0.98	1.56	6.13
❄️ Aug	8.32	-0.73	2.29	7.47
🌸 Sep	11.83	1.65	6.89	8.97
🌸 Oct	14.18	3.3	5.6	10.31
🌸 Nov	17.43	7.02	2.95	11.85
☀️ Dec	20.76	10.38	3.3	12.13

Est. Median Value: $555K
Median Weekly Rent: $200/wk
Safety Score: 87/100
Green Space: 50%
Current Weather: 1.9°C
Median Age: 49 yrs

Living in Omarama

Omarama School serves the local primary years; Twizel and the Mackenzie schools share the secondary load.

Is Omarama a good place to live?

Omarama is home to roughly 909 people across 537.9 km². On Suburb's overall livability scale, Omarama scores 66 out of 100, with a safety score of 87/100 and 50% green space.

Schools: Omarama has 1 school in or near the suburb, spanning early-childhood through to secondary education. See the Schools tab below for the full list.

Housing: The estimated median value is around $555K, and weekly rent typically sits around $200.

Lifestyle: Omarama has cafés, shops and things to do nearby. Public transport stops are within easy reach. The current temperature is 1.9°C. See the Weather tab for monthly averages.

Whether Omarama is right for you depends on what you’re looking for. Use the data and community tips below to decide if it suits your lifestyle, family and budget.

Map

Livability Breakdown

Safety87
Amenities36
Schools0
Housing Affordability68
Green space100
Community67
Transport20

Some dimensions are still pending data: schoolQuality.

Property & Economics

Est. Median Value: $555K
Median Weekly Rent: $200/wk
Median HH Income: $78K/yr
Pop. Growth (5yr): +18.8%
Data Year: 2023

Key Financial Indicators (NZD)

† Est. Median Value is suburb.co.nz's own estimate, modelled from available public data. We aim for accuracy, but where data is limited, estimates may be imprecise.

Nearby Suburbs

Browse all suburbs in Waitaki District →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Omarama?: Omarama is at the top of the Waitaki Valley in the Waitaki district, at the junction of State Highways 8 and 83, around 45 minutes from Twizel and at the foot of the Lindis Pass.
Why is Omarama famous for gliding?: Omarama is considered the southern hemisphere's premier gliding destination, with wave lift and thermal conditions created by the Mackenzie Basin's wind patterns producing some of the world's longest soaring flights.
What are the Clay Cliffs near Omarama?: The Clay Cliffs west of Omarama are dramatic eroded silt pillars and ravines formed from glacial outwash deposits, accessible on a short walk, with a small entry fee to the private land.
What are the Omarama Hot Tubs?: Ōmarama Hot Tubs offers private outdoor cedar soaking tubs under the Mackenzie's dark skies, open year-round, with stargazing quality enhanced by the region's dark-sky reserve designation.
How do I get from Cromwell to Omarama?: By car, around 75 minutes east via State Highway 8 over the Lindis Pass. From Twizel, around 45 minutes north on SH8.
Which schools are in zone for Omarama?: Omarama is not covered by a school enrolment zone. Nearby schools may accept enrolments under open enrolment or by application.
How do I check my school zone in Omarama?: Use the School Zone Checker on this page. Enter your address to check your school zone and see which schools you have a guaranteed right to enrol at.

Omarama Weather

Current conditions: 1.9°C, broken clouds

Month	High (°C)	Low (°C)	Rainfall (mm/day)	Sunshine (hrs/day)
☀️ Jan	22.27	11.2	3.27	11.95
☀️ Feb	21.05	10.17	2.47	11.54
🍂 Mar	17.7	6.88	2.96	9.73
🍂 Apr	15.24	5.8	3.23	8.24
🍂 May	10.41	2.31	2.5	6.4
❄️ Jun	6.14	-0.21	1.68	4.98
❄️ Jul	6.5	-0.98	1.56	6.13
❄️ Aug	8.32	-0.73	2.29	7.47
🌸 Sep	11.83	1.65	6.89	8.97
🌸 Oct	14.18	3.3	5.6	10.31
🌸 Nov	17.43	7.02	2.95	11.85
☀️ Dec	20.76	10.38	3.3	12.13

Living in Omarama

Is Omarama a good place to live?

Map

Livability Breakdown

Property & Economics

Key Financial Indicators (NZD)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Schools & Enrolment Zones in Omarama

Schools in zone for Omarama

Check your school zone

School Zone Checker

Other nearby schools

Omarama School

Explore Omarama

🎯Things to do(5)

Gun club

Hot Tubs Omarama

Ruataniwha Conservation Park

Omarama Gliding Club

Ahuriri Conservation Park

🌳Parks & green spaces(2)

Ruataniwha Conservation Park

Ahuriri Conservation Park

🏥Healthcare

Eat & Drink in Omarama

🍽️Places to eat & drink(9)

Merino Country Cafe

Omarama Lodge Vineyard, Restaurant & Bar

The Glider Cafe Ltd

The Wrinkly Rams

Pink Glider Cafe

The Love Shack Kebabs

Boots and Jandals

Oasis Bar and Cafe

Merino Country Cafe and Gifts

Tradies & Services in Omarama

🔧Tradies & services(2)

Ideal Buildings

Supplymoore Yard

Shops in Omarama

🛍️Shops(1)

Four Square Omarama

Beauty & Fitness in Omarama

💅Beauty & fitness(3)

Country Glow

Gun club

Omarama Gliding Club

Stay in Omarama

🛏️Places to stay(11)

Buscot Station

Ahuriri Motels

Ahuriri Bridge Campsite

Countrytime Hotel

Sierra Motel

Bigsky Motels

Discovery Countrytime Hotel Omarama

Omarama Hotel

Heritage Gateway Hotel

Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel

Omarama Top 10 Holiday Park

Omarama Weather

Omarama Community

Reviews of Omarama

Local tips

Living in Omarama

Is Omarama a good place to live?

Map

Livability Breakdown

Property & Economics

Key Financial Indicators (NZD)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Schools & Enrolment Zones in Omarama

Schools in zone for Omarama

Check your school zone

School Zone Checker

Other nearby schools

Omarama School

Explore Omarama

Things to do(5)

Parks & green spaces(2)

Healthcare

Places to eat & drink(9)

Tradies & services(2)

Shops(1)

Beauty & fitness(3)

Places to stay(11)

Things to do(5)

Parks & green spaces(2)

Healthcare

Places to eat & drink(9)

Tradies & services(2)

Shops(1)

Beauty & fitness(3)

Places to stay(11)