Omarama

Omarama (pronounced O - mara - ma) is a small rural town in Otago, South Island, New Zealand, that benefits from being in the same region as many of the country's top scenic attractions. Many scenes for Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings were filmed in the area.  Given the nearby mountains, prevailing westerly winds and hot summer temperatures, it is also world-renowned as a premier gliding location.


Omarama Airfield (left), Omarama township (right), Lake Benmore (rear) and Mt St Cuthbert. All facilities are within walking distance of Southern Soaring's base.

How to get there

Christchurch is the nearest large international airport and is a four-hour drive from Omarama.  If driving from Christchurch, take State Highway One south-west through Ashburton and follow the signs to Aoraki/Mt Cook. You will pass through the towns of Geraldine, Fairlie and Tekapo.  Some international flights also arrive in Queenstown from Australia.

Wanaka is one hour by road and Queenstown is two hours away.   Rental cars are readily available at Christchurch and Queenstown.

Alternatively, you can get a ride with Atomic Shuttles. This company runs a service from Christchurch or Queenstown (going both directions). Details on their timetable are available on their website at: www.atomictravel.co.nz

Southern Soaring's base is in the Omarama Soaring Centre located on the airfield one kilometre north-east of the town. It is well sign posted - just follow the brown tourist signs for "Glider Flights" and Southern Soaring's blue sidewalk signs.

Facilities

Omarama has a general store (with postal facilities), two petrol stations, a garage/workshop, a variety of cafes and restaurants, a pub and bottle store. There are no banks or cash machines in town. 

Accommodation

Omarama has a wide range of accommodation options. For recommendations, please contact us. We can also book for you if required.

Campground

Located right on the airfield is a camping ground run by the Omarama Soaring Centre. You can bring your own tent/campervan or hire a caravan. The campground has excellent facilities with good showers; ablutions; DIY laundry; a large well-appointed kitchen with fridges, freezers, stoves, tables, chairs and cooking utensils; and an outside barbecue area which is used every night during summer - a great place to meet other glider pilots.  Fees are NZ$14.00 per night per person, and an additional NZ$20.00 per night for caravan hire. For bookings and enquiries, please contact us.

Deborah's Bed and Breakfast

New for the 2009/2010 season is Deborah's Bed and Breafast. Sitting adjacent to the airfield, with unobstructed views of the runway and surrounds, this farmstay accommodation is within walking distance of airfield hangars, cafe and all facilities. The atmosphere is relaxed and you will be expected to make yourself at home. One double room and one twin room is available with a separate guest bathroom. Tarrif is $95.00 per night. Please contact us or Deborah on 021 708360.

Sierra Motels


Close to the airfield, the Sierra Motels have large comfortable units, a fishing tackle shop and great hosts. Standard rate is NZ$90.00 per night for one adult or NZ$110.00 per night for two adults but discounts are available to Southern Soaring pilots staying for a reasonable length of time.  For bookings, please contact us or Cathy or Neville Ferguson on +64 3 438 9785 or email at sierramotels@omarama.co.nz

Omarama Station

Owned by Richard and Annabelle Subtil, Merino Backpackers is located within walking distance of Omarama township and is ideal for those wanting a bit of quiet. Full kitchen and bathroom facilities are provided in this comfortable accommodation. A Dorm Share is $15.00 per person and a Twin with Ensuite is $20.00 per person. A tent site is $8.00 per person.

A bed and breakfast option is also offered at Longview Cottage. This has been highly recommended by one of our clients. Single is $70.00 and double is $120.00.

For further details the Omarama Station website is:

www.omaramastation.co.nz

Other contacts are: Richard or Annabelle on (03) 438 9820, or (027) 406 9522, or email on subtil@xtra.co.nz

The Chalet

Sally and Tony Fodie have some very good accommodation to offer glider pilots and families with a two bedroom chalet that has a large section and a covered patio facing north with spectacular mountain views.  The Chalet has a queen size room and a twin room, small kitchen and comfortable lounge and dining area. It is close to the airfield. Prices are $95 for two and $20 per person after that. Please contact us for bookings.

Ahuriri Motel

 
The Ahuriri Motel, hosted by Tom and Rose Shields, is located one kilometre from the airfield. The motel has 12 serviced units and two studios. Their standard rate is NZ$95.00 per night but discounts are offered to pilots staying for an extended period. There is also a backpacker option available at $35.00 per night (separate room but shared shower/toilets). Continental breakfasts can be supplied and families are welcome.

Countrytime Hotel

Located next to the airfield is the Countrytime Hotel with its own restaurant. All rooms are fully serviced and have their own shower/bath, television, tea and coffee making facilities, internet access and telephone. SKY TV is available in the lounge, which is adjacent to the bar. The hotel is only a four minute walk from Southern Soaring's facilities - great if you don't have a vehicle.

Heritage Gateway Hotel

 

Another comfortable hotel is the Heritage Gateway, which is located one kilometre away from the airfield in Omarama township. Rooms rates are the highest in town but for those wanting a little bit of extra comfort, the hotel is recommended.

Things To Do

Omarama Hot Tubs

Just across the road from the airfield are the Omarama Hot Tubs. Operated by Jan and Lance Thomas, this attraction opened during the 2008/2009 season and is becoming very popular for those wanting to unwind in the evening. Prices are $30.00 per head. Highly recommended!

Places To Eat

Every season there seems to be more and more places to eat at Omarama offering great food and drinks.  Right on the airfield is the Kahu Cafe ('Kahu' is Maori for hawk) offering superb coffee and a range of wholesome food. Evening meals can be provided by booking on the day with Dagmar.

Within walking distance of the airfield is the Wrinkly Rams cafe with good food at reasonable prices. For those wanting to, you can even watch sheep being shorn.

For those wanting lunch, the Oasis provide takeaway food and dine-in options. The Merino also provides dine-in or takeaway food and can supply packed lunches if required. If needed they can also exchange foreign currency.

Meals are available from both the Countrytime Hotel and Heritage Gateway. The Omarama Hotel does cheap bar meals, which you can have outside under the umbrellas while enjoying a cold beer. They also do takeaways.

The Omarama Soaring Centre - Southern Soaring's base