Golf
Omarama has its own 9 hole golf course, so grab some clubs and your caddie, and tee off on the MacKenzie Country greens.
Scenic flight
Experience the dramatic Mackenzie Basin and Mount Cook scenery by plane or helicopter.
Soar the summits of the Southern Alps and the majestic peaks of Aoraki Mount Cook. Fly over ancient glaciers to the turquoise glacial water of Lake Pukaki, Tekapo and the causeways that make up the Mackenzie's impressive hydro scheme. Touch down on the tops for a stomp in the snow, and catch some unforgettable scenery on camera.
In winter, heli ski these snow covered mountain-scapes to truly connect with the majesty of the peaks, valleys and glaciers.
Flights depart 20 minutes up the road at Twizel, or from Lake Tekapo.
Air Safaris operate from their airport facility on the main highway, 4 kms west of the Lake Tekapo township.
Clay Cliffs Winery
At 440m above sea level, Clay Cliffs Estate winery is the highest altitude vineyard in New Zealand. The Estate is named after the nearby dramatic, geological marvel of sharp pinnacles and deep narrow ravines of the Clay Cliffs.
Clay Cliffs Estate has one of Otago's earliest plantings of Pinot Gris, Muscat and Pinot Blanc. The Estate's Tuscany style restaurant - with both inside and outside dining - features large ponds with rainbow and brown trout for you to feed if you wish.
Clay Cliffs Estate is located an easy stroll from the Hotel, being only 500m south of the Omarama township on State Highway 8.
Salmon Farm
Visit a salmon farm, feed the fish, and buy some delicious fresh or smoked salmon while you are there.
Only a short drive north from Omarama on State Highway 8 is the Mount Cook Salmon Farm, which at 677m above sea level, is the highest salmon farm in the world. Situated among one of the hydro canals feeding the Waitaki Hydroelectric Power scheme, the continual flow of fresh mountain waters make it the ideal place for strong healthy fish to thrive.
Feed the fishes, or buy some delicious salmon direct from the farm, either fresh or smoked.
Ski the Southern Slopes
There are three fields to choose from in the Mount Cook region, or explore the many spectacular sights and untouched trails with an unforgettable heli-skiing experience.
Ohau Ski Field
If powder, sunshine and uncrowded slopes are what you are looking for then Ohau Ski Field offers you high country skiing at its best.
With a max elevation of 1,925 metres, there is a 400 metre vertical fall to the base of the field. Featuring a snow mat, a platter tow, and a 1 km long chair lift, Ohau has many great runs for the beginner, intermediate and advanced snow boarder or skier.
The season at Ohau runs July to October. Ohau ski field is 45 minutes from both Twizel and Omarama. Ski or snowboard hire is available.
Round Hill Ski Field
With beautiful views of Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Basin, Round Hill provides the perfect setting for a relaxing day skiing or snowboarding on the gentle, undulating hill slopes.
Round Hill is the ideal family field, with fantastic learner and intermediate slopes, perfectly groomed wide trails, and all-day sunshine. With parking right on the slope, it's easy to unload the gear and get the kids on the trails so the days fun can begin.
At Round Hill's fully licensed caf you can grab a hot coffee and a warm snack mid ski, or finish off a perfect day with a cool beer while soaking in the breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tekapo.
Ski or board hire is available, promising brand new gear every season.
Round Hill is only a half hour's drive from the Lake Tekapo township.
Heli-Ski
Get up close and personal the mighty snow covered peaks, valleys and glaciers of the Southern Alps.
With literally hundreds of mountain peaks to play among, you're bound to get an exhilarating, untouched trail all of your own.
Take a guided ski tour along the Tasman Glacier to experience the longest run in New Zealand, and visit some spectacular sights that are simply out of this world.
Gliding Omarama
The terrain and weather conditions of the plains and surrounding hills of this quiet country town have made Omarama world-renowned as New Zealand's premium gliding location.
The views you'll see of the rugged Alps and vast country plains below while experiencing the exhilaration of soaring these silent skies are nothing short of breathtaking. There are two gliding operators to choose from, with Glide Omarama and Southern Soaring both offering flights for the novice, through to the expert pilot.
Whether you want to stay for a day or a week, check out the package deals available for flight and accommodation combinations at the Countrytime Hotel.
Mountain Bike
Twenty minutes up the road at Twizel, Heli Bike provide the ultimate adventure solution - flying you to the top of the Benmore Range by helicopter, leaving you to descend 1300 vertical metres down through the high country farm tracks and back to Twizel.
With trips starting from $65, it is one of the Mackenzie region's most affordable thrills! Bikes, helmets and experienced guides are all available.
Boating
Many of the Mackenzie Basin's rivers and lakes - both natural and manmade - are popular boating, sailing and kayaking destinations.
Lake Ruataniwha - an artificial lake created as a part of the Waitaki hydro electric project - is home to a world class rowing course and is an international power boating venue.
These picturesque lakes are also ideal for waterskiing, wake boarding, kite surfing and windsurfing.
Fishing
Bring your rod and line to hook yourself a trophy sized brown trout, rainbow trout or salmon in any of the pristine mountain fresh waters of the Mackenzie area's many beautiful lakes and rivers. With perfect conditions for the fish to live and grow, a truly great catch awaits you. Nab yourself one of the local fishing guides for some real local knowledge.
Walking tracks
There are endless opportunities to explore Aoraki Mount Cook, Ben Ohau Range, Dobson and Hopkins Valleys areas on foot. Walks ranging from half hour to multi-day are all within easy access of Omarama. For more information on walking tracks ask us, or visit the Department of Conservation website: www.doc.govt.nz
Tennis
The Countrytime boasts two full size lawn tennis courts - yours to use free of charge. So grab a partner to bash some balls at, or rally up a posse and throw yourself a tournament! Rackets and balls available from reception.
Horse treks
Enjoy the quiet seclusion and spectacular scenery of the Mackenzie High Country from the back of a horse. A variety of treks are available, ranging from half hour to a fully guided, 6 day adventure. Suitable for beginners through to expert riders, treks operate from October to mid April from Twizel.
Hunting
The mountainous landscape surrounding Omarama is home to many Red Deer, Chamois and Tahr. Grab a local guide and head for the hills in search of adventure and a trophy.