Omarama Clay Cliffs
Reviews
Andrew Hammond
Ranking: 8/10
Was a really nice change of scenery. Bumpy, dusty road is not too bad. Nice track that lets you get in amongst the cliffs and get a really close look. Definitely worth a visit if you are passing.
Raphaele
Ranking: 9/10
Really different from most NZ scenery, quite impressive in its own way and less crowded than other places. You have to pay an entrance fee which I is pretty fair, considering the site is on private land.
Fergus Power
Ranking: 10/10
Stunning site the sheer grandeur of which makes you feel 'very small' as you wind your way through the impressive formations. A photographer's and geologist's dream-come-true ....
Martin Strauss
Ranking: 3/10
I don't know why there is a fee of $5, because this 7.5 km gravel road is ridiculous and gets worse after paying the fee. The view is nice enough, but you can have a quite good overview from the highway as well.
Nicole and Timm
Ranking: 10/10
Very interesting rock formations - but see for yourself! Long and bumpy gravel road - absolutely worth it.
Bobbie Jones
Ranking: 10/10
Awesome hidden gem of New Zealand. A true NZ must do, it really proves New Zealand has it all.
Derick Trotter
Ranking: 8/10
$5 to get on the land, is worth it! Very different scenery. It was nice to walk around/in the cliffs.
Michiel de Weerd
Ranking: 10/10
Totally worth the trip! The cliffs are on private land and the scenery is amazing. So the $5 for the road usage is a good deal for a view and an astounding walk. Be sure to walk all the way to the end of the road.
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Bob
Ranking: 8/10
Great hidden treasure on a long gravel road. Nice activity for $5.
Stephen Timbu
Ranking: 8/10
A little off the beaten path, but the clay cliffs were worth a visit. Very interesting formations accessible by a walking track. $5 entry per vehicle.
Jared and Evi
Ranking: 10/10
I have never heard of the Clay Cliffs before, but on my way from Mt Cook to Dunedin I stopped there. I did not expect a lot but was mindblown when I saw them. They are totally worth a visit.
Rahel Baufeld
Ranking: 5/10
Spectacular cliffs in the middle of nowhere, very nice landscape and views. But $5 road fee per van for a gravel road and no toilets?? That is not nice.
Katrina
Ranking: 9/10
Feb 2016: $5 per vehicle - access road is gravel with nasty potholes (pay to bring exact change). Walk is relatively easy on the main path. Plenty of animal tracks can be followed to find your own private cathedral of wonder. Fascinating place, worth stopping off it you are passing through. Bring water and sunscreen! No toilet.
Jan 2018: Same price, same potholed road, much worse camper to drive in (much larger and only 2wd). Last time we parked at a small turnaround near the river and had to walk past a locked gate, down a very rough, "4wd only", single-lane dirt road (we thought it would be fun to have a quad bike along here). The road end carpark is now through those gates, the 4wd track now being wider and ok for 2wd - expect to be challenged with a large motorhome, but it's do-able. Carpark is much larger, plenty of turning space and closer to the 'Cathedral'. Still no toilet or shelter...doesn't need it, just go prepared. 2 years ago we had the place almost to ourselves...this time, a dozen other people around.
Jeroen
Ranking: 9/10
Very annoying unsealed road towards it, but so worth it! Large yellow sand/clay formations that really stand out from the surroundings - special!
Alexis Leneveu
Ranking: 8/10
Nice spot, not too many people.
James Webster
Ranking: 10/10
Very cool cliffs, $5 entry per car. Great views and good place to scramble up the cliffs.
Matthias Thorn
Ranking: 8/10
The gravel road to the cliffs is tricky but it's worth driving there. From the carpark it is an easy walk to the cliffs. Actually there are no walkways between the cliffs. The paths can be very steep.
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Mandy Reich
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful and only $6.
Julian Kuemme
Ranking: 8/10
Very interesting landscape.
Cuz da Maori
Ranking: 8/10
Pales in comparison to similar places around the world on a larger scale, but worth a visit, still very unique, explore as many ravines as you can!
Tan
Ranking: 10/10
Short walk. very interesting place You will see the signs before heading to Omarama ( to Queenstown) Just follow the signs until you see the gate with honest box $5 per car. It's unsealed road. Park your car when you see sign 4WD only ( I've been there on september 2013 I think 4WD cant drive through as well, there was a very big hole . 15mins walk from car park
Loesje
Ranking: 8/10
Well worth a visit!
Almost nobody there, and surprisingly impressive!
Very... different :)
Kaddi & Grego
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful place although it wasn't written on our map but we just followed the signs.
Don & Alice
Ranking: 8/10
Very impressive and not a lot of people.
Mathias
Ranking: 8/10
These cliffs are worth stopping. Not mentioned in many travel guides they offer some spectacular views. Cliffs are on private property and a little fee applies, but it's worth it....
GraceB
Ranking: 7/10
Awesome rock formations, you can walk all around and inside - worth a stop off to break up a drive to Wanaka/QT.