A little touch of Utah in the south
The Clay Cliffs
These are a spectacular formation of weathered pillars built from layered silt and gravel that was deposited by rivers a scant million years ago – barely yesterday, in geological terms. About 10 kilometres from Omarama, off SH83 onto progressively smaller roads, they rise up beside the impressively braided Ahuriri River and tower over the surrounding bush.
There’s an easy walk of about 100 metres to the start of the cliffs, and then, with no designated track to follow, you can poke around them and explore the slot canyon into the centre, admiring the fluted shapes of the tall columns and the beautiful pastel colours.
On a classic clear Otago day under a blue sky with sharp shadows thrown by the pinnacles into the ravine, this place is a photographer’s delight – and you’re likely to have it entirely to yourself.
Why go?
Because they’re closer than Utah. Honestly, these are just like what they call hoodoos there, and are equally sculpted and picturesque. Although, admittedly, these badlands are on a much smaller scale, they’re a lot more accessible – plus, there are no snakes.
Insider tip
The last 5km, along Henburn Rd, is unsealed and could be challenging for a regular car after heavy rain, but in dry weather it’s driveable with care. Wear sturdy shoes for the stony conditions underfoot. There are no toilet facilities at the site.
On the way/nearby
The Mackenzie Basin is full of hiking tracks and cycle trails for active people, and the i-Site in Omarama has all the information. There’s good fishing too, and boating along the Ahuriri and Waitaki rivers and lakes. The area is famous for its thermals, and gliding is big here. You could take a 30-minute (or longer) training flight and experience the crazy thrill of silent flight, with just the rushing of the air and the creak of the wings.
After all that activity – or, indeed, instead of it – have a relaxing soak in mountain water at the Omarama Hot Tubs. In your own private wooden tub you can lie back and gaze through the steam at the mountains reflected in the nearby lake – or, at night, the stars. With minimal light pollution, the stargazing here is epic. Celebrate being in sheep country at The Wrinkly Ram, where you can watch a short movie about farming merinos, followed by a sheep shearing demo onstage. Next there’s some border collie action outside, and finally the chance to pat a sheep. There’s excellent food, coffee, wine, plus an art gallery here, too.
How much?
Kindly put $5 per car into the honesty box at the gate – the Cliffs are on private land.
Best time to go
Any time is good, but if you’re there in early summer you get an extra treat: the lupins will be in full flower along the riverbed. – Pamela Wade
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See waitakinz.com