Ōmarama Clay Cliffs – The Ultimate Guide (2026)

Hidden just outside of Omarama, the Omarama Clay Cliffs are one of New Zealand’s most underrated natural wonders, and most people drive right past without realising they’re even there.

The first time I visited the Omarama Clay Cliffs, I honestly couldn’t believe something like that existed in New Zealand.

I’d driven past plenty of times on my South Island road trips without realising what was hiding just a few minutes off the highway. Now I make a point of stopping every time I’m in the area.

What I love about the Clay Cliffs is that they’re not crowded, overhyped, or hard to reach. They’re tucked away on private farmland, but the landowners have been kind enough to give us access, so you can wander right inside and explore the narrow passageways yourself.

If you’re planning a road trip through Tekapo, Twizel, Queenstown, or Wanaka, you’ll most likely be passing right by Omarama anyway, and trust me, it’s worth taking the short detour.

In this guide, I’ll give you everything you need to know before you go: how to get there, what it costs, what the walk is like, and whether it’s actually worth a stop.

How to Get to the Ōmarama Clay Cliffs

The Clay Cliffs sit just outside of Ōmarama, in the Waitaki Valley, and they’re surprisingly easy to reach once you know where to turn.

Ōmarama itself is a tiny town along State Highway 8, the main route connecting Lake Tekapo and Twizel with the Lindis Pass, Queenstown, and Wanaka. If you’re road-tripping that way (and let’s be honest, almost everyone does), it’s only a short detour.

To get to the Clay Cliffs you want to start on Quailburn Road, which is signposted off the left of the highway, north of Ōmarama. This is where a lot of people get confused because it’s not a big flashy sign, more of a small turnoff you could easily miss if you’re flying past.

After around 4kms, you will wan to turn left onto Henburn Road. You will see a small sign on the side of the road directing towards the Clay Cliffs.

The road is gravel from here on, but don’t worry, it’s well-graded and totally fine for cars, campervans, and smaller motorhomes.

Eventually, you’ll reach a farm gate with a sign for the Clay Cliffs on the left hand side of the road. Go ahead and drive through (just make sure you close it behind you) and from there it’s its just a straight drive until you reach the parking area right at the base of the cliffs.

Ōmarama Clay Cliffs Map

Parking at the Clay Cliffs

Once you’ve driven through the farm gate, follow the road until you find yourself in a big gravel parking area.

The parking is free and right next to the entrance track, so there’s no need to walk far. It’s not paved, but the ground is generally flat and solid. Larger vehicles like campervans and small motorhomes fit fine here too.

Don’t expect facilities though, there are no toilets, no café, no water taps. It’s very much a “park and explore” type of spot.

Entrance Fee

Because the Ōmarama Clay Cliffs are on private farmland, you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee to the landowner. At the moment it’s $10 per car.

The landowners are kind enough to let us onto their private property, and the small fee goes towards maintaining the road, parking area, and track, so please do the right thing and pay.

Payment is done through an honesty box system at the farm gate. Just pop in your cash in the box and you’re good to go. Classic Kiwi trust system. Or there is the option for a bank transfer before you go.

The Walk Into the Clay Cliffs

From the parking area, the walk into the cliffs is short but super fun. It’s about a 15 minute stroll to reach the formations, but once you’re there, you’ll definitely want to wander deeper.

The path starts out wide and easy, but once you’re inside the cliffs, you can choose your own little routes.

Some of the gaps between the spires are narrow and steep, with loose gravel underfoot, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. I wouldn’t wear jandals unless you’re okay with sliding around a bit.

What makes the Clay Cliffs special is that it’s not a fenced-off “look but don’t touch” type of place. You can actually walk right into the valleys, stand beneath the towering walls, and explore little tracks that twist through the rock formations.

The cliffs themselves are made of clay and gravel that’s been eroded over millions of years, so they feel quite fragile in places. Be respectful and avoid climbing on the spires.

Give yourself at least 30–45 minutes to wander, but if you’re a keen photographer or you just like to explore slowly, an hour or more goes quickly here.

Are the Clay Cliffs Worth Visiting?

In my opinion, absolutely. The Ōmarama Clay Cliffs aren’t as famous as places like Mt Cook or Lake Tekapo, but they’re such a cool hidden gem.

Reasons I think they’re worth a stop:

• Unique landscape — you won’t see formations like this anywhere else in New Zealand.
• Quick and easy — the walk is short, so it’s suitable for almost everyone.
• Close to the highway — only a short detour off SH8.
• Super photogenic — especially in the golden afternoon light.
• Crowds are minimal — compared to other South Island spots, it’s often quiet here.

That said, it’s probably not a full-day activity on its own. I’d recommend it as a stop along a road trip between Tekapo, Mt Cook, Wanaka, or Queenstown.

If you’re already passing through Ōmarama, it’s an easy and worthwhile detour.

Best Time of Year to Visit

The Omarama Clay Cliffs are open year-round, so you can visit whenever your road trip takes you through.

In summer, the surrounding area bursts into colour with wild lupins, which makes the whole scene even more photogenic.

In winter, you might be lucky enough to catch the cliffs and nearby mountains dusted in snow, giving the landscape a completely different, dramatic vibe.

FAQ About the Ōmarama Clay Cliffs

Do you need to book in advance?

Nope! Just show up, pay your entrance fee, and enjoy. But you can pay early by bank deposit if you wish.

How long do you need there?

An hour is plenty, but allow more if you love photography or exploring slowly.

Are the Clay Cliffs suitable for kids?

Yes, kids love running around and exploring the little passages. Just be mindful of loose rocks and steep bits.

Can you fly a drone?

Because it’s private land, technically you should ask for permission. Some people do fly drones here, but always follow the rules and respect others.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, but they must be on a leash since you’re on working farmland.

Are there toilets on-site?

No, the nearest toilets are in Omarama township.

Can you camp overnight at the Clay Cliffs?

No, camping is not allowed here. The closest camping options are in Ōmarama itself.

Final Thoughts

The Ōmarama Clay Cliffs are one of those stops that catch you by surprise. They’re cheap, quick, and easy to explore, yet they feel like a completely different world compared to the rolling hills and lakes you’ve just driven past.

If you’re road-tripping down the South Island, make sure you leave time for a detour here.

Whether you’re a photographer, a hiker, or just someone who loves stumbling across weird and wonderful landscapes, the Clay Cliffs are definitely worth a visit.