Is It Worth Visiting Clay Cliffs in Omarama? (2026)

Planning a South Island road trip? Find out if the Omarama Clay Cliffs are worth the detour. My 2026 guide covers the honesty box, the road conditions, and exactly how to find the hidden inner chambers.

Driving along State Highway 8 between Queenstown and Lake Tekapo, it’s easy to blink and miss the turn-off for the Omarama Clay Cliffs.

You’ve probably seen the photos on Instagram—towering, jagged silt-and-gravel spires that look like they belong on the set of a sci-fi movie. But as any seasoned traveler knows, “Instagrammable” doesn’t always mean “worth the effort.”

So, should you brave the 10km gravel road and the $5 private land fee? Or is it just a glorified pile of dirt?

Here is everything you need to know before you turn off the highway.

Quick Verdict: Is it Worth Visiting the Omarama Clay Cliffs?

If you’re driving between Queenstown and Lake Tekapo, you’re going to see the sign for the Clay Cliffs. The question is: Should you take the 30-minute detour and pay the $5 fee?

• The Verdict: Yes, absolutely. It’s one of the most “bang-for-your-buck” stops on the South Island. It feels less like New Zealand and more like the set of a Western movie or the surface of Mars.
• The Catch: It is short. Expect 1–1.5 hours total. If you want a 4-hour epic hike, you’ll be disappointed (but check out my other NZ guides for exactly that). This is a “stretch your legs and lose your mind at the scenery” kind of stop.
• Road Condition: The road is still gravel, the honesty box is still cash-only, and the views are still some of the best in the Mackenzie Basin.
• Accessibility: The main trail is easy, but the interior of the cliffs is rocky and uneven—not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

5 Things You Need to Know Before You Go

1. The “Honesty Box” is No Joke

The cliffs are on private land. You’ll hit a gate with a wooden box. It’s $5 NZD per vehicle. There is no QR code, no card reader, and no one to give you change. I’ve seen people reach this gate, realize they only have a $20 note or a credit card, and have to turn around. Don’t be that person—keep a $5 note in your glovebox.

2. You Don’t Need a 4WD (But You Need Patience)

The 8km drive down Henburn Road is unsealed gravel. In 2025, it can get pretty “corrugated” (bumpy ripples in the road). Your rental sedan will make it, but your teeth might rattle. Drive slow to avoid flying stones from oncoming traffic—cracked windshields are a quick way to ruin a road trip.

3. The “Hidden” Inner Chamber

Most people walk to the base of the cliffs, take a photo, and leave. Don’t do that. Look for the narrow opening in the center. It’s a bit of a scramble over loose rocks, but it leads you into a massive natural amphitheater where the 30-meter spires completely surround you. This is where the “alien planet” photos happen.

4. Footwear Matters

The ground inside the cliffs is made of scree (fine, loose rocks). It’s like walking on marbles. If you try to do this in flip-flops or smooth-soled sneakers, you’re going to slide. Wear something with a bit of grip.

5. The Timing Trick

The cliffs face west/southwest. If you go at noon, the sun is flat and the cliffs look beige and boring. If you go in the late afternoon (Golden Hour), the iron in the clay catches the light and the whole place turns a deep, fiery orange.

The “Mulan” Connection: Walking Through a Film Set

If the jagged spires and beige ravines feel familiar, it’s likely because you’ve seen them on the big screen. The Omarama Clay Cliffs served as a primary filming location for Disney’s 2020 live-action Mulan.

In the film, these cliffs weren’t standing in for New Zealand—they were used to represent the rugged landscapes of the Silk Road in Northwest China.

Why Disney Picked This Spot

Production designers were looking for a location that looked “ancient and otherworldly.” The sharp, vertical erosion of the Clay Cliffs provided the perfect backdrop for the Witch’s training grounds and several key battle preparation scenes.

The scale of the cliffs is massive, allowing the film crew to create the illusion of a vast, desolate mountain range. When you walk into the main “cathedral” area of the cliffs, you are standing exactly where the cast and crew spent weeks filming.

Beyond the Cliffs: 4 Things To Do In & Around Omarama

If you think the Clay Cliffs are the only reason to stop in Omarama, you’re missing out. This town is a major crossroads on the South Island and serves as the gateway to some of New Zealand’s most unique experiences.

1. Soak at Hot Tubs Omarama

After a dusty scramble through the cliffs, there is no better feeling than a private, wood-fired cedar hot tub.

• The Vibe: Each tub is tucked into its own landscaped nook overlooking the mountains.
• Pro Tip: Book a session for after dark. Omarama sits on the edge of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, and the stargazing from the tub is world-class.
• Check availability for Omarama Hot Tubs here.

2. Cycle the Alps 2 Ocean (A2O) Trail

Omarama is a key hub for New Zealand’s longest cycle trail. You don’t have to be a hardcore cyclist to enjoy it.

• The Experience: You can rent a bike in town and ride the relatively flat section toward Lake Benmore. The views of the Ahuriri River against the golden tussock are spectacular.
• View Alps 2 Ocean bike rentals and transport here.

3. Take a Scenic Flight to Aoraki / Mt Cook

Omarama is the “Gliding Capital of New Zealand,” but if you prefer an engine, several scenic flights pass through this airspace.

• The Experience: While most major heli-tours depart from nearby Twizel or Mt Cook Village (30-45 mins away), they are the easiest “add-on” to a Clay Cliffs trip.
• Find the best Mount Cook Helicopter Tours here.

4. The Wrinkly Rams (The Ultimate Pitstop)

You can’t visit Omarama without stopping at The Wrinkly Rams. It’s much more than just a café; it’s a full-blown South Island experience.

• The Food: They are famous for their massive, traditional Kiwi meat pies and high-country fare. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before or after the cliffs.
• The Show: They host a live Sheep Shearing Show that is both educational and hilarious. It’s a great way to see the “Merino” heritage of the area up close.
• The Shop: Their boutique is packed with high-quality Merino wool clothing and local crafts. If you want a souvenir that actually lasts, this is the place to get it.

Where to Stay: From Luxury Lodges to Road Trip Pitstops

Most travelers visit the Clay Cliffs as they pass through on State Highway 8. Whether you want to splurge on a world-class retreat or just need a clean bed before driving to Lindis Pass, here are the best spots in and around Omarama.

The “Bucket List” Splurge

• The Lindis: If you want to experience one of the most architecturally stunning luxury lodges in the world, this is it. Tucked into the Ahuriri Valley, it’s famous for its “mirrored” pods and high-end dining. It’s expensive, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
• Lakestone Lodge: Situated on the southern edge of Lake Pukaki (about 25 mins from Omarama), this is an off-grid luxury retreat. Every room faces the lake and Aoraki/Mt Cook. It’s the perfect spot if you want total silence, 5-star service, and world-class stargazing right from your bed.

Mid-Range Comfort (Perfect for Couples & Families)

• Heritage Gateway Hotel: The biggest hotel in town. It’s reliable, has an on-site restaurant, and is geared toward road-trippers. It’s literally a 15-minute drive from the cliffs.
• Ahuriri Motels: These are classic, high-quality Kiwi motels. They are self-contained, which is great if you want to cook your own meals after a long day of exploring.
• BigSky Motel: A highly-rated motel with a more personal touch. The hosts are local experts and the mountain views from the rooms are top-tier.

Budget & Road Trip Favorites

• Omarama TOP 10 Holiday Park: This is where I recommend most people stay. They have everything from basic tent sites to deluxe cabins. It’s very social, has great kitchen facilities, and they even offer bike rentals if you want to cycle to the cliffs.
• Sierra Motel: A clean, no-frills budget option right in the center of town.

The “Wildcard” Option: Glamping

• Valley Views Glamping: Located about 20 minutes away in the Waitaki Valley, these luxury tents (with outdoor baths!) are perfect if you want to sleep under the famous Mackenzie Basin stars without the price tag of a 5-star lodge.

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FAQ: Visiting the Omarama Clay Cliffs

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Planning the rest of your route? Check out my Epic 2-Week South Island New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary for the best hidden stops between Christchurch and Queenstown.