Discover Otematata

Otematata offers several highlights for your trip: many original T-shaped houses shape the townscape in the south, while the Otematata Wetlands and lakes offer opportunities for outdoor activities. There is also a nine-hole golf course in town and the Benmore Peninsula Walk nearby. You can tailor your stay to the townscape, trails, water activities or a round of golf.

Townscape: preserved T-shaped houses

Many of the original T-shaped houses have been preserved and shape the townscape in the south. The houses give this part of Otematata a distinctive architectural character. Alongside activities on the lakes and trails, the town also offers a cultural highlight: in the south, the preserved buildings take centre stage, while outdoor recreation focuses on movement and water.

Otematata Wetlands: activities and trails

The Otematata Wetlands are ideal for walking, picnicking, cycling and swimming. Developed and marked trails connect the Wildlife Reserve and the Boat Harbour Camp Grounds; the trail network also allows you to take a circuit around town. You can choose between individual activities in the recreation area and a marked route that takes in the areas mentioned. The area is accessible from the section north of State Highway 83. Access points to campsites and a boat ramp are also located there.

Lakes and recreational opportunities

Visitors to the lakes near Otematata can enjoy water sports, swimming, cycling and hiking. Swimming and cycling are available both at the lakes and in the wetlands. Walking, picnicking and the marked trail network, however, are associated with the wetlands; water sports and hiking are additionally mentioned for the lakes. You can distinguish between the two areas according to the activities that matter most for your trip.

Parsons Rock Campsite is located on the shore of Lake Aviemore. It offers opportunities for fishing and activities on the lake. If fishing is important to you, this campsite provides a specific point of reference on Lake Aviemore; other lake activities in Otematata also include cycling and hiking.

There is also a nine-hole golf course in Otematata. Golf is therefore a distinct option alongside activities at the lakes and in the wetlands. If you would like to focus on a particular type of recreation, you can consider the golf course as another local highlight.

Benmore Peninsula Walk nearby

The Benmore Peninsula Walk is near Otematata and can be reached from there via the end of the road above the Benmore hydroelectric dam. The trail passes through an exotic forest and around a peninsula that extends into Lake Benmore. This makes it different from the wetlands’ trail network: forest and peninsula define the Benmore Peninsula Walk, while the wetlands offer marked connections between the Wildlife Reserve and the Boat Harbour Camp Grounds, as well as a circuit around town. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Black Point, Kurow, Kakanui, Tokarahi, Windsor, Omarama, Oamaru, Hampden

For the main travel overview: Waitaki District.