2024 Quailburn Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)
Hiking at Clay Cliffs near Omarama
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Visually beautiful cliffs.
This was a great location to stop, follow the signs along a good quality gravel road about 10km from the turn off at the main road.
Very unique place to visit.
You can take a short 20 minute walk to get in between the rocks and for the more adventurous people you can climb even higher on some very slippy, steep paths to another opening in the Cliffs.
I liked the the little bit hiking there but one must be careful as the rocks are not stable one may slip anytime and rocks keeps on falling,So with safey one can enjoy the clay cliffs.
The view is pretty cool and enormous.
Omarama Clay Cliffs with lupins! Absolutely stunning!
Omarama Clay Cliffs
Location
Omarama Clay Cliffs are located near the town of Omarama on New Zealand's South Island, about 10 km from the town center. These natural wonders were formed by layers of gravel and silt deposited by ancient glacial rivers, which have been weathered over millions of years to form the sharp peaks and deep canyons we see today.
Tourist highlights
1. Spectacular views of the clay cliffs: The clay cliffs are up to 30 meters high and are made up of layers of gravel and silt, forming a unique landscape. These young geological formations (about 1-2 million years old) contrast sharply with the surrounding mountains (about 250 million years old).
2. Lupin season: In spring, colorful lupins bloom around the clay cliffs, adding life and color to the desolate landscape.
3. Hiking adventure: Visitors can explore different areas of the clay cliffs along well-marked trails. The trail is about 1.3 km round trip and is suitable for visitors of all ages.
4. Stargazing experience: Omarama is known for its clear night skies and is an ideal place for stargazing. Near the clay cliffs, you can enjoy the starry sky of the southern hemisphere in an environment free of light pollution.
5. Paragliding: Omarama is a paradise for paragliding enthusiasts, with updrafts and open skies providing perfect conditions for paragliding.
Travel tips
• Best time to visit: Spring (November to February) is the best time to see lupins and explore the clay cliffs.
• Dress code: As the temperature in Omarama varies greatly, it is recommended to wear layers, with short-sleeved T-shirts and sun protection during the day and warm down jackets and scarves at night.
• Transportation: It is recommended to drive to the clay cliffs. From Omarama, take Interstate 8 west, then turn onto Quailburn Road and then onto Henburn Road to reach the clay cliffs.
Omarama Clay Cliffs are a must-see natural wonder on New Zealand's South Island. Whether you're hiking, viewing lupins, or paragliding, this place will satisfy your adventurous spirit. In this pristine and mysterious land, you will experience the wonders of nature and leave with unforgettable memories.
Our Unexpected Adventure at the Clay Cliffs!
During our recent road trip across New Zealand’s South Island, we decided to visit the Clay Cliffs near Omarama. We’d heard about these towering rock formations, but we had no idea that this visit would turn into one of our most memorable adventures.
When we arrived, the Clay Cliffs stood tall, their sharp pinnacles cutting into the sky. We were eager to explore and set off on one of the trails, ready to take in the views. However, the cliffs are crisscrossed with different pathways, and we soon found ourselves at a fork in the road. Feeling adventurous, we chose the path that seemed less traveled, curious to see where it would lead.
The trail we picked turned out to be steeper and more challenging than we expected. It narrowed as we climbed, and the loose clay underfoot made it tricky to keep our balance. There were moments when we wondered if we’d made the right choice. But we kept going, determined to see what awaited us at the top.
After a tough climb, we finally reached the summit—and all our doubts disappeared. The view was absolutely breathtaking. From this secluded spot, we could see the entire valley below, with rolling hills, farmland, and distant mountains stretching out to the horizon. The effort of the climb melted away as we stood there, taking in the stunning panoramic view.
This hidden gem wasn’t on any map or guide we’d read. It felt like a secret just for us—a reward for our adventurous spirit. We sat there for a while, soaking up the beauty and the peacefulness of the spot. The silence was profound, with only the sound of the wind and the occasional bird call breaking the stillness.
Eventually, we made our way back down, finding an easier path that led us back to the main trail. As we passed other hikers, we couldn’t help but smile, knowing we’d stumbled upon something truly special.
The Clay Cliffs were already impressive, but finding that hidden gem made our visit unforgettable. If you’re ever in the area, take your time exploring—you never know what incredible sights you might discover off the beaten path.#myhiddengems
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