Otematata

Deep in the dry hills of the Waitaki Basin lies a town so small it can't be officially called a town, the 189 permanent residents sharing their special spot with visitors who may stop by. Otematata draws it's originality and beauty from it's surroundings, it's history, micro-climate and heartland hospitality.

It began as a camp for workers on the ambitious hydroelectricity schemes that harnesses the might of the powerful Waitaki River, which straddles the Canterbury / Otago border as it races toward the east coast. With the works taking place at Omarama further inland, and Waitaki, towards the east, the Otematata basin was identified as an ideal camp, and that it remains.

Otematata boasts enough facilities to cater for most sorts of visitors, with the majority of accommodation in the holiday park, which was converted from the hydro workers camp, and more in the hotel across the road. For kids there is a skatepark, playground, flying fox and acres and acres of the open space that sets both kids and parents free.

Outdoor activities are the main drawcard, with an abundance of trout fishing in rivers, with local guides available. Otematata golf course is in the township, accessible and friendly for visitors. Boating on three lakes is usually done in using outboard or jet and is famous fun. Cycling and walking paths are another benefit left over from the hydro construction days, with many high points easily accessible. A Wildlife refuge forms part of the wetlands, and other lake and riverside walks provide amazing vistas, especially in the Autumn when the colours delight. Even at night the sights are impressive, with skies arguably as bright and clear as in the nearby Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and little competition from the few humans below.

Of course all three dams can be visited from here, Benmore so close as to be accessible by cycle or foot, and all are a sight to behold and photograph. Another surprising asset is that Otematata Station, the large sheep run in the area, is available to the public as recreation area, check their site for details.

Image Credit: Lake Benmore, Derek Smith and Maclean Barker Photographers