Ohau is real New Zealand, a place that includes many holiday homes and is the gateway to the Ohau lake, walking and bike tracks and the Ohau ski field. The ski field provides a wonderful community atmosphere where locals and visitors get to know each other on the hill. The Ohau lodge has spectacular views of the lake and mountains and is a great place to stay and get to know people from New Zealand and all over the world. If you want to get away from it all and relax amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand then Ohau is the place to visit.

Omarama – the place of light – is the town to stay in on the way from Christchurch to Queenstown. It has a strong reputation as the gliding capital of the world where you can soar over the beautiful Waitaki Valley and McKenzie basin. You must spend some time soaking in the Omarama Hot Tubs or watch a live sheep shearing show at Wrinkly Rams. The river and lakes provide the ideal location for fishing, boating, picnicking or other recreational pursuits. Just north of Omarama you can drive to the Clay Cliffs and see stunning rock formations. Omarama is the ideal location to take a few days to relax and unwind and explore the wonderful Waitaki Valley.

Otematata is positioned right between the hydro dam lakes and is a popular for water sports holidays, walking, cycling, swimming, boating and fishing. The township also has a nine hole golf course, various accommodation options and facilities.

Duntroon is home to incredible geological formations that bring visitors from all over the world. The Elephant Rocks site is the perfect location to see incredible limestone formations. Through a local tour company you can even abseil or rock climb off the rocks for a truly memorable experience. Starting at the Vanished World centre in Duntroon you can wind your way through the Valley and visit some key fossil sites that have been preserved by local landowners.

Duntroon has also preserved some of the more unique aspects of its past in a restored gaol and blacksmiths forge.

Kurow is centrally located in the middle of the Waitaki Valley and provides the base for many activities including watersports, camping, cycling and fishing. Do a wine tour to Kurow Winery for a platter and wine tasting or stop in at regional wine tasting room, Vintners Drop in the old Post Office in Kurow. The Kurow Museum is a must visit and provides great local history and knowledge of the area. You can explore Maori Rock Art or unique geological landforms like Elephant Rocks and Earthquakes. To truely experience real New Zealand you must stay at Kurow.