Exploring the epic Clay Cliffs Omarama, New Zealand

Don’t you just love when you come across something so unexpected and unusual?!  I especially love it when it’s completely random and pretty much in the middle of nowhere.  That’s really what the Clay Cliffs of Omarama in New Zealand are. These cliffs so unique, unusual and a geologcial wonder that you do not want to miss!

The tall sharp pinnacles are very impressive and the narrow ravines are fun to walk through and make for some really cool photos. The clay cliffs are said to be almost 2 million years old and are made up of layers of silt and gravel. Geological activity has pushed the layers up and after years of erosion, sharp pinnacles formed. Some of the pinnacles are up to 30 meters tall.

How to get to the Clay Cliffs?

The Clay Cliffs are located about 10 minutes before the town of Omarama (if you’re heading south) off of Highway 8. Turn west onto Qualiburn Road off State Highway 8. I suggest putting this road into google maps if you’re using that app for navigation. Continute straight on that road until you reach Henburn Road. Turn onto that road and it will take you to the Clay Cliffs. There is a small sign but it can be easy to miss. It takes about 20 minutes one way from the Highway to reach the cliffs.

It is important to note that Henburn Road is a gravel road so you remember to drive slow. There will be a sign down that road that says ‘Omarama Clay Cliffs’ and a place to park. Be sure to leave the gate as you found it.

Are they free?

The cliffs are actually located on private land so to be able to keep up with road maintenance and such there is an honesty box for donations. It suggests $5 per car but if you’re able to give more that is fantastic!

Exploring the Clay Cliffs

There is a track that goes up to and among the cliffs. You can climb over them and see the layers up close. The ground is rocky and in some places a bit loose so you’ll want to take extra care while walking around. I highly suggest wearing good shoes or at least not sandals so you don’t slip.

As I mentioned this spot is really cool for photos! Don’t forget to look up at the pinnacles, in between and out to the Ahuriri River while you’re taking photos. Of course the best time would in the morning when the light is nice and soft but the cliffs are fun to explore any time of the day.

There are no facilities at the Clay Cliffs location.  The closest spot would be Omamara 20 minutes away.

Attractions neaby

The Clay Cliffs make for a great stop on a south island road trip and the perfect opportunity to get off the beaten track.  It is situated about an hour and a half from Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook area.  Less than two hours north of Wanaka and right before the turn off point (heading south) to get to the east coast.  Either way you really can’t miss it!

If you’re in Tekapo, there are a handful of things you can do including jet boating on Lake Tekapo, hiking Mt John, star gazing and horseback riding. Find some inspiration here!

Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park is also a spot you don’t want to miss when in the area. There are some epic hikes for all fitness levels like the Hooker Valley track and beautiful lakes to photograph like the Tasman Lake and Lake Pukakai. You can find a full guide to Mt Cook here!

This is a beautiful wonder of mother nature you don’t want to miss and have to see for yourself!

Have you been to the clay cliffs of Omarama?!

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