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Vacation rentals in Otematata

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Popular amenities for Otematata vacation rentals

Gym
BBQ grill
Laptop-friendly workspace
Wifi
Air conditioning

Other great vacation rentals in Otematata

Top guest favorite
The interior of the geodesic dome features a spacious layout with soft lighting from three hanging lanterns. A cozy seating area is arranged on a dark carpet, accompanied by a stylish sofa. A wooden table contrasts with the kitchenette, which includes basic amenities. Bunk beds and a king-sized bed are visible in the background.
Dome in Canterbury
5 out of 5 average rating, 32 reviews

Danseys Pass Lavender Farm Retreat (Geodome 1)

Superhost
A charming single-story building features gray wooden siding and a covered parking area. Outdoor seating is provided at a large picnic table on the paved patio. Trees and gravel landscaping are visible, with distant mountains partially obscured by clouds.
Home in Otematata
4.81 out of 5 average rating, 42 reviews

True Kiwi Crib

Top guest favorite
A stone pathway leads to the entrance of the cottage, framed by lush hedges. A rustic shovel is mounted on the wall, adding a historical touch. In the background, rolling hills can be seen under a clear blue sky, enhancing the natural charm of the setting.
Cottage in Saint Bathans
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 72 reviews

The Old Orchard Cottage

Top guest favorite
The exterior of a one-level grey home is visible, framed by lush lavender plants and soft green grass. A small tree stands in the foreground, and large windows allow natural light to illuminate the space inside.
Home in Kurow
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 57 reviews

Kurow Garden Retreat

Guest favorite
A kitchenette is displayed with a refrigerator, microwave, and ample counter space. A cozy dining area is visible, featuring a wooden table with chairs. Large sliding glass doors open to a scenic outdoor view of the surrounding landscape, allowing natural light to brighten the space.
Farm stay in Kurow
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 77 reviews

Small Farm in a Peaceful rural setting.

Top guest favorite
The entrance of a renovated cottage is framed by vibrant seasonal flowers and greenery. A wooden deck leads to a bright door, with seating on either side, surrounded by a lush garden bed filled with colorful blooms.
Home in Naseby
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviews

Carrowmore House

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features a comfortable sofa and black leather recliner, complemented by a wooden cabinet and a large flat-screen television. Natural light enters through the windows, illuminating the dining area with wooden chairs, creating a welcoming and functional space.
Home in Kurow
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 84 reviews

Rockhampton - Everything you need!

Guest favorite
A cozy seating area features a dark sofa adorned with cushions, while a small dining table with four chairs is positioned near a window. Outside, views of greenery and the nearby golf course are visible through the large glass door.
Vacation home in Otematata
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 106 reviews

Adorable holiday unit with stunning views

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Your guide to Otematata

All About Otematata

Located in the Waitaki District of New Zealand’s South Island, a region known for its jagged, often snow-capped mountains, the small town of Otematata — “place of good flint” in Māori — has become a popular vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town sits between Lake Benmore (the country’s largest artificial lake), the Waitaki River, and Lake Aviemore, which together form a hydropower network that provides electricity to hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders. Those waterways also serve as a place of recreation and leisure, with plenty of spots dedicated to swimming, boating, jet skiing, and trout fishing.

The village itself, built up in the 1950s to house workers at the dams and power stations, remains tiny, with a few dining options, a park, and basic amenities. The moment you step onto the surrounding trails and paths, you’ll be immersed in the jaw-dropping beauty of South Island’s peaks and waters. Cycling enthusiasts can bike through portions of the world-famous Alps to Ocean Cycling Trail. Walkers can enjoy the Deep Stream Track, a flooded canyon walk, and trail runners can take on Otematata’s wetlands.

The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Otematata

Shielded from both heat and frigid winds by the surrounding mountains, Otematata’s temperate climate is notable for its moderate highs and none-too-chilly lows, with plenty of rain throughout the year. The warm summer season, from December through February, is when Otematata is at its liveliest. Spring, from September through November, turns the surrounding hills a vivid green, while autumn, March through May, is when the trees surrounding the lakes turn a golden hue. The weather cools off during the shoulder seasons, but both are lovely times to visit, as it is still warm enough to enjoy the many recreational activities.

For those seeking arts and culture, you’ll find plenty going on around the Waitaki Valley year-round. Oamaru, which is located one our east on the coast, hosts an annual steampunk festival, a June fashion show and gala, as well as a wine and food festival in February, which showcases local chefs and producers of sauvignon blanc, the varietal that put the country on wine lovers’ radars.

Top things to do in Otematata

Benmore Dam & Peninsula

Benmore Dam, New Zealand’s largest earthen dam and the second-largest producer of hydroelectricity, is a sight in itself — and it’s especially awe-inspiring after heavy rainfall, when excess water gushes out. You can drive, walk, or cycle across the dam, or wander around a dedicated track that loops around the peninsula, where you can take in views of the lake, dam, and surrounding mountains.

Otematata Wetlands

Along the willow-lined Lake Aviemore coastline lies a network of trails linking wildlife reserves with lakeside campgrounds. Not only is the Otematata Wetlands rich in plant life, but it’s also a popular spot for exercise and leisure, with a walkway that’s suited for cyclists and walkers. There are also plenty of swimming spots for jet skiing and tubing.

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

Cyclists of all skill levels and ages take on this world-famous cycling trail, which stretches more than 190 miles, beginning at the base of Aoraki (Mount Cook) and ending on the South Island’s Pacific coast. You can ride the entire course, or begin your trip in Otematata at Section 6 of the trail ride, which leads 27 miles southeast to the town of Kurow.

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