Otematata vacation rentals

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.

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.

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.