Clay Cliffs — Attraction in South Island
Clay Cliffs things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Basic Info
Clay Cliffs
Henburn Road, Omarama 9412, New Zealand
4.5(858)
Open 24 hours
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Outdoor
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Scenic
Family friendly
Pet friendly
Off the beaten path
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devabrat bindhanidevabrat bindhani
The Clay Cliffs are a striking example of badlands erosion. They are composed of layers of silt and gravel that were deposited by ancient glaciers and rivers over millions of years. These relatively soft sediments have been eroded by wind and rain over time, carving out the dramatic and jagged landscape you see today. The sharp ridges, deep gullies, and varying colors within the layers tell a story of the region's geological past.
Appearance:
The cliffs are characterized by their dramatic and otherworldly appearance. They feature steep, fluted pinnacles and narrow ravines. The colors of the clay and silt layers range from pale grey and white to ochre and brown, creating a visually interesting and textured landscape. The contrast between the sharp, eroded forms and the surrounding relatively flat terrain is quite remarkable.
Location and Accessibility:
The Clay Cliffs are located about 10 kilometers west of the small town of Omarama in the Waitaki District of the South Island. To reach them, you typically drive along a gravel road (Henburn Road) for a few kilometers. There is a small entry fee to access the private land on which the cliffs are located. Once there, you can walk around and explore the base of the cliffs. There are no formal hiking trails within the cliffs themselves due to the unstable nature of the terrain.
Things to Do:
* Photography: The unique and dramatic landscape of the Clay Cliffs makes them a fantastic subject for photography. The play of light and shadow on the eroded formations can create stunning images.
* Exploring: Walking around the base of the cliffs allows you to appreciate their scale and intricate details up close. It's like stepping into a miniature canyon landscape.
* Picnicking: The area around the entrance often provides a spot for a picnic with a unique view.
* Stargazing (nearby): Like much of the Mackenzie Basin, the area around Omarama and the Clay Cliffs offers dark night skies ideal for stargazing.
Things to Note:
* Footwear: Wear sturdy walking shoes as the ground can be uneven and dusty.
* Sun Protection: The area can be exposed, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
* Water: It's advisable to bring your own water, especially on warmer days.
* Respect the Environment: Stick to designated areas and avoid climbing on the fragile cliffs.
* Entry Fee: Be prepared to pay a small fee at the entrance.
Overall:
The Clay Cliffs near Omarama offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the power of natural erosion. Their dramatic and almost lunar-like landscape provides a memorable experience for visitors and photographers. They are a worthwhile detour for anyone traveling through the Mackenzie Basin.
Arjun BhandariArjun Bhandari
The Clay Cliffs of Ōmarama are truly one of New Zealand’s hidden natural wonders. Just a short 10-minute drive from the small town of Ōmarama, these towering formations of sharp-edged pinnacles and deep ravines are both surreal and stunning. Formed over a million years ago by layers of silt and gravel pushed up by tectonic forces, the cliffs offer a landscape that feels almost otherworldly—some even say it looks like something from Mars!
What makes the experience even better is the easy accessibility. The site is reached via a gravel road, with a small NZD $5 donation at the gate (since it’s on private land). From the car park, it’s a short and easy 10–15 minute walk to the cliffs. The path is relatively flat at first, but becomes more rugged if you choose to explore inside the formations—which I highly recommend for adventurous visitors.
There are no facilities at the site, so it’s best to bring water, wear good walking shoes, and come prepared. The cliffs are especially beautiful in spring and early summer when the surrounding lupins are in bloom, and the lighting during sunrise or sunset makes it perfect for photography.
What I loved most was how quiet and uncrowded the area was, despite being such a remarkable sight. Unlike other tourist-heavy locations in the South Island, the Clay Cliffs offer a peaceful and intimate experience with nature. It’s the kind of place that surprises you, especially when you’re not expecting much and then find yourself surrounded by such dramatic scenery.
That said, the gravel road can be a little rough, especially for smaller cars, so take it slow. Also, because it’s a short visit (usually around 30–60 minutes), it’s best enjoyed as a stopover on your way between destinations like Lake Tekapo and Wanaka.
A must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and those looking for unique geological landscapes. The Clay Cliffs might not be the most famous attraction in New Zealand, but they leave a lasting impression with their raw beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Marsha RussellMarsha Russell
This is a beautiful, spectacular, unique landscape that anyone visiting Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park should see. It took us only about 90 minutes to make the visit, including a leisurely walk at the cliffs and the drive in and out the 7 km gravel road from the highway.
Some other reviews have said you need 4 wheel drive to get there, but this is absolutely NOT the case. Maybe the road has been improved, but there were no potholes or bumps that would damage a lower car. The road has been graded and is a little washboard-like in some brief stretches, but if you drive intelligently on the gravel surface, you will be fine. I drove our Toyota Yaris rental car to the site with no issues at all.
Since this is private land, please do the honorable thing and put the $5 for car or $20 for bus in the collection box. The owners have invested lots of money and labor to build the parking lot and excellent trail.
It takes no more than 15 minutes to walk the path from your car to the best and most accessible parts of the clay cliffs. A narrow passageway between two high cliffs allows you to enter an eerily otherworldly landscape that has to be experienced to be believed. It is SO worth the minor investment in both time and money.
Do resist the temptation to climb higher than is safe. It’s much more difficult and dangerous coming back down than going up.
And please remember to close the gate on driving in and again when leaving.
Reviews
Reviews of Clay Cliffs
4.5
(858)
4.0
31wThe Clay Cliffs are a striking example of badlands erosion. They are composed of layers of silt and gravel that were deposited by ancient glaciers and rivers over millions of years. These relatively soft sediments have been eroded by wind and rain over time, carving out the dramatic and jagged landscape you see today. The sharp ridges, deep gullies, and varying colors within the layers tell a story of the region's geological past. Appearance: The cliffs are characterized by their dramatic...
Read more
5.0
19wThe Clay Cliffs of Ōmarama are truly one of New Zealand’s hidden natural wonders. Just a short 10-minute drive from the small town of Ōmarama, these towering formations of sharp-edged pinnacles and deep ravines are both surreal and stunning. Formed over a million years ago by layers of silt and gravel pushed up by tectonic forces, the cliffs offer a landscape that feels almost otherworldly—some even say it looks like something from Mars! What makes the experience even better is the easy...
Read more
5.0
2yThis is a beautiful, spectacular, unique landscape that anyone visiting Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park should see. It took us only about 90 minutes to make the visit, including a leisurely walk at the cliffs and the drive in and out the 7 km gravel road from the highway.
Some other reviews have said you need 4 wheel drive to get there, but this is absolutely NOT the case. Maybe the road has been improved, but there were no potholes or bumps that would damage a lower car. The road has...
Read more
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