A quieter time for Omarama this year

Two years ago the tiny tourist town of Omarama was suffering from overtourism, with increasing numbers of international and domestic visitors putting pressure on its limited resources and infrastructure, and putting at risk its small-town New Zealand charm.

This year, due to the Covid-19 crisis, it is a very different story.

A spokeswoman from Omarama Top10 Holiday Park said they were booked out for the Christmas and New Year period but were at present not as busy as in previous years.

Situated at the junction of State Highways 8 and 83, near the southern end of the Mackenzie Basin, Omarama means the place of light and the area is popular for gliding in the skies above and fishing in the nearby Ahuriri River.

The town of about 300 residents also serviced the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail, nearby Oteake Conservation Park and Ahuriri Conservation Park.