Otematata vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Otematata

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favorite

Cabin in Twizel

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 287 reviews

Skylark Cabin – Private Luxury Escape with Hot Tub

Skylark Cabin is a private, luxury escape, nestled serenely within the awe-inspiring landscape of the Mackenzie Region. Surrounded by soaring mountain ranges and the rugged, ethereal beauty of an expansive valley, this isn’t just a comfortable place to stay, it’s an experience in itself. Witness the mesmerising clarity of a starry night sky. Connect with nature and escape from the pace of daily life. Skylark Cabin is 10km to Twizel, 50-min to Mt Cook, 4hrs to Christchurch, & 3hrs to Queenstown.

Oct 3 – 10

€ 385 per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Otematata

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 400 reviews

Totara View - A13 - step out onto the golf course!

A13 is a self-contained unit in the Wataki Lakes Apartments on the Alps to Ocean cycle trail, in the middle of the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark & on the edge of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Views of Mt Totara. Over the golf course is Lake Aviemore, popular for boating, with many walks nearby. Hot dry summers, crisp sunny autumn & spring, cold snowy winters. Otematata's population is 200, swelling to 5000 in summer. It is on the road between Oamaru & Omarama.

Jun 14 – 21

€ 51 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Omarama

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 513 reviews

Ahuriri Vines -luxury guest house with breakfast

Countryside style -fully self contained guest cottage, own entrance - free Wi fi, heat pump. Seasonal continental breakfast - free range eggs. Lifestyle property with grapes, chickens & sheep, nestled on the northern outskirts of Omarama - spectacular mountain views - 1.6 km to Omarama township. A2O cycle track at the gate. Large park like grounds with owners house. BBQ/outdoor area for quests, plenty of room for everyone. Free onsite parking. Not suitable for infants/children under 12/dogs

Jun 26 – Jul 3

€ 84 per night

Popular amenities for Otematata vacation rentals

Stay near Otematata's top sights

Otematata Eatery, Bar & Lodging9 locals recommend
Lake Benmore6 locals recommend
CJs Bar and Resturant5 locals recommend

Other great vacation rentals in Otematata

Guest favorite

Farm stay in Cambrians

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 283 reviews

Coombes Cottage, St Bathans

Aug 15 – 22

€ 113 per night
Guest favorite

Farm stay in Tarras

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 635 reviews

Warm, Cosy, Self-contained Cottage

Jul 5 – 12

€ 96 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Twizel

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 210 reviews

Twizel Alps Retreat

Mar 6 – 13

€ 93 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Twizel

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 146 reviews

GH Twizel Holiday Cottage

May 22 – 29

€ 167 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Omarama

4.82 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviews

Cosy 1960's Kiwi Holiday House

Jul 25 – Aug 1

€ 97 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Queensberry

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 226 reviews

Kaituki Ridge

Jun 12 – 19

€ 157 per night
Guest favorite

Place to stay in Oamaru

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 150 reviews

Marvel at this stunning historic chapel renovation

Aug 5 – 12

€ 151 per night
Guest favorite

Bungalow in Twizel

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 232 reviews

Modern, comfortable, well appointed

Sep 12 – 19

€ 110 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Twizel

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 230 reviews

Cosy Accommodation

May 21 – 28

€ 77 per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Twizel

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 325 reviews

Kowhai Cottages - Rustic Charm & Stargazing Oasis

Sep 4 – 11

€ 208 per night
Superhost

Home in Omarama

4.81 out of 5 average rating, 149 reviews

Kiwi Batch. In the heart of Omarama.

May 7 – 14

€ 102 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Luggate

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 245 reviews

Secluded Couples Escape Wanaka

May 30 – Jun 6

€ 180 per night

Other great vacation rentals in Otematata

Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Twizel

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 509 reviews

“No.25”Stand alone guest studio unit

Jun 22 – 29

€ 109 per night
Guest favorite

Cabin in Tarras

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 677 reviews

Charming Cabin with Hillside Views

May 7 – 14

€ 87 per night
Guest favorite

Cabin in Ben Ohau

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 164 reviews

Cosy Alpine Escape in the High Country

Jun 25 – Jul 2

€ 228 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Hawea Flat

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 484 reviews

private, star gazing in historic barn

Jun 7 – 14

€ 91 per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Fairlie

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 639 reviews

Star-Gazing from your Pillow!

Aug 26 – Sep 2

€ 129 per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Kakanui

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 119 reviews

Uninterrupted ocean views - private beach access

Nov 3 – 10

€ 125 per night
Guest favorite

Farm stay in Oamaru

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 240 reviews

Highlands on Homestead rural cottage close to town

Mar 13 – 20

€ 81 per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Ben Ohau

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 108 reviews

Luxury & Stylish 2 Bedroom Apartment: Twizel

Jun 26 – Jul 3

€ 175 per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Naseby

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 148 reviews

Leven St Cottage

Jun 3 – 10

€ 116 per night
Guest favorite

Farm stay in Cave

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviews

Delightful 1-bed barn with stunning mountain views

Jul 20 – 27

€ 95 per night
Guest favorite

Home in Kakanui

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 220 reviews

The Kakanui Cube

Aug 6 – 13

€ 218 per night
Guest favorite

Farm stay in Oamaru

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 603 reviews

Cape Wanbrow Cottage

Jun 6 – 13

€ 85 per night

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Otematata

Total rentals

30 properties

Wifi availability

10 properties include access to wifi

Pet-friendly rentals

10 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

20 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

2K reviews

Nightly prices starting at

€ 46 before taxes and fees

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there family-friendly house rentals in Otematata?

    Otematata has more than 10 family-friendly house rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

  • Do house rentals in Otematata have a bbq area?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 house rentals with a bbq area in Otematata. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do house rentals in Otematata have air conditioning?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 house rentals with air conditioning in Otematata. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Otematata?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Otematata. Choose from more than 10 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • How much does it cost to stay in house rentals in Otematata?

    Experience the best of Otematata with our house rentals, starting at about $80 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • What are the most popular amenities for House Rentals in Otematata?

    Enhance your stay in our House Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 10 homes with a bbq area, over 10 homes with air conditioning, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. New Zealand
  3. Canterbury
  4. Otematata