Kiwi Pilots - You know the way

Overseas Visitors - Best Port of Entry is Christchurch if available. However most international flights enter via Auckland and go domestic to arrive mid morning in Christchurch .

From Christchurch there are no scheduled flights south to Omarama but it is easy to get there by rental car or by bus (about 4 hours drive south) and this is what most glider pilots do.

From Auckland there are flights to Queenstown (Omarama is 2 hours drive north) and from Christchurch only there are flights to both Queenstown and Wanaka (Omarama is 1.3 hrs drive north of Wanaka).

From Wanaka we can pick you up via tow plane or car if required.

Our reccomendations

• If you want a rental car at Omarama pick it up in Christchurch and drive south to Omarama.
• Cheapest option is to bus south from Christchurch
• For no driving fly to Wanaka from Christchurch and we will pick you up.
• Consider spending a night in Christchurch to reduce any jet lag effects. This can make the drive south safer and more enjoyable.

No need to arrange for a NZ entry visa prior to arrival. This can be arranged at the airport. However if you plan on traveling via Australia you will require a prearranged visa for Australia.

Car Rentals

For a good range of reliable cars at modest prices book online with Apple Rental Cars. www.applerentalcars.co.nz They are happy to refund you the cost of the airport shuttle ride you will need to take to get to their depot.

At the airport you will find the usual mix of international rental firms. Avis, Hertz, Budget etc. Or Google their web sites.

Driving to Omarama

The road distance from Christchurch to Omarama is 340 km. Allowing for the speed limit (100 kph, and there are speed traps) and the mountain roads, this works out at about 4 hours.

The route is to leave Christchurch on State Highway 1 towards Timaru, then at Rangitata follow SH79 through Geraldine to Fairlie, then join SH8 to Omarama.

Bus Schedules

Omarama is on the main Christchurch - Queenstown bus route. There are 4 - 6 services per day, depending on time of year.

The operators are InterCity (www.intercitycoach.co.nz) , Atomic Shuttles (www.atomictravel.co.nz )and Newmans (www.newmanscoach.co.nz) , and all operate from the City Centre which is about 25 minutes from the airport. Some will pick up from the airport for a small additional charge and they will also drop you at the airfield on request rather than the Omarama town centre.

Most of our clients use the Atomic shuttle www.atomictravel.co.nz . They provide a regular and reliable service without too many stops en route. They will pick up from most addresses in Christchurch

The journey time is between 4 and 5 hours depending on stopovers, and a single fare varies from $40 to $60. (The Newmans service detours via Mount Cook, which takes longer and costs more).

The bus should always be pre-booked, as seating is limited. The Information Desk at Christchurch Airport can do this or book on line. Note that the bus departure times may not be convenient to your flight arrival, and you may need to think of a night-stop in Christchurch.