Getting Here

Most international flights enter New Zealand via Auckland with domestic connecting flights to the South Island. Arrival to Christchurch, Queenstown, Wanaka or Dunedin will permit easy rental car, bus or transfer arrangements to Omarama. Increasingly international schedules to these airports are being seen.

To Omarama from Christchurch - allow 4 hours driving time, with 2 hours from Queenstown or Timaru, 1.5 hours from Wanaka and 2.5 hours from Dunedin.
Super Cub flight transfers from these airports can be arranged - contact the GlideOmarama office if you wish to discuss this option.

Our recommendations

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 or Queenstown 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.

There is no need to arrange for a NZ entry visa prior to arrival. This can usually be arranged with NZ immigration on arrival at the airport. However, as international travel restrictions tighten you should check the requirements before leaving home. If you plan on travelling via Australia you may require a pre-arranged visa for Australia.

Car Rentals

For a good range of reliable cars at modest prices book online with Apple Rental Cars. www.applerentalcars.co.nzwho will also refund 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 and the comfortable driving time is about 4 hours. Open road speed limit in NZ is 100 kph.

The route is to leave Christchurch on State Highway 1 towards Timaru, 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 several services per day, depending on the time of year.

The operators are InterCity (www.intercitycoach.co.nz), Atomic Shuttles (www.atomictravel.co.nz) and Newmans (www.newmanscoach.co.nz); 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. In the deregulated transport environment that prevails in NZ new operators emerge from time to time and there may be other options at your booking time.

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

The journey time is between 5 and 6 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 consider an over night stop in Christchurch.