Otematata winter getaway - things to do in Waitaki Valley

Brent Cowles
6 days ago
6 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Surrounded by rugged high-country peaks and beautiful lakes in the Waitaki Valley, the little town of Otematata makes a perfect cosy base for winter adventures. Originally built in 1958 as a village for workers constructing the nearby Benmore and Aviemore hydro dams (hence the name of our Best Dam Pub!),

Otematata today offers classic country hospitality and a warm welcome to all. It’s the kind of place where you can spend your days exploring the Waitaki and North Otago region, then easily return by evening to relax by the fire with friendly locals, hearty food, and a comfy bed. If you’re looking for a winter getaway with charm, adventure, and a touch of playful spirit, Otematata is calling your name.

Daytime Adventures Around Waitaki & North Otago

· Oamaru (1 hour east): Step back in time in Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct, a beautifully preserved 19th-century streetscape filled with galleries, shops, cafes and heritage architecture. This charming town is also the Steampunk capital of New Zealand – don’t miss Steampunk HQ, a museum of quirky retro-futuristic art and gadgets that will fire the kids’ imaginations. Come evening, meet Oamaru’s cutest locals at the Blue Penguin Colony, where little penguins waddle ashore each night to their nests – an unforgettable wildlife experience.

· Kurow (30 minutes east): Enjoy a scenic drive up the valley to Kurow, a rural township known for its boutique wineries and vineyards along the Waitaki River. Spend an afternoon wine-tasting at a local cellar door or take a leisurely riverbank walk. The views of vineyards against rugged hills are gorgeous, and many wineries welcome families with outdoor spaces to relax (juice tasting for the kids, perhaps!).

· Waimate (1.5 hours north): A slight detour north brings you to Waimate, a town famous for its strawberries and some rather unexpected residents – wallabies! Even in winter (off-season for berry picking), you can visit local spots to see Waimate’s Bennett’s wallabies up close. The kids will love meeting these mini kangaroo cousins, and you might find tasty homemade jams or treats from the strawberry farm shops in town to take back with you.

· Lake Ōhau (1 hour inland): For a true alpine adventure, head to Lake Ōhau in the nearby high country. Ōhau Snow Fields offers family-friendly skiing and snowboarding with spectacular views over the lake. Even if you’re not a skier, the drive to Ōhau is stunning – think snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes. Play in the snow, take a few toboggan runs, or simply enjoy a hot chocolate at the lodge overlooking the slopes.

· Lakes & Dams around Otematata: You don’t have to go far for natural beauty – Otematata sits between Lake Aviemore and Lake Benmore, so breathtaking scenery is all around. Take a short walk on the Benmore Peninsula Track or find a picnic spot by the lake shore to soak up the views. The hydro dams themselves have lookout points; the sheer scale of Benmore Dam will wow any visitors. Winter air here is crisp and clear, perfect for photographs and serene reflections on the lakes. It’s an ideal setting for those downtime days when you just want to stay close, skip stones on the water, or maybe cycle a section of the Alps 2 Ocean trail that runs through the area.

Wild Winter Fun at the Best Dam Pub

Wild July Menu & Beer Pairings: All July long, we’re celebrating winter with a Wild July food and beer menu. Think hearty wild game meats – venison, wild pork and more – cooked to perfection and paired with craft beers from Dunedin’s famed Emerson’s Brewery. It’s a chance to taste the flavours of the high country in every bite and sip. Come hungry and ready to try something a little wild (your tastebuds will thank you!).
Best Dam 90’s Night – Saturday 21 June: Dust off your flannel and neon! For one night only, we’re turning back the clock to the 1990s. A live DJ will be spinning nothing but certified 90s bangers (from Spice Girls to grunge and everything in between) for an epic dance party. Dress in your best 90s outfit – we’ll have prizes for the best dressed, throwback-themed cocktails, and a dance floor that’ll be pumping from 8 PM till late.
All Blacks on the Big Screen: Rugby fans, you won’t miss a moment of the action here. We’re screening all the All Blacks matches live on the big screens throughout winter. Cheer on our boys in black in a lively pub atmosphere – the next best thing to being at the stadium! We’ll run fun sweepstakes and score-pick contests on game nights, so you could even win yourself some cool prizes while you enjoy the rugby.
Super Sunday Sessions: Sundays in winter are super at the Best Dam Pub. Every Sunday afternoon we host a laid-back session to wrap up the weekend, featuring drink specials, raffles, and our famous roast sammies. It’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday arvo and mingle with the community before the new week kicks off.
The Best Dam Laundry: We now have a full laundry facility on-site for our guests and passing road-trippers. Feel free to toss in a load of washing and dry your gear while you nurse a beer by the fire.

Discover the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark

Just a short drive from Otematata lies the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark, New Zealand’s first and only geopark of its kind. Spanning over 7,200 square kilometres, this geopark is a treasure trove of geological wonders and cultural heritage.Formed under ancient seas and sculpted by volcanic and glacial activity, the geopark boasts remarkable features such as the spherical Moeraki Boulders, the limestone formations of Elephant Rocks, and the striking Clay Cliffs near Ōmārama. These landscapes tell the story of Zealandia, Earth's hidden eighth continent, offering a glimpse into a world that existed millions of years ago.

Beyond its geological significance, the geopark is rich in Māori history, with sites like Takiroa Rock Art showcasing ancient carvings that speak to the region's deep cultural roots. The Vanished World Centre in Duntroon serves as an educational hub, providing insights into the area's prehistoric marine life and fossil discoveries.

Whether you're a geology enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking breathtaking landscapes, the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark offers an unforgettable journey through time.

Cosy Stays & Winter Deals – 20% Off Accommodation – Code Winter25

Of course, you’ll need a cosy place to sleep after all this winter fun – and we’ve got that covered too. The Best Dam Pub isn’t just a pub; it’s also a comfortable lodge with accommodation perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends. Rooms are warm, beds are comfy, and you’re only ever a few steps away from a hearty meal or a nightcap by the fireplace. Family-friendly? Absolutely – kids are welcome here, and we even have family rooms available, so bring the whole crew for the school holidays. To make your winter escape even sweeter, we’re offering 20% off accommodation for stays until the end of July!

This special winter deal is only available for bookings made direct via our website by entering the code Winter25. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing to visit in the quieter season. Just mention the Winter Deal when you call, or if booking online use the code provided on our website – and voilà, 20% off your stay. But be quick: the deal only runs to July 31, and rooms can fill up fast during event weekends.

Come embrace winter in the Waitaki high country – we promise you’ll fall in love with the landscapes, the local charm, and the laid-back fun of our Otematata community. After a day of adventure (or blissful relaxation), you’ll be kicking back at the Best Dam Pub, feeling like part of the family in front of the fire. The beer will be cold, the welcome will be warm, and the memories will be even warmer. So pack your woolly socks, rally your favourite people, and head on up to Otematata for a winter holiday with a difference. We’ve got the food, the brew, the views, and a comfy room waiting – all we need now is you. Book your stay now (don’t forget that 20% off deal!) and get ready to experience the best dam winter getaway in New Zealand. See you in Otematata – where the days are adventure-filled, the nights are heartwarming, and the hospitality is always on the house!