Clay Cliffs Of Omarama

The Clay Cliffs are a colorfully eroded “badlands” canyon. These unique cliffs are both fascinating and beautiful, but they don’t get much traveler publicity because they’re on private land. The small eroded area features orange/grey/yellow striped minarets and spires….pillars and slot canyons and archway tunnels…and cathedrallike amphitheaters festooned with purple lupines. The odd Clay Cliffs are wonderfully photogenic, being set against a nice backdrop of scenic mountains and the blue braided Ahuriri River flowing below. If DOC were in possession of the land there’d be publicity, tracks, view platforms and such…but there’s none of that here—the Clay Cliffs are for curious explorers willing to make their own exploratory adventure. There are no signs or pointers—you just explore on your own. The gracious land owners allow access for a paltry fee of $5 per car. If you like peculiar geology, then these badlands are a must-see 1-2 hour detour.

WALK: Most people simply walk 15 minutes to the end of the 4WD track and pop into the “Wow” cathedral for some great pix, a look-around, and maybe a scramble up a bit to a view-spot. If you’re keen to explore more you’ll find plenty to intrigue you—just go up the sheep paths or any of the gullies. Each gully hides its own magic slot tunnels. Be warned that the brush is a bit prickly here, so wear long pants and long sleeves to explore deeper.