Those travelling on the Otago Central Rail Trail can plan to stop in Omakau for an overnight stay or a refreshment break. The town lies on the trail, which passes just a few metres away. It also has a history reflected in its former gold-mining days and historic buildings. Omakau can therefore be considered both a stop for cyclists and their companions and a destination for a walk with a local history focus.
Omakau on the Otago Central Rail Trail
Cyclists and their companions can consider Omakau for an overnight stay or a refreshment break. For this section of the Otago Central Rail Trail, the town area is listed as a parking location; check local parking regulations before you arrive. Nearby, at Thomson’s Creek just before Omakau, there is also a picnic and rest area. It is located before the town and is therefore a separate spot in the surrounding area, not a place within Omakau.
In the wider destination of Central Otago District, the Otago Central Rail Trail is 152 kilometres long, graded 1, and suitable for a tour of one to five days. It can be ridden in either direction, with access available at various points. These regional details help distinguish a stay in Omakau from the scope of a longer trail tour: the total distance and timeframe refer to the trail, not to a section in the town.
Another trail in Central Otago District is the Roxburgh Gorge Trail. It combines 21 kilometres of cycling with a 13-kilometre boat trip, is graded 2–3, and is intended for a one-day tour. Compared with the Otago Central Rail Trail, it differs in its mix of transport, grade, and timeframe. These examples relate to the wider destination of Central Otago District and complement Omakau’s specific local character without replacing it.
Gold mining and historic buildings
Omakau is a former mining town in a region historically shaped by gold mining. Visitors can walk past historic buildings and learn about the area’s former gold-mining history. Looking at individual buildings brings this local history to life, without limiting it to a single attraction.
The Omakau Commercial Hotel at 1 Harvey St was Omakau’s first homestead. It was built in 1898 as Pomona House on a 200-acre farm. Behind the hotel is the Old Stone Stable, a historic building originally associated with Omakau’s first homestead and also built in 1898. Together, the hotel and stable offer tangible connections to the town’s early history; the hotel was the first homestead, while the stable is described as a historic building associated with it.
Churches are also local landmarks. St Mary’s Anglican Church is listed in the Central Otago District Plan register of historic buildings, places, sites, and objects. To the north of Omakau, St Peter’s Catholic Church stands on a rise. Those interested in architecture and local history can include these buildings in a broader exploration of Omakau and combine a walk past historic buildings with a sense of the area’s former gold-mining history.
Golf and events
Omakau has a 9-hole golf course with beautiful views. Check the course’s status before travelling. The Omakau A&P Show is one of the town’s regular events. The Central Otago A&P Show in Omakau includes equestrian competitions, among other things; programme details may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before travelling. The golf course and event offer other possible interests alongside the trail and historic buildings, without requiring a particular itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Lindis Valley, Lauder, Oturehua, Millers Flat, Queensbury, Coal Creek Flat, Alexandra, Earnscleugh.
For the broader travel overview: Central Otago District.
