Section 5: Omarama to Otematata [35km]

Overview

35km Fitness: Intermediate Skill: Intermediate Traffic: Low Grade: 3

Section 5

Leaving Omarama you ride east down the Waitaki Valley, following the off-road trail to the top of the Chain Hills [5km]. From here you descend beside State Highway 83, then follow the edge of Lake Benmore to Pumpkin Point [10km]. Once you are almost out of Omarama it is all off-road Trail (with a single crossing of SH83 prior to the Chain Hills) all the way to Benmore Dam. All of the ride Omarama to Sailors Cutting is Grade 2 (Easy).

Continue beside the lake to Sailors Cutting – a popular boating, fishing and camping destination [13km].

The new section from Sailors Cutting to Benmore Dam is now open to the public which means that there is no longer a requirement to ride on SH83 over the Otematata Saddle from Sailors Cutting.

This new 16km purpose built off-road cycle Trail is mix of Grade 2 (Easy) and some narrower and steeper Grade 3 (Intermediate) sections. The Trail is cut into the side of steep hills in places and we have heard reports that those that suffer from vertigo struggle with some parts of this Trail. There are safety barriers in place along the Trail where drops (as opposed to slopes) occur.

The scenery that this new Trail section opens up is amazing, so if you are a little nervous of your riding ability or fitness, leave plenty of time to take it slow and be prepared to walk any part you are not comfortable riding.

Take a supply of water and snacks - you need to be self sufficent - phone coverage is limited so you may also consider taking a PLB with your party. There is a toilet on this new section at about the 10km mark from Sailors Cutting towards Benmore Dam 29km.

At Benmore Dam you have a choice of visiting Otematata 35km, by staying on the west side of the dam and taking the mostly off-road cycle in to Otematata for a meal / provisions / icecream / accommodation (12km return) or continue on your journey to Kurow by crossing over the dam and continuing on the Te Akatarawa Rd down the North side of Lake Aviemore. Kurow is 38km from the top of Benmore Dam.

Take a VR tour of Sailors Cutting courtesy of Virtual Waitaki:

Highlights Include

Chain Hills Viewpoint
Pumpkin Point
Sailors Cutting Scenic Reserve
Lake Benmore and views of Turnagain and Junction Islands
Views from Benmore Peninsular and Dam
Otematata Wetlands Walk
Autumn Colours (April)
Waitaki Whitestone Aspiring Geopark

Section Map

Trail Surfaces

Trail Status

Section 5:- Useful Information

SH83 crossing at Chain Hills – take extreme care at this crossing.
Sailors Cutting to Benmore Dam Carparks can be congested with towing vehicles during the camping and boating season (Dec. /Mar.).
Allow up to four hours to ride this section Take plenty of water as there are no water stops on route. Water from the lake may be drinkable but filtering
is recommended. Take high energy food.
The Trail is narrow in places and there are fall hazards at many points – be prepared to dismount to allow oncoming traffic to pass.
There a couple of blind corners on this section - do not speed and be prepared to stop for oncoming traffic. You should be able to comfortable stop in half of your visible distance. If everyone abides by this rule then oncoming traffic and blind corners should not pose any additional risk.
Take extreme care in windy weather.
There is limited cell phone reception, we recommend carrying a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon). Details of hire points along the Trail are detailed here
Much of this Trail is Grade 3 (intermediate) – please refer to grade information here.
If you are an e-bike user, ensure you are in the right gear and take extra care on the corners.
Cyclists are advised to ride single file and to keep left - be courteous to oncomming traffic and stop / slow down to allow safe passing.
Both the Cycle Trail and and weather conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly. Please check the Trail Status and the weather reports at least daily before departure.
This Trail section goes through private property:
- Access for motorbikes or machinery are not permitted.
- The carrying or use of firearms is not permitted
- No fires are permitted.
- Stay on the Trail, do not enter any farmland.
- No dogs or horses are permitted
- Use of drones is not permitted
- Plase take your rubbish with you

Accommodation

Dine & Drink

On The Spot, Otematata

Drop into Otematata’s On The Spot, for all your requirements.

CONVENIENCE STORE
Stock up on essentials, food, and beverages. Make sure you have sunscreen for the cycling...

Otematata Eatery, Bar & Lodging

Your classic kiwi country pub, with a truck & trailer load more than you might expect!

Otematata Eatery, Bar & Lodging prides itself on delicious meals, a fun and friendly...

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To Do

To Do

Hot Tubs Omarama

After a day cycling through the awesome Mackenzie Country, or beside the beautiful hydro lakes – Waitaki, Aviemore and Benmore – you have reached the junction town of Omarama. Now is the...

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Photos

Photos

Download PDF

Download PDF

/library/general/documents/New%20Section%205.pdf

Overview

Omarama to Otematata, Section 5 is a 35m stretch that is Grade 2 & 3 easy and intermediate. Highlights include views over Lake Benmore, Sailors Cutting and Chain Hills Viewpoint.

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Trail Status

Keep up to date with the Trail Status of each Trail section here.

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Accommodation

Need to book accommodation during your adventure? We have a range of accommodation options available on each section of the Trail that can be booked directly with the provider today.

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Dine & Drink

If you're looking for the best recommendations of places to eat and drink while cycling the Trail you've come to the right place. Read more on our best dining recommendations on Section 5 of the Trail

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To Do

Each section has a range of activities and attractions for you to experience and see while cycling the Trail. Find the best things to do on Section 5 of the Trail.

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Photos

See some of the best photos taken by other Trail riders through Section 5 of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.

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