Ōhau

Ōhau is a small, off-the-beaten-track town that acts as a gateway to Lake Ōhau, numerous walking tracks, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and the Ōhau Snow Fields.

Found between Ōmarama and Twizel, the drive into Ōhau is spectacular in its own right. The area is beautifully rugged and painted with beautiful yellow, orange and brown hues synonymous with the South Island high country. The prominent Ben Ōhau mountain range stands watch over the far side of Lake Ōhau.

The village is surrounded by mountains and water, with the highest of the Southern Alps including Mount Cook visible on a clear day. The views are even more impressive from up the hill at Ōhau Snow Fields, a small ski field providing a wonderful community atmosphere along with all the essential services including rental, lessons, a chairlift and day lodge/cafeteria.

Lake Ōhau Lodge offers spectacular views of the lake and mountains and is a great place to stay a night or grab a bite to eat.

Or stay in Lake Ōhau Quarters, a cosy, modern lodge-style accommodation with amazing views of Lake Ōhau Station - undoubtedly one of the country’s truly spectacular high-country farms. This is also the gateway to the Hopkins Valley. 

The Lake Ōhau foreshore is also a picturesque section of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. From Ōhau Weir to Lake Ōhau Road, cyclists will cruise around the tranquil water’s edge on their way to the end of the section at Lake Ōhau Lodge. This section is very scenic and far from all road noise with a great trail surface which includes sections of boardwalk.

The next section of the trail, which begins at Lake Ōhau Lodge, will see cyclists will tackle the highest point along the entire trail. This section can be quite rocky and muddy in places with a few false summits and stream crossings to keep things interesting. But the climb is worth the views and the downhill that follows!