Omarama
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Omarama is a small township (population <300 2001 census) at the junction of State Highways 8 and 83, near the southern end of the Mackenzie Basin, in the South Island of New Zealand. Omarama is part of the Waitaki District, and at the northern edge of the Otago Province. Most of the Waitaki District resides within the North Otago region including Omarama.
It is known as a world-class gliding area, gaining fame among sailplane pilots around the world after hosting the 1995 World Gliding Championships. Omarama is Māori for "Place of Light", a reference to its extraordinarily pure and clear sky, which also makes it of great interest to astronomers.
Omarama is also a popular holiday destination as it is adjacent to several lakes and rivers of significant recreational value.
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