"We paid the little bit extra for a room with a balcony and are very happy we did."
Kaylyn from United States
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"The food provided for buffet dinner was surprisingly good but the breakfast was very simple and disappointing."
Raj5419 from United Arab Emirates
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"Good location on main route and well managed and efficient."
Alan from United Kingdom
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Rooms and Amenities
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel offers 98 rooms, including family suites with cooking facilities. Standard rooms feature a shower, toilet, vanity, heated towel rail, hairdryer, and Distinction toiletries. Rooms also have refrigerators, tea and coffee facilities, electric blankets, and flatscreen TVs. Superior Hotel Rooms include a balcony with mountain views. Superior 2 Bedroom Studios have a lounge area with a Queen bed, balcony, heater, table and chairs, and an extra-large luggage rack.
Restaurant & Garden Bar
The Heritage Gateway Restaurant & Bar serves New Zealand cuisine and caters to gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan preferences. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and dinner, with BBQ lunch available upon request. The Omarama garden bar has mountain views. The restaurant seats up to 125 guests.
Leisure Activities
The hotel is a base for cycling the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and exploring the Clay Cliffs and Ahuriri Conservation Area. Guests can ski at Ōhau Snow Fields, boat, fish, and swim at nearby lakes. Harris Mountains Heli-ski offers heli-skiing and heli-boarding in Aoraki/Mount Cook. Hot Tubs Omarama is available for mountain water immersion with mountain views.
Location and Transportation
Located at the junction of State Highways 8 and 83 in the Waitaki District, Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel overlooks the mountain ranges in Omarama. The hotel is approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes south of Christchurch, 2 hours north of Queenstown, and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Wanaka. Lake Pukaki is 10 minutes away, Lake Tekapo is 45 minutes, and Aoraki/Mount Cook Village is 45 minutes.
Hotel Services
Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel offers free unlimited Wi-Fi and complimentary on-site parking. Charter flights are available to Glentanner, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki, and Lake Tekapo airports. The hotel provides information and online safety tools for those experiencing domestic violence through the Women's Refuge New Zealand Shielded Site Project.
“This country-style hotel serves as a practical base for exploring the Mackenzie region, placing guests at the junction of key highways and near Aoraki/Mount Cook. On-site dining and family-friendly suites add convenience. While some operational aspects could use polish, the location is ideal for active travelers focused on outdoor pursuits.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type
The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Hotel Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Superior Room
2 persons
325 sq. feet
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Superior Hotel Room Balcony
2 persons
325 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Standard Triple Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet
3 Single beds
Shower
Heating
room details
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Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
General
Non-smoking rooms
Free Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Golf course
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Laundry
Happy hour
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Business
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Room features
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Bedroom
Electric blankets
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
At the Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel, guests will discover a delightful range of dining experiences rooted in local flavors, all set against the stunning backdrop of mountain vistas. From a celebrated onsite restaurant to a tranquil garden bar, each venue promises to satisfy both the palate and the spirit of adventure.
Restaurant #1
Local
Ambiance
A cozy dining space popular among both hotel guests and local patrons, offering an inviting atmosphere.
Key Offerings
This restaurant specializes in local dishes, highlighting the rich culinary heritage of the region and providing a comfortable setting to relish delightful meals.
Reservation
Recommended
Hours vary.
Omarama Garden Bar
Casual Bar Menu
Ambiance
Set amidst expansive lawns, this garden bar enables guests to unwind in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Key Offerings
Ideal for enjoying refreshing beverages and light snacks, the bar ensures a serene environment to soak in the natural beauty after a day of exploration.
Reservation
Not needed
Hours vary.
Location
State Highway 8,
Omarama,
New Zealand,
Canterbury
Map view
State Highway 8,
Omarama,
New Zealand,
Canterbury
City landmarks
Landmark
Omarama Airport
5100 ft
Landmark
Omarama Sheep Statue
2700 ft
Gallery
Totara Peak Gallery
2700 ft
Landmark
Quailburn Woolshed
2700 ft
Landmark
Omarama war memorial
2700 ft
Spa Centre
Hot Tubs Omarama
1.3
mi
Mountain
Clay Cliffs
2.1
mi
Nearby
Ladybird Hill Vineyard
1200 ft
Restaurants
Merino Country Cafe & Gifts
1500 ft
7 Chain Hills Highway
Explore Omarama
Explore Omarama
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Omarama Sheep Statue
10 minutes' walk
The iconic Omarama Sheep Statue celebrates the region's sheep farming heritage and is perfect for a quick photo op.
Ladybird Hill Vineyard
5 minutes' walk
A local vineyard offering wine tastings amidst scenic views. Pair your visit with a delightful cheese platter.
Quailburn Woolshed
10 minutes' walk
An authentic woolshed showcasing the area's sheep farming practices. Great for learning about local traditions.
Hot Tubs Omarama
5 minutes' drive
Relax in private hot tubs with stunning mountain views. Ideal for unwinding after a day of adventure.
Hiking at Clay Cliffs
10 minutes' drive
Thrill-seekers can hike the unique clay formations of Clay Cliffs for stunning views and photo opportunities.
Wellness at Hot Tubs Omarama
5 minutes' drive
Recharge and relax in hot tubs under the stars, a perfect serene experience after outdoor activities.
Merino Country Cafe & Gifts
6 minutes' walk
Offering hearty local dishes with a cozy atmosphere. Don't miss their famous homemade pies and coffee.
Ladybird Hill Vineyard
5 minutes' walk
Enjoy fine local wines and a selection of gourmet bites in a tranquil vineyard setting with stunning views.
Omarama Cinema
5 minutes' drive
A local cinema featuring the latest films, ideal for family outings or a fun night out after dinner.
Live Music at the Local Pub
5 minutes' walk
Experience the local music scene with weekly sessions showcasing regional talent, perfect for relaxed evenings.
Getting around
City Centre
Omarama3 min
·
700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-22:30
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of NZD 33 per person per day.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
119
Questions of the users
About Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Is the double bed in the rooms a large size or standard?
15 January 2024
The double bed in the room is a queen size.
Do standard rooms come with a bath, a shower, or both amenities?
22 February 2024
Most standard rooms feature a shower over the bath. A special request can be made during booking to prefer either option.
Is vaccination proof necessary to stay or dine at the hotel?
10 March 2024
Yes, proof of vaccination is required for entry into the hotel and restaurant.
Are hairdryers available in the hotel rooms?
30 January 2024
Each room is equipped with a hairdryer for guest convenience.
What time does the restaurant close for dinner?
8 February 2024
The restaurant operates for dinner from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Will the restaurant be open during my stay in early February?
12 February 2024
While it is anticipated that the restaurant will be open, exact availability cannot be guaranteed at this moment.
Can confirmation be provided that all rooms include a bathroom?
11 March 2024
Yes, all rooms come with private bathrooms.
Are there utensils such as cutlery and bowls available in the rooms?
18 April 2024
No, the rooms do not include cutlery and bowls.
Are there family-friendly accommodation options suitable for two adults and two children?
4 February 2024
Yes, there are larger units available, although they are often in high demand.
Are there alternative dining options nearby if the restaurant is closed?
20 February 2024
If the restaurant is not open, there is a bar on-site that offers platters, as well as a pub located opposite the hotel.
What is the cancellation policy for bookings?
5 April 2024
There are currently no charges for cancellations.
Is breakfast offered at the hotel, and are affordable dining options available?
15 March 2024
Breakfast is not served at the hotel right now; however, local cafes in town provide a variety of options at different price points.
How can I change an existing booking to a different date?
29 January 2024
Please provide the confirmation number to assist in tracking your booking; the hotel currently has availability on the requested date.
Is there availability for an upstairs room upon request?
27 February 2024
To request an upstairs room, please mention it in your booking notes or contact the reservations team directly.
Is the restaurant currently open for dinner service?
12 February 2024
The restaurant is not open for dinner this month but is scheduled to reopen on 5 September, subject to occupancy.
Where can I enjoy breathtaking views during my stay?
12 March 2024
Many areas around the hotel present stunning views, particularly the garden bar and the balconies available in some superior rooms.