The Countrytime Club

The Resort and Its Setting

The Countrytime Club is an independent timeshare resort affiliated with RCI, situated in Omarama on New Zealand's South Island. Omarama sits at the junction of major Central Otago routes, in a wide, dry basin ringed by mountains — a landscape quite different from the greener coastal parts of New Zealand, and one that draws visitors specifically for its big skies, clear air and easy access to the high country. As an independent property rather than part of a branded chain, The Countrytime Club's main attraction for owners is its RCI affiliation, which allows weeks here to be exchanged for stays at other RCI resorts around the world.

The Area and Things to Do

Omarama is a quiet base rather than a bustling resort town, and that's part of its appeal — it offers an authentic slice of small-town Central Otago life without the crowds of nearby Queenstown or Wanaka. From here, Lake Pukaki's turquoise glacial waters are around 30km away, with Mount Cook National Park a further drive beyond it, home to New Zealand's highest peak and some of the country's best alpine walking. The Central Otago wine region, known for its Pinot Noir and cellar-door tastings, lies roughly 45km away, while the historic Lindis Pass is just 20km out and well worth the drive for its scenery alone. Wanaka and gold-rush-era Arrowtown are both within reach for a longer day trip, offering lakeside towns, galleries and seasonal colour. A rental car is genuinely useful here, since the region's appeal lies in driving between these landscapes and towns.

Selling or Renting a Week Here

Owners who no longer use their week at The Countrytime Club can list it for resale or rent directly on BidMyTimeshare.com. This is an owner-to-owner marketplace: there's no commission on the sale, sellers pay a single one-time listing fee, and you set your own asking price. Interested buyers or renters contact you directly through the platform, so you stay in control of negotiations and timing.

Because The Countrytime Club is an independent resort, resale transfers are handled through the resort's own owners' association or management rather than a large branded resale programme. If you're selling, it's worth confirming directly with the association what transfer paperwork is required and whether any right of first refusal applies before agreeing a price with a buyer. If you're buying, ask the seller (or the resort directly) for the current transfer fee and the latest annual maintenance fee, as these aren't published figures and can change from year to year — we can't quote them here without a verified source. A resale buyer typically takes on the week itself along with the RCI exchange eligibility that comes with it, but should always confirm in writing exactly what is and isn't included before completing a purchase.

What Renters Look For

Renters considering a week at The Countrytime Club are usually drawn by the Central Otago location rather than resort amenities — they want a comfortable, well-situated base for exploring Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook and the wine region, with the flexibility of self-catering accommodation. Clear information on dates, unit size and proximity to Omarama's town centre helps a listing stand out to this kind of traveller.

Practical Notes for Owners and Buyers

Anyone trading weeks through RCI should check the network's own advance booking windows, since exchange availability at popular times can be limited. Given Omarama's remote, high-country setting, it's also worth noting that mobile coverage can be patchy in the surrounding area, which matters for travellers relying on digital maps or bookings once they arrive.