Twizel is the largest town in the Mackenzie District, in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand’s South Island. The town was founded in 1968 to house construction workers on the Upper Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme. Twizel has a resident population of 1,210 (June 2015 estimate); during the summer, holidaymakers nearly triple the town’s population and enjoy1 of our 6 Beautiful lakes (Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Lake Ohau, Lake Benmore, Lake Aviemore and Lake Ruataniwha.
Official travel and tourism information for Aoraki Mt Cook and Twizel New Zealand. Twizel is an alpine village situated in the Mackenzie District in the South Island of New Zealand. Twizel is the closest town to Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier. Twizel is a fly fishing paradise with its many lakes and rivers brimming with world record trout and salmon. Lake Pukaki, Lake Ohau, Lake Benmore the Ahuriri River and the Tekapo River are all nearby.
Twizel is approximately 500 meters above sea level. Surrounded by mountain ranges it has a very distinct climate. Twizel is accessible from Christchurch through Burke’s Pass, from Queenstown through the Lindis Pass and from the East Coast through the Waitaki Valley.
Take a scenic flight from Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook with views over the Southern Alps. Mountain climbing is a major attraction here, with the challenge of Mt Cook. Many ski options are available, including heli-skiing and ski touring.
Twizel has a lot to offer people of all ages, with its vast number of green areas, lakes, walking and tramping tracks available for all types of leisure and recreation pastimes.
The Aoraki / Mount Cook Mackenzie region enjoys a wonderful climate with clear, crisp snowy winters and long, hot summers. Autumn is a riot of colour, while spring brings wild flowers blooming throughout the region. The warm summer season extends from November to February, where the mercury often rises past 30 degrees Celsius. In the cooler winter season, from June to September temperatures drop to below 0 degrees Celsius overnight, while sunny winter days average around 8 degrees Celsius.
Things to do
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Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Tours
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail 301km from Mt Cook our highest mountain, to the ocean at Oamaru. Allow 4-6 days for the entire ride, or simply try a day excursion. The A2O Cycle Trail is sure to be a memorable experience. -
High Country Salmon
Floating on the glacial waters of Wairepo Arm, High Country Salmon is ideally situated on State Highway 8 just south of the town of Twizel. We offer visitors the opportunity to purchase salmon, feed the fish, relax and take in the beautiful scenery. Our friendly team is happy to answer questions and help you select from our range. Visit our café/shop today for your salmon fix and enjoy a coffee and a hot pie, quiche or chowder while you are here! -
Glacier Explorers
Visit New Zealand’s Tasman Glacier terminal lake for a fascinating glacial encounter. Cruise the rapidly growing terminal lake taking in spectacular mountain views and scenery. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the glacier allowing you to touch and taste the 300-500 year old glacial crystals. -
SkyDive Mt Cook
Enjoy New Zealand’s most stunning skydiving experience! Located in Pukaki and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South Island views: snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes and Aorkai/Mt Cook National Park. Free fall from the best piece of sky this beautiful country has to offer. An authentic kiwi experience! -
RedCat BiPlane Flights
Aviation Adventures operate the only two-passenger-seat open-cockpit biplane over New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery – Mt Cook and the glaciers! This means you can share the fun and adventure with a family member, friend or partner. The Team includes some of the most skilled pilots in the business. We are dedicated to giving you an enjoyable experience and providing quality service. -
Mt Cook HeliSki
This is a wilderness of ancient glaciers, azure lakes, and endless runs – across 6 mountain ranges. Mount Cook Heliski has lines to suit all levels of heli-ski ability – from our exclusive terrain in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, to the shores of Lake Pukaki and the Ben Ohau Range.
Stay Mackenzie offers a large range of holiday home accommodation in the beautiful town of Twizel.
With our holiday home accommodation, you get a home away from home, where you can enjoy your own privacy and space without intrusions from other guests and staff.
“A Motel Feel – In a Home environment”