Mackenzie Region

Lakes & Swimming

Lakes & Swimming

If you enjoy water activities you’ll love the Mackenzie! Whether you like boating, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming you’ll find something to suit.

The region is blessed with so many great swimming spots, it’s impossible to list them all, but here’s a blog about a few of our faves: www.mackenzienz.com/6-great-swimming-spots-in-the-mackenzie

Please use this site to check water quality: www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/swimming

Browse by Destination

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Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre
Aoraki/Mount Cook

Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre

Exhibits about mountaineering, history, replica huts, kid’s area and much more!
Alpine Recreation
Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo

Alpine Recreation

Quality trekking, climbing, ski touring & snowshoeing experiences.
Lake Tekapo Petting Zoo
Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo Petting Zoo

Farmyard petting zoo offering hands-on animal encounters.
Alpine Alpacas
Fairlie

Alpine Alpacas

Offering guided farm tours with alpacas, llamas, and scenic photo opportunities.
Twizel Stargazing
Twizel

Twizel Stargazing

Immerse yourself in the wonder of the night sky with Twizel Stargazing Experience.
Madhuri Yoga NZ
Twizel

Madhuri Yoga NZ

Yoga for strength, flexibility, stamina and peace. Classes suit all levels.
Boothy’s Fishing School
Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Twizel

Boothy’s Fishing School

Targeting monster trout in the Lake Tekapo and Twizel canals.
Red Cat Biplane Flights
Twizel

Aviation Adventures

Offering unique aviation experiences around Twizel and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Cairns Alpine Resort Golf Course
Lake Tekapo

Cairns Alpine Resort Golf Course

Play one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses.
Glacier Explorers
Aoraki/Mount Cook

Glacier Explorers

Visit Tasman Glacier terminal lake for a fascinating glacial encounter.
Ōhau Snow Fields & Lodge
Lake Ōhau, Twizel

Ōhau Snow Fields & Lodge

Snowfield for skiing and snowboarding and high country lodge with great hospitality!
Zen Stargazing
Lake Tekapo, Twizel

Zen Stargazing (トワイゼル発・日本語星空浴体験）

Zen Stargazing offers star bathing in Twizel through small groups, family, and private.
She's On The Fly
Lake Tekapo, Twizel

She’s On The Fly

Professional guided fly fishing/canal fishing based in the South Island.
Chasing Tail Guiding Service
Lake Tekapo, Twizel

Chasing Tail Guiding Service

Providing excellent full and half-day fishing services with lunch provided.
Mt Cook Glacier Guiding
Aoraki/Mount Cook

Mt Cook Glacier Guiding

Guided alpine adventures including heli-hiking, snowshoeing & ice climbing.
CMG Studios
Mackenzie Region

CMG Studios

Available for commercial, landscape, wedding and sporting photography projects.
Lake Tekapo Farm Tours
Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo Farm Tours

Authentic Kiwi farming experiences in the heart of the Mackenzie Region.
Tekapo Springs
Lake Tekapo

Tekapo Springs

Fun for the entire family in every season of the year!
Big Sky Stargazing
Aoraki/Mount Cook

Big Sky Stargazing

Explore southern stars under the skies of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Aoraki/Mount Cook

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Showcases the Aoraki/Mount Cook region and its place in the universe.
New Zealand Safaris
Fairlie

New Zealand Safaris

Hunting outfitters offering the highest quality hunting experience in the country.
Earth Sky & Space Photography Workshops
Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Pūkaki, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Region, Twizel

Earth Sky & Space Photography Workshops

Authentic, small group and bespoke astrophotography and NZ landscape photography workshops.
Yoga Under The Hills
Mackenzie Region, Twizel

Yoga Under The Hills

Yoga you haven’t done before in the comfort of your own house.
NZ Trout Adventures
Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Twizel

NZ Trout Adventures

Guided trout fishing with Anton Donaldson in the Mackenzie Region.
Bike Tekapo
Lake Tekapo

Bike Tekapo

Mountain biking experience in a private working high country farm!
Trail Adventures
Mackenzie Region

Trail Adventures

Family-owned business providing experiences on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
Ben Ōhau Golf Course
Twizel

Ben Ōhau Golf Club

Magnificent views, 9 hole 16 tee course in Twizel.
Alpine Guides
Aoraki/Mount Cook

Alpine Guides

Mountain adventures with NZ’s longest established mountain guiding company.
Zhuoya Photography
Lake Tekapo

Zhuoya Photography

Lake Tekapo-based international award-winning photographer.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel
Mackenzie Region

Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Join Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s small group tours to discover the best of Aotearoa.
Roundhill Ski Area
Lake Tekapo

Roundhill Ski Area

From beginner to expert, a perfect alpine location for winter fun.
Hunt Tekapo
Lake Tekapo

Hunt Tekapo

Learn about gun safety, land management & pest control on a Lake Tekapo farm.
Fairlie Heritage Museum
Fairlie

Fairlie Heritage Museum

Collect & preserve articles and memorabilia illustrating customs and events of early days.
Astro Tekapo
Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Region

Astro Tekapo

Epic cosmic experiences under the Southern night sky — the universe awaits!
Hard Yards Hunting
Twizel

Hard Yards Hunting

Authentic free-range wilderness hunting for the experience of a lifetime.
Back Country Trout
Fairlie

Back Country Trout

Guided fishing trips around the Mackenzie for wild brown and rainbow trout.
Mt Cook Safaris
Aoraki/Mount Cook

Mt Cook Safaris

Personalised trophy hunting experience in an iconic & beautiful wild region.
Ski Shack
Fairlie

Ski Shack

Locally owned ski shop in Fairlie offering quality gear, rentals, and expert advice.
Pūkaki Wine Cellar & Observatory
Lake Pūkaki, Twizel

Pūkaki Observatory

Private stargazing tours from a luxury location.
Helicopter Line
Aoraki/Mount Cook, Glentanner

Helicopter Line

Magnificent views of the Aoraki/Mount Cook World Heritage Park.
Blue Star Tekapo
Lake Tekapo

Blue Star Tekapo (ブルー スター テカポ 日本語 星空ツアー)

Japanese-speaking astrophotography using client’s own smartphones to take photos.
Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo Regional Park

Explore 165 hectares of forested land on the shores of Lake Tekapo.
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Pūkaki, Lake Tekapo, Twizel

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is truly one of New Zealand’s great rides.
Fairlie

Mount Dobson Ski Area

Fun skiing and snowboarding experience for everyone, for all abilities.
Petronella's Gallery & Bookstore
Lake Tekapo

Petronella’s Gallery & Bookstore

An eclectic range of books, art, stationery and gifts.
Skydive Mt. Cook
Twizel

Skydive Mt Cook

Offering a range of spectacular adrenaline-filled skydiving experiences.
Glentanner-Heli-Hike
Aoraki/Mount Cook, Glentanner

Glentanner High Country Heli-Hike

A 3.5 hour trip for families and friends on Glentanner Station.
Wild Tekapo
Lake Tekapo

Wild Tekapo

Experience the wild side of Lake Tekapo!
Jake's Hardware
Twizel

Shaws’ Hardware

A family hardware store that sells a bit of everything!
St. Patrick’s Church
Burkes Pass

St. Patrick’s Church

Quaint historic wooden church In Burkes Pass, perfect for small weddings.
Cycle Ventures
Twizel

Cycle Ventures

Fully supported tours of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.
Southern Lakes Helicopters
Aoraki/Mount Cook

Southern Lakes Helicopters

Scenic flights, commercial helicopter work and aerial support services.
Tekapo Photo
Lake Tekapo

Tekapo Photo

Night and astrophotography workshops, a perfect gateway to the world of night photography.
Four Peaks High Country Track
Fairlie

Four Peaks High Country Track

A unique 2-3 days walk or bike ride in high country paradise, staying in refurbished shepherd’s huts.
Real Kiwi Horse Trekking
Fairlie

Real Kiwi Horse Trekking

Horse trekking and accommodation set amongst pristine wilderness & natural landscapes.
Red Stag Hunting NZ
Fairlie

Red Stag Hunting NZ

Professional hunting offering excellent quality animals, amazing scenery & home-cooked meals.
Stargaze Mackenzie
Twizel

Stargaze Mackenzie

Uncover the science of the stars on a guided stargazing adventure.
Hike Tekapo
Lake Tekapo

Hike Tekapo

Fully guided hiking experience in the heart of Lake Tekapo.
BeSpoke Bike Tours
Lake Tekapo

BeSpoke Bike Tours

Tailored tours, Alps 2 Ocean, bike rental, shuttle, luggage transfers & more!
Escape by Cycle
Mackenzie Region

Escape by Cycle

Mountain adventures with NZ’s longest established mountain guiding company.
Tekapo Adventures
Lake Tekapo

Tekapo Adventures

Offering scenic 4WD tours, hiking tours and luxury experiences in the Mackenzie Region.
Alan Campbell Fly Fishing Services
Twizel

Alan Campbell Fly Fishing Services

Friendly, relaxed and professional angling experience in the stunning Mackenzie Region.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Off Road Tour. Hermitage Hotel
Aoraki/Mount Cook

Off Road Tours

Discover the heart of the Mackenzie basin with a guided off-road experience
Garage Gallery
Kimbell

Garage Gallery

Promoting high-end art and investment paintings, come have a look!
Mackenzie Helicopters
Lake Tekapo

Mackenzie Helicopters

From whisky huts to wilderness, Mackenzie Helicopters turn dreams into extraordinary experiences.
Tekapo Star Gazing
Lake Tekapo

Tekapo Star Gazing

The ultimate in stellar relaxation, a stargazing experience in the hot pools!
Puff Pettal
Twizel

Puff Pettal

Colourful crochet bouquets & decor that last a lifetime!
Mt Nessing Golf Club
Albury

Mt Nessing Golf Club

9-hole golf course situated beside Mt Nessing Road.
John McArthur Reclaimed Metal Art
Twizel

John McArthur – Reclaimed Metal Art

Playful, one-of-a-kind sculptures from reclaimed scrap metal in Twizel.
Auldwood Birds
Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Region, Twizel

Auldwood Birds

Personalised guided bird watching and nature tours.
Harris Mountains Heli-Ski
Aoraki/Mount Cook, Glentanner

Harris Mountains Heli-Ski

Providing ski & board adventures in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Joseph Pooley – World Photography
Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Region

Joseph Pooley Photography

Capturing magical memories on top of mountains and under the light of the stars.
High Country Salmon
Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel

High Country Salmon

Logans floating café & restaurant, fish shop, catch-a-fish experience, & free fish feeding.
Lake Tekapo

Mackenzie Alpine Horses

Journey through extraordinary scenery with experienced guides.
Fairlie

Simply Divine Fabric Art

Unique creations of wall art, as well as indoor and outdoor sculptures.
Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Region

Alpha CruX Stargazing & Astrophotography

Private stargazing tours & astrophotography lessons from the comfort of your holiday accommodation.
Chameleon Stargazing
Lake Tekapo

Chameleon Stargazing

A budget and family-friendly stargazing tour in Lake Tekapo.
Church of the Good Shepherd
Lake Tekapo

Church of the Good Shepherd

Historic church on the shores of Lake Tekapo.
Paddle Tekapo
Lake Tekapo

Paddle Tekapo

Stand-up paddle board and kayak hire at beautiful Lake Tekapo.
Tekapo Chinese Stargazing
Lake Tekapo

Tekapo Chinese Stargazing

最高性价比，最优质中文服务
New Zealand Alpine Lavender
Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Pūkaki, Twizel

New Zealand Alpine Lavender

Beautiful organic lavender farm on the road to Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Rosemary Campbell Artist Studio
Lake Tekapo

Rosemary Campbell Artist Studio

Working artist’s studio open by arrangement – phone 021 184 6041.
Mid Southern Tracks
Lake Tekapo

Mid Southern Tracks

Honest, challenging, unique hunting & nature tours.
Plas Photo Factory
Fairlie

Pla’s Photo Factory

Professional photographer based in Fairlie available for all kinds of shoots.
Fairlie Golf Club
Fairlie

Fairlie Golf Club

A well-groomed, flat, 18-hole course on Talbot Road
Tekapo Wellness
Lake Tekapo

Tekapo Wellness

Inspiring people to a balanced, healthful and radiant life; building strong communities.
PureTrails New Zealand
Mackenzie Region

PureTrails New Zealand

PureTrails are market leaders in adventure in comfort cycle tours, based from Christchurch.
Fish Tekapo
Lake Tekapo

Fish Tekapo

This fishing tour teaches how to fish in rivers, Lake Tekapo, and canals.
Silverstream Clydesdales
Kimbell

Silverstream Clydesdales

Small group visits with friendly Clydesdale horses, suitable for all ages, on SH8.
Mitchell Clark Creative
Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Region

Mitchell Clark Creative

Creating unique and original images based around the outdoors & natural light.
Mt Hay Farm Experience
Lake Tekapo

Mt Hay Farm Experience

Highlighting NZ’s high-country farming with sheep shearing and demonstrations.
Fox Peak Ski Area
Fairlie

Fox Peak Ski Area

Uncrowded affordable family skiing, on-mountain accommodation and a friendly easy-going atmosphere.
Billy the Bard
Lake Tekapo

Billy The Bard

‘Starytelling’ – a mix of history, culture and stargazing from the Bard!
Twizel

Musterers Hut Café & Gift Shop

Family-friendly, retro licensed cafe, 18-hole mini-golf & boutique gift shop.
Kate Ivey Fitness
Mackenzie Region

Kate Ivey Fitness

DediKate is the online health and fitness community for all busy women!
Braided Rivers Fishing Guides
Lake Tekapo, Twizel

Braided Rivers Fishing Guides

Professional guided fishing trips to the renowned Tekapo & Twizel Canals.
Mt Cook Skiplanes & Helicopters
Aoraki/Mount Cook

Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters

Flying through the Tasman Valley & landing on snow-covered peaks!
Southern Alps Outdoors
Twizel

Southern Alps Outdoors

Fishing & hunting gear, toys, souvenirs and much more!
Guidemasters NZ
Lake Tekapo

Guidemasters NZ

Experience New Zealand’s best trophy hunting with the Guidemasters!
Cycle Journeys
Twizel

Cycle Journeys

Choose from a single-day cycle experience through to a challenging 6-7 day bike trip.
Dark Sky Project
Lake Tekapo

Dark Sky Project

Explore our night skies with stargazing and observatory experiences.
NZ Travel Adventure
Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Region, Twizel

NZ Travel Adventure

Guided walks and night sky astro experiences for the adventurous traveller.
Southern Alps Guiding
Aoraki/Mount Cook

Southern Alps Guiding

A range of mountain adventures with decades of guiding experience.
Pūkaki Adventures
Twizel

Pūkaki Adventures

Pūkaki Adventures is the planner and provider for your next adventure or retreat.
Air Safaris
Lake Tekapo

Air Safaris

Providing spectacular flights over New Zealand’s most memorable and breathtaking scenery.
Cheeky Kea Travel
Mackenzie Region

Cheeky Kea Travel

Passionate locals providing 100% authentic Kiwi experiences.
Heliventures NZ
Twizel

Heliventures NZ

A professional helicopter company offering a full range of services and flights.
4WD Tekapo
Lake Tekapo

4WD Tekapo

An exhilarating 4WD adventure with local guides on Mt Hay Station, Lake Tekapo.
Glendeer Guides
Mackenzie Region

Glendeer Guides

Offering personalised, world-class hunting and fly-fishing excursions.
Mackenzie Golf Club
Lake Tekapo

Mackenzie Golf Club

9-hole country golf course located 4km from Lake Tekapo.
Silver River Stargazing & Astrophotography Tours
Lake Tekapo

Silver River Stargazing & Astrophotography Tours

Lake Tekapo’s leading small group 360° stargazing tour!
Adventure South NZ
Mackenzie Region

Adventure South NZ

New Zealand guided cycling and hiking holidays since 1992.

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We can’t wait to welcome you to the Legendary Mackenzie! Step into the great wide open and discover NZ’s highest mountains, longest glaciers, vivid turquoise lakes, golden grasslands and clearest starry skies. Take a scenic flight into the mountains and land on glaciers; enjoy the night sky within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve; explore the amazingly beautiful landscape by cycling, walking, kayaking, swimming, skiing and more.

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