Lakeland Explorer offers supported trips on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, casual bike hire for a leisurely ride around Twizel, and private charter transport for scenic tours, private events, and weddings. Lakeland Explorer is run by friendly, knowledgeable locals based in Twizel, the heart of the legendary Mackenzie Region!
Bike Hire
Rent a bike and equipment for your own local adventure. Equipment includes maps to explore Twizel trails, river, alpine lakes, salmon farms and more. Bikes are available at Southern Alps Outdoors in the Twizel Market Place, the Musterers Hut Cafe (Ruataniwha Road),...
If you are looking for a fly fishing vacation of a lifetime, you will love the Central South Island of New Zealand. Allow Kevin Payne, a registered New Zealand professional fishing guide to take you on a guided experience specializing in sighted fly fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout. You will love the combination of large trout, un-crowded rivers and striking scenery.
A tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, humanitarian, ambassador and one of the world’s greatest explorers, the centre showcases the Aoraki/Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe.
The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre’s 126-seat custom-designed theatre is the world’s only theatre with 2D, 3D and a Digital Dome Planetarium, contained within the same space. Cutting edge technology allows the 2D screen to raise up for storage while the 3D screen is in use and the Digital Dome Planetarium to lower into place when required.
Mount Cook Magic is an inspiring 3D cinematic experience unlike...
Enjoy New Zealand’s most spectacular skydiving experience! Located near Twizel at the Pūkaki Airport and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South Island views: snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and, of course, the mighty Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Freefall from the best piece of sky this beautiful country has to offer. An authentic Kiwi experience that will give you your fair share of adrenaline along with sightseeing some spectacular New Zealand landmarks.
Experience Tekapo Springs for the perfect mix of relaxation and recreation in beautiful Lake Tekapo in the heart of the South Island!
Enjoy the stunning views from the three hot pools or chill out in the cooler pools with Aqua Play Area. The amazingly soft alpine water is sourced from an underground spring near Tekapo. While it is not geothermal, it is exceptionally pure and provides an alpine bathing experience that leaves one refreshed and revitalised. Temperatures range from 28℃ to 38.5℃.
In summer, try the fun adventure 18-hole mini golf course, and the Aqua Drop, a 150-metre downhill water...
Aoraki/Mount Cook is without a doubt an iconic New Zealand destination. Explore the spectacular landscape from the air and feel the snow-covered glacier beneath your feet. This unique experience is on offer in a helicopter, fixed-wing ski plane or both. With a world-exclusive helicopter/ski plane combo flight now flying daily there is no better way to see the beautiful Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters are a New Zealand icon and industry leader in alpine scenic flights, including glacier snow landings. They operate a modern fleet of fixed-wing ski planes...
Scenic Flights
Take a breathtaking scenic helicopter flight with the Helicopter Line and experience magnificent views of the pristine alpine environment of Aoraki/Mount Cook World Heritage Park.
Fly past vast snowfields, glaciers and New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook. Enjoy close up views that would otherwise be restricted to the most adventurous mountain climber. Land high above the glaciers and step out onto a carpet of snow to snap that special photograph. This is an experience not to be missed!
The Helicopter Line operates from its Glentanner base close to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village...
The tour begins with an exhilarating helicopter flight to a high point on Glentanner Station. Take in dramatic views of Lake Pukaki, the Tasman River Valley and Aoraki/Mount Cook towering over the landscape in the distance.
After leaving the helicopter the tour continues on foot with an easy walk down a picturesque farm track. The track descends gradually along alpine tarns and beneath towering peaks.
Your guide will share stories of the station’s history, geological features, flora, fauna and present-day operations. The walk also includes a break at a historic private hut with morning or afternoon...
Introducing New Zealand’s only glacial boat tour – Glacier Explorers. Explore the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier Lake in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and soak up the ever-changing glacial landscape. The impressive Haupapa/Tasman Glacier is the longest in New Zealand at more than 23km in length and 600m deep – it’s a pretty phenomenal sight to witness! Boats will journey across the Tasman Lake where you can view the glacier’s ice face from a safe distance, whilst weaving in and out of icebergs of all sizes. Have you ever touched an iceberg? Now’s the time.
Please note Glacier Explorers operate from...
Dark Sky Project, formerly Earth & Sky, are world-leaders in astro-tourism experiences. Located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Tekapo is one of the quietest spots on the planet yet it has one of the busiest night skies in the universe.
Dark Sky Project offer a range of stargazing and observatory experiences, designed to connect manuhiri (visitors) to the night skies, igniting a lifelong passion for dark sky preservation and what lies above. Explore the pristine night skies in an evening tour at tehīwai – University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory...
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.