Incredible Experiences

08 August 2024

The Mackenzie Region boasts New Zealand’s highest mountain, longest glacier, and the largest dark sky reserve. Nestled on an elevated plateau surrounded by majestic mountains in all directions, it offers a breathtaking tri-colour palette of white snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and golden grasslands. There’s a multitude of ways to experience this outdoor playground: stargazing, cycling, glacier treks, walking, scenic flights, 4WD, horse riding, soaking in hot pools, and more.

8 Mackenzie Winter Experiences

1. Stargazing

The Mackenzie is ideal for stargazing & astrophotography as it is home to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Reserve, New Zealand’s largest reserve at 4,367 square kilometres. The spacious landscape coupled with strict lighting controls ensures you’ll get a stellar view of the night sky. There’s a wide range of paid tours to choose from: a working observatory, floating in hammocks in hot pools, a luxury wine cellar, farm tours, and even small group tours that deliver a bespoke experience at your accommodation. You can also try your hand at astrophotography with one of the region’s talented guide/photographers.

2. Glacier Experiences

Glacier experiences in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offer visitors a thrilling and unforgettable way to explore the country’s largest glacier – the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, which stretches over 23 kilometres. Guided glacier tours provide opportunities to hike on the ice, explore blue ice caves, and witness the stunning crevasses and ice formations up close. For a more aerial perspective, scenic helicopter & ski plane flights allow visitors to land on the glacier and enjoy panoramic views of the Southern Alps. These tours often include educational insights into the glacial environment and its significance within the park. Whether trekking on the ice, boating amongst icebergs, or soaring above the peaks, glacier experiences in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offer a unique way to connect with the awe-inspiring natural beauty and rugged terrain of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Whisky Hut

Fancy a dram of whisky hut on top of a mountain? Embark on a majestic flight with Mackenzie Helicopters to New Zealand’s most exclusive whisky hut where you can indulge in a tasting platter of fine local produce while soaking in the serene alpine scenery. 

Or opt for a 4WD & helicopter exclusive combo with Air Safaris & Tekapo Adventures. This journey offers breathtaking landscapes travelling through Glenmore Station, one of New Zealand’s finest Merino wool providers and incredible high country stations. 4WD with Tekapo Adventures into the remote and private Cass Valley. Finish the 4WD tour at a historic shepherd’s hut by a waterfall. Then get picked up by an Air Safaris helicopter and continue onto the whisky hut for a drink and a return scenic flight back to Lake Tekapo.

4. Horse Riding

Cars are so fast, why not slow down and take in the spectacular scenery perched on a saddle? Experience the Mackenzie Region from horseback and savour the slower, gentle pace of life. Real Kiwi Horse Trekking and Mackenzie Alpine Horses both offer a variety of guided tours ranging from 30-min to a half-day.

5. Heli-Hike

Walking downhill is the easy part, let a helicopter take care of the hard part! Get dropped off at the top of a mountain and enjoy a guided downhill walk with Glentanner Heli-Hike. Learn about the unique environment, the history of the farm, flora & fauna, and enjoy refreshments in historic huts.

6. Hot Pools & Hot Tubs

Soak away your worries! No trip to Lake Tekapo would be complete without a visit to Tekapo Springs. Experience the total relaxation of soaking in hot water in an alpine environment 720 metres above sea level. Tekapo Springs offers a day spa, licensed cafe, winter ice rink & snow tubing, mini-golf, aqua-play area, and stargazing tours at night. 

Or opt for a relaxing soak at your accommodation in your own private outdoor hot tub. Check out our ‘outdoor hot tubs‘ list  and book your stay somewhere special. Add in some wine and a platter of nibbles and you’ve got it made!

 

7. Nature Walks

The Mackenzie is a large outdoor playground and features many beautiful walks amongst epic scenery. One of the most famous is the Hooker Valley track at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. This is a 3-hour return walk amongst epic scenery, suitable for families. Marvel at Aoraki/Mount Cook, massive glaciers, cross swingbridges suspended over glacial-fed icy rivers, see waterfalls tumbling off the mountainsides and stroll amongst the hardy alpine plants and trees that have made this area their home.

View more walks & cycling trails here.

8. 4WD Tours

Take a 4WD tour into the backcountry and discover the remote valleys and mountains away from the highway. Both 4WD Tekapo & Tekapo Adventures have access to private high country stations, far away from the tourists. You’ll have your own personal guide as you explore historic shepherd’s huts, waterfalls, mountain tarns, braided rivers and more.

9. Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is one of New Zealand’s premier cycling routes, spanning over 300 kilometers from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. Starting at the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, the trail takes cyclists through diverse and stunning landscapes, including glacial lakes, braided rivers, rolling farmlands, and charming rural towns. The route is designed for riders of all abilities, with sections that cater to both beginners and seasoned cyclists. The trail is well-supported with accommodation, dining options, and shuttle services, making it accessible and enjoyable for multi-day adventures. The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail offers a unique and immersive way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the South Island. If you’re pressed for time simply try out a day ride on one of the sections.

10. Scenic Flights

Scenic flights in the Mackenzie District of New Zealand offer an unparalleled way to experience the region’s breathtaking landscapes from above. These flights provide a bird’s-eye view of the majestic Southern Alps, the pristine blue waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pūkaki, and the iconic Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand. Passengers can marvel at the expansive glaciers, including the famous Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, and the rugged terrain that defines this spectacular part of the South Island. Various operators offer a range of flight options, from short tours to longer excursions that may include glacier landings and guided walks. These scenic flights provide a unique and unforgettable perspective of the Mackenzie Region’s natural beauty, making them a must-do activity for visitors seeking an extraordinary adventure.

11. Fishing & Hunting

Did you know the Mackenzie Region is one of the best spots to catch a fish in New Zealand? With a wealth of waterways from fast-flowing mountain rivers, hydro canals, streams and lakes the region has an abundance of trout and salmon. Choose from a wide-range of guided fishing expeditions.

The Mackenzie is home to plentiful game animals, including Himalayan tahr and chamois on the rugged alpine ridges, and fallow deer and red stag in the hilly tussock country. The Mackenzie is also home to game birds, and waterfowl along its clear streams and turquoise lakes. Professional outfitters provide personalised guiding services, gear and valuable local knowledge to ensure a successful hunt.


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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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