Twizel Archives - Mackenzie Region, New Zealand

Skylark Cabin

Written by Jason on March 26, 2024.

Skylark Cabin is a private, luxury escape, nestled serenely within the awe-inspiring landscape of backcountry Ben Ōhau. Surrounded by soaring mountain ranges and the rugged, ethereal beauty of the expansive valley, this isn’t just a comfortable place to stay while visiting the Mackenzie Region, it’s an experience in itself. Witness the mesmerising clarity of the starry night sky. Be humbled by the big landscape that surrounds you. Connect with nature and escape from the pace of daily life.

Cycle Journeys

Written by Jason on January 25, 2023.

Cycle Journeys is the major trail outfitter on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. They also have similar operations on the West Coast Wilderness Trail and Nelson Great Taste Trails. Each trail has great one-day and half-day rides and riders are supported by extensive shuttle networks, full bike hire service and daily luggage movement. The reservations team will handle all enquiries and provide trip information.

Matuka Lodge

Written by Jason on January 18, 2023.

Matuka Lodge is set in secluded surroundings only 3.5 kilometres from the lifestyle town of Twizel, the gateway to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Conveniently placed on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail route, and by road almost exactly halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown. Enjoy views across the private trout pond to the Southern Alps and the wider Mackenzie Region, so stunning it was used as the backdrop to The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. After the sun sets in the evening the magic of Matuka Lodge continues as you look skyward and gaze upon the world-renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International...

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Written by Jason on January 17, 2023.

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is set in a forest wilderness, nestled between the turquoise blue waters of Lake Pūkaki and the majestic Ben Ōhau ranges. It is right on the doorstep of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park located in the beautiful and unique Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Offering 3 luxury villa accommodations, the Retreat is a luxury lodge with onsite facilities including Moraine Lodge wedding & events venue, an observatory wine cellar, tennis court, and 5kms of walking tracks. 2-3 hours drive from Queenstown and 40 minutes from Lake Tekapo. Lakeside Villas Overlooking the turquoise-coloured...

Skydive Mt Cook

Written by Jason on January 10, 2023.

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.

Lakeland Explorer

Written by Jason on January 9, 2023.

Conveniently based in Twizel township, Lakeland Explorer is your one-stop shop for scenic tours, cycle trips and bike hire. Relax, explore and discover this beautiful region with a small team of passionate locals. Bike Choose to hire a bike and explore on your own, or join a range of supported cycle trips for yourself or your group. Explore the local trails or use their shuttle service (commentary included) to go further afield. They’ll drop you off to explore a section of the famous Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, or enjoy a relaxing spin along one of the picturesque Mackenzie Region hydro canals. If...

Pūkaki Air Lodge

Written by Jason on December 23, 2022.

Pūkaki Air Lodge is a purpose-built, five-bedroom lodge positioned in a unique location on Pūkaki Airport, 2km north of Twizel. The lodge opened in October 2018 and was specifically built to appeal to Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail cyclists, touring aviators, and visitors to the Mackenzie Region wishing to stay in a venue with stunning views and easy access to the many activities on offer. Guests will wake up to uninterrupted views of the Mackenzie Region and can indulge in coffee on the veranda outside each room with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

SkyScape

Written by Jason on December 22, 2022.

This distinctive accommodation is designed to maximize the panoramic views of the Mackenzie Region both day and night, with your bedroom built predominantly of glass. With three unique buildings comprising of a glass-roofed bedroom, as well as an earth-roofed kitchenette and bathroom. One building is fully accessible. SkyScape is located 10km from Twizel, on Omahau Hill Station, a 6,000-acre sheep and beef farm. Perched on the slopes of the Ben Ohau Range, inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the units are nestled within native scrub, in private and isolated locations....

MenardsNZ Ecosanctuary Accommodation

Written by Jason on December 22, 2022.

Relax and unwind with a luxurious yet sustainable accommodation experience at the base of the spectacular Ben Ōhau mountain range, just 17km from Twizel. The beautifully-furnished cottage has dramatic alpine views in all directions, and features a gorgeous wood-fired hot tub for two, ideal for bathing under the dazzling stars of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. It’s an ideal base to explore the incredible Mackenzie Region – Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Lake Tekapo are a scenic 45-minute drive, and Lake Ōhau and the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail are just 3km away. Twizel...

Lakestone Lodge

Written by Jason on December 22, 2022.

Lakestone Lodge is exclusively positioned on the southern shores of Lake Pūkaki with some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The off-grid eco-lodge has been designed to maximise the panoramic views. Every room and bathroom share stunning views northward over Lake Pūkaki to the Southern Alps. On calm days New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, can be seen reflected in the turquoise glacial waters of the lake. In contrast, mountain storms rolling in over the alps can be viewed from the comfort and warmth of this luxurious lodge. In the evenings, after watching the sun...

Trade Hub Location: Twizel

Skylark Cabin

Cycle Journeys

Matuka Lodge

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Skydive Mt Cook

Lakeland Explorer

Pūkaki Air Lodge

SkyScape

MenardsNZ Ecosanctuary Accommodation

Lakestone Lodge

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