Lakes & Mountains
How far to…
Twizel is the Mackenzie Region’s largest town and features many excellent cafés, bars, restaurants, and shops. There are epic views of mountains in all directions and the town is close to five lakes – handy for boating, fishing and swimming.
By night it is a stargazer’s delight as Twizel is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. You can cycle some of the world-famous Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail with several day trips near town.
Twizel is just a 45-minute drive to either Aoraki/Mount Cook or Lake Tekapo – making it a perfect place to base yourself as you explore the area.
-
![Cycle Journeys]()
Cycle Journeys
Choose from a single-day cycle experience through to a challenging 6-7 day bike trip. -
![High Country Cabin]()
High Country Cabin
A small cabin for two people to enjoy the great Mackenzie outdoors. -
![Mackenzie Country Hotel]()
Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
Large hotel in Twizel with restaurant & bar, ideal for groups, weddings and conferences. -
![Skydive Mt. Cook]()
Skydive Mt Cook
Offering a range of spectacular adrenaline-filled skydiving experiences. -
![Kowhai Cottage]()
Kowhai Cottages
Comfort, rustic charm, and a hot tub – all close to the heart of Twizel. -
![Matuka Lodge]()
Matuka Lodge
Enjoy views across the private trout pond to the Southern Alps and Mackenzie Region. -
![Top Hut Sports Bar]()
Top Hut Sports Bar
Hospitality New Zealand’s 2019 winner “Best Redeveloped Food and Beverage” site! -
![Ministry of Works Bar & Eatery]()
Ministry Of Works Bar & Eatery
Craft beer, great wines and shared food! Industrial modern social meeting place. -
![Alpine Cubes]()
Alpine Cubes
A 50m2 fully equipped cabin, tastefully decorated, featuring a wood fired hot-tub. -
![Pūkaki Wine Cellar & Observatory]()
Pūkaki Wine Cellar & Observatory
Private stargazing tours from a luxury location. -
![Lakestone Lodge]()
Lakestone Lodge
On the shores of Lake Pūkaki, with stunning Aoraki/Mount Cook views. -
![Skylark Cabin]()
Skylark Cabin
Skylark Cabin is a private, luxury escape, nestled serenely within the awe-inspiring landscape of backcountry Ben Ōhau. -
![Red Cat Biplane Flights]()
Aviation Adventures
Offering unique aviation experiences around Twizel and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. -
![Kārearea Lakehouse]()
Kārearea Lakehouse
Stunning architecturally designed home on private location overlooking Lake Pūkaki -
![Poppies Café & Restaurant]()
Poppies Café & Restaurant
Contemporary, funky, family-friendly, fully licensed restaurant with free Wi-Fi. -
![Mountain View Abode]()
Mountain View Abode
Country comfort and mountain views on the edge of Twizel -
![New Zealand Alpine Lavender]()
New Zealand Alpine Lavender
Beautiful organic lavender farm on the road to Aoraki/Mount Cook. -
![SkyScape]()
SkyScape
Experience the secluded wonders of the Mackenzie Region’s dark sky. -
![Mt Cook Alpine Salmon]()
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon
Experience the taste of their acclaimed Freshwater King Salmon at Lake Pūkaki shop. -
![Fantail Lodge]()
Fantail Lodge
Unique, handcrafted, modern log home luxury accommodation. -
![Mint Folk & Co.]()
Mint Folk & Co.
Delicious cuisine, great atmosphere, a la carte menu & cabinet food, good coffees. -
![Chasing Tail Guiding Service]()
Chasing Tail Guiding Service
Providing excellent full and half-day fishing services with lunch provided. -
![Pūkaki Lakeside Getaway]()
Pūkaki Lakeside Getaway
Relax and take in the breathtaking vista of Lake Pūkaki from a private house or cottage. -
![Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail]()
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is truly one of New Zealand’s great rides. -
![Night Sky Cottages]()
Night Sky Cottages
Night Sky Cottages are available for luxury short-term holiday rental. -
![Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat]()
Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
With luxury and privacy, it is a place to relax and rejuvenate. -
![High Country Salmon]()
High Country Salmon
Floating café, salmon shop, free fish feeding & catch-a-fish experience. -
![Air Safaris]()
Air Safaris
Providing spectacular flights over New Zealand’s most memorable and breathtaking scenery. -
![MenardsNZ Ecosanctuary Accommodation]()
MenardsNZ Ecosanctuary Accommodation
Award-winning ecosanctuary accommodation with wood-fired hot tub and mountain views -
![Ōhau Snow Fields & Lodge]()
Ōhau Snow Fields & Lodge
Snowfield for skiing and snowboarding and high country lodge with great hospitality! -
![Moraine Lodge]()
Moraine Lodge
Private dining experiences for groups of four or more. -
![Auldwood Birds]()
Auldwood Birds
Personalised guided bird watching and nature tours. -
![Resurrection Distillery]()
Resurrection Distillery
Boutique distillery near Twizel using locally sourced ingredients to produce quality spirits. -
![Lakeland Explorer]()
Lakeland Explorer
Bike, explore or arrange scenic tours – a customised adventure you won’t forget! -
![Jake's Hardware]()
Shaws’ Hardware
A family hardware store that sells a bit of everything! -
![Alpha CruX Stargazing & Astrophotography]()
Alpha CruX Stargazing & Astrophotography
Private stargazing tours & astrophotography lessons from the comfort of your holiday accommodation.
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.