Ways to Play In The Mackenzie This Summer

The region is synonymous with lakes. From Lake Tekapo to Lake Ruataniwha to the lesser-known Loch Cameron, there’s no shortage of places to launch the boat, swimming holes to take the plunge, or shores to enjoy a good book. Check out some of our favourite swimming holes.

Tekapo Springs is a summer adventureland for the whole family. Mums and dads can enjoy the hot pools and day spas whilst the kids tire themselves out on the inflatable wonderland ‘Jumpernaut’ and the 150m downhill water slide ‘Aqua Drop’.

Grab your wheels and hit the cycle tracks. The Lake Tekapo Regional Park offers a range of mountain bike tracks to suit all abilities, and there’s also a pump park for the kids. The world-famous Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is one of New Zealand’s Great Rides – cycle the full 308km trail or simply head out for a day ride. And if neither of these tickle your fancy – there’s plenty more here.

Did you know the Mackenzie’s hydro-electricity network supplies a whopping 20% of our country’s electricity? The self-drive Hydro Heritage Trail is a great insight into the engineering expertise and history that went into creating the hydropower system, and the communities that grew around it.

The Mackenzie boasts plenty of awesome spots for the experienced fisherman, and licences and bait are easily available throughout the region. Twizel’s High Country Salmon ‘Catch A Fish’ is the perfect activity for those dipping their toes in for the first time and you can take home a whole or filleted salmon for dinner that night. More info on fishing activities here.

The mighty Haupapa/Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest, lies in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The glacier can be explored in a variety of ways including by helicopter or ski plane (guided heli-hikes and glacial landings), as well as by boat with Glacier Explorers who offer New Zealand’s only glacial boating experience.

If the budget doesn’t allow a flight or boat tour, take a short easy walk to the viewpoints instead. The Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View walk is 40-minute return and takes you to a stunning viewpoint on the moraine wall. There are good views of the lower glacier and lake, icebergs and the mountains at the head of the valley. The slightly longer (one hour) Tasman Glacier Lake walk leads to a viewpoint of the glacier’s terminal lake.

Just a short walk or drive from the township, the Lake Tekapo Regional Park is a favourite amongst the locals, and arguably one of the town’s ‘best kept secrets’. Thanks to some amazing work by local volunteers, you can explore 165 acres of land along the eastern shores of the lake. You’ll find picnic spots, an enclosed dog park, 24km of cycling and walking tracks, and a new disc golf course which provides great entertainment for the whole family.

The tracks are graded easiest, easy and intermediate, all are two-way and are shared with walkers and joggers. There’s a pump track suitable for children and adults which will have the whole family testing their skills and having some fun.

Steeped in agricultural history, there’s no better place to get up close with furry and feathery friends than in the Mackenzie.

Skipton Animal Park and Farm Barn Café near Fairlie offer great family-friendly farm experiences. Those after an authentic high country station experience will not be disappointed. Lake Tekapo Farm Tours offer small group tours, Tekapo Adventures provides incredible 4WD experiences through the iconic Glenmore Station, and the Glentanner High Country Heli-Hike has been hailed as the South Island’s most spectacular new walk.

The Mackenzie is home to the world’s largest gold status dark sky reserve. Before Covid-19 hundreds of thousands of visitors would come to the region every year to learn about what lies above. Now is the perfect time to experience it yourself!

There’s an incredible array of stargazing experiences that will suit all astronomy appetites – check out Dark Sky Project, Tekapo Star Gazing, Alpha CruX Stargazing & Astrophotography, Big Sky Stargazing, Chameleon Stargazing and Silver River Stargazing to name a few.

If you’ve got a budding photographer in the family, there’s a range of astrophotographers in the region who can help you to get that perfect night shot.

For those wanting to add some extra ‘wow factor’ to their holiday, take in the spectacular, iconic views from the air with a fixed wing or helicopter flight. There’s a range of operators in the region with flights departing from Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Pukaki. Upgrade to something more ‘thrilling’ a Mt Cook Skydive.

There’s so many jaw-dropping hidden places in the Mackenzie that it’s hard to point out just a few. Here are some of our favourite quieter spots to set up a picnic:

• Lake Alexandrina and Lake McGregor: often overlooked by its famous neighbour, these lakes are a short drive from Lake Tekapo, and a quiet refuge for locals. The area is simply breath-taking and well worth the trip.
• Pioneer Park: the 390 hectare conservation area between Geraldine and Fairlie features two walking tracks, picnic spots and a campground. Dogs are allowed under effective control.
• Lake Ōhau: borders both the Mackenzie and Waitaki districts, offering picturesque picnic spots and a range of trails including the popular Alps 2 Ocean trail which is great for cycling and walking.
• Lake Pūkaki: offers a range of great viewpoints to park up and take the iconic ‘instagram pic’. Kettlehole Track will take you through native forest to a unique ‘kettlehole’ (shallow body of water created by retreating glaciers now filled with sediment) with great views over the lake.
• Lake Opuha: the 700 hectare man-made lake hidden away is approximately 12km from Fairlie. The lake offers great fishing, and is a great quiet spot to head for a walk.

There are so many more things to see and do in the Mackenzie this summer. For more inspiration check out ’52 Reasons To Visit’ – our online guide to enjoying the Mackenzie.