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Get to Know the Town of ... Twizel

The Twizel shops on an overcast day.

Purpose built in the 1960s to house workers involved in the Upper Waitaki Power Scheme, these days Twizel is a hub for all outdoor pursuits. Located oh-so-close to Aoraki / Mt Cook National park and the Mackenzie basin, this hydro-town is the perfect base for an array of adventures. 


With the Southern Alps as the backdrop to all activities beginning at Twizel, it’s hard to come by more picturesque scenery. Imagine biking on trails with New Zealand’s tallest snow capped mountain top in full view along the way, plus passing by crystal clear lakes and colourful fields of lupins – doesn’t sound too bad does it? Or perhaps you’d like to hop on board a helicopter and get the adrenaline rushing by experiencing heli-skiing or glacier viewing; or maybe fishing is your passion, in which case you’ll be glad to know that you’ve come to the right place: Twizel’s rivers, lakes and canals are filled with salmon and trout waiting to be caught.


On top of all the amazing outdoor adventure opportunities around here, as the largest town in the Mackenzie region, Twizel boasts a lively village atmosphere filled with interesting eateries. Want to begin your day with a perfect cup of coffee and delicious breakfast? End the day with a drink and live music? Forgot to bring a holiday read with you? You’ll find it all here, along with a full range of services to support your visit and make the best of discovering all that Twizel has to offer.

Towns

Get to Know the Town of ... Fairlie

A sculpture of a man and his dog.
7 Places South Canterbury

Perhaps the cutest little town in the Mackenzie District, Fairlie is that perfect stop-over spot on your journey through South Canterbury, as well as a destination in its own right. Surrounded by rolling hills and snow-capped mountains, there’s a fairy tale sense in the air of Fairlie.

Get to Know the Town of ... Timaru

An old building in Timaru on a sunny day.
5 Places South Canterbury

The Riviera of the South, Timaru, is a South Canterbury east coast town well worth getting to know. The second largest city of the region, Timaru has so much to offer visitors that it’s pure madness not to have it on your must-visit-list.

Introducing Geraldine

A streetscape in Geraldine.
6 Places South Canterbury
World-renowned as the hometown of Barker’s, makers of jam, preserves, chutneys, sauces and more, Geraldine is a name familiar to many. A picture-perfect country town, sitting prettily in the heart of South Canterbury on the banks of the trickling Waihi River. Huge, exotic trees line the surrounding town area, as do the lush, green foothills of the Southern Alps. There’s a strong creative scene in this wee town, with a wonderful gallery filled with artworks by local artists, and plenty of uncommon giftware, crafts and produce waiting to be sourced. The compact town centre makes it easy to leave your car behind and explore on foot. A wonderful playground will keep the little ones in your family happy, and plenty of great cafés make refuelling in town an easy task.  The wonderland of giant trees at Peel Forest is just a stone’s throw away, and plenty of activities from horseback riding to rafting, fishing, walking and biking are accessible right from the town’s doorstep. And whether you’re into camping or glamping, there are a number of accommodation options in town, so it’s well worth making Geraldine your destination rather than a mere stop-along-the-way elsewhere.