Town
Get to Know the Town of ... Twizel
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.
01 Hydro Café & Twizel Bookshop
25 Market Place, Twizel
Hydro Café has been keeping the good people of Twizel well hydrated for nearly a decade.
02 Ministry of Works
2 Market Place, Twizel
Ministry of Works is the social go-to for both Twizel residents and visitors alike.
03 Mint Folk & Co
4 Market Place, Twizel
Perhaps the most visually appealing cafe in the Mackenzie region, Mint Folk & Co is all about great food, great aesthetic and great service.
Towns
Get to Know the Town of ... Fairlie
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
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