Twizel Activities

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is one of New Zealand's most spectacular destinations, renowned for its dramatic alpine scenery and pristine wilderness. Home to Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country's highest peak at 3,724 metres, the park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all abilities. There are numerous walking tracks, from short scenic walks such as the Hooker Valley Track to more challenging alpine routes for experienced hikers and climbers. The park is also famous for its glaciers, including the Tasman Glacier, where guided tours and boat trips provide an up-close experience of the ice. Whether you are seeking adventure, photography opportunities, or simply a chance to connect with nature, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is an unforgettable highlight of New Zealand's South Island.

Ruataniwha Conservation Park, located near Twizel in the Mackenzie District, is a haven for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Covering over 40,000 hectares, the park boasts a stunning mix of mountains, valleys, rivers, and tussock grasslands, offering endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horse trekking, and fishing. Popular spots include Lake Ohau and the Ahuriri Valley, both known for their breathtaking landscapes and diverse birdlife. In winter, the nearby Ohau Snow Fields provide excellent skiing and snowboarding. Whether you're seeking a peaceful walk, a multi-day tramp, or simply a place to immerse yourself in the beauty of the South Island's high country, Ruataniwha Conservation Park offers a true taste of New Zealand's wild and unspoiled outdoors.

Lake Ruataniwha, just a short distance from Twizel, is a man-made lake renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and beautiful alpine backdrop. Popular with both locals and visitors, it offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rowing. The lake is also a favourite spot for picnics, with sheltered areas and scenic walking tracks along the shoreline. In summer, it becomes a hub for water sports and relaxation, while in autumn the surrounding trees provide a spectacular display of colour. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure or a peaceful place to unwind, Lake Ruataniwha is a highlight of the Mackenzie region.

High Country Salmon, located just outside Twizel, is a family-run salmon farm that offers visitors a unique and memorable experience. Set on the stunning glacial canals of the Mackenzie District, it's the perfect spot to learn about salmon farming while enjoying beautiful mountain views. Visitors can feed the salmon, explore the floating café and shop, and taste some of the freshest salmon dishes straight from the source, including sashimi, sushi, and smoked salmon platters. The on-site shop also sells a range of salmon products to take away. Whether you're stopping in for a meal, a coffee with a view, or simply to watch the fish, High Country Salmon is a must-visit attraction for food lovers and families alike.

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is one of New Zealand's most spectacular long-distance cycling experiences, stretching over 300 kilometres from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. The trail begins near Aoraki/Mount Cook, offering riders breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glacial rivers, and expansive tussocklands. Along the way, cyclists pass through charming towns such as Twizel and Omarama, explore serene lakes and wetlands, and encounter unique wildlife in their natural habitats. Suitable for a range of fitness levels, the trail combines off-road paths, quiet backroads, and purpose-built cycle tracks, making it perfect for both adventure seekers and leisurely riders. Ending at the turquoise waters of Oamaru on the Pacific coast, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail offers an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand's most iconic landscapes.

The Twizel area offers a variety of walking tracks that showcase the region's stunning landscapes, making it a haven for hikers of all levels. For an easy, family-friendly stroll, the Lake Ruataniwha Trail winds along the lakeshore, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and waterfowl. The Tasman River Track provides a gentle riverside walk, perfect for spotting native flora and birdlife. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the walks around the nearby Ben Ohau Range and the foothills of the Southern Alps offer breathtaking panoramas and a sense of remote wilderness. Many of these tracks are well-marked and accessible year-round, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of Twizel at their own pace.

For visitors to Twizel looking to experience the region from a breathtaking perspective, scenic flights are an unforgettable option. These flights offer panoramic views of the Southern Alps, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, as well as the striking glaciers and alpine valleys that surround it. From the air, you can see the sparkling lakes, braided rivers, and rugged landscapes that are difficult to fully appreciate from the ground. Many operators offer flexible flight options, ranging from short introductory trips to longer excursions that include glacier landings or close-up views of the mountains. A scenic flight over Twizel is a perfect way to capture the dramatic beauty of the South Island and create lasting memories of your visit.

The canals around Twizel are a favourite spot for anglers of all levels, offering an accessible and scenic fishing experience. These man-made waterways are well-stocked with salmon and trout, providing excellent opportunities for both casual and serious fishing. The calm, clear waters are ideal for fly fishing, spin fishing, or simply relaxing by the edge with a rod in hand. Surrounded by the striking Southern Alps and open skies, fishing in Twizel's canals is not just about catching fish—it's also a chance to enjoy the peaceful outdoors and stunning scenery. Whether you're visiting for a few hours or a full day, the canals provide a memorable and rewarding fishing experience.

Twizel offers a charming selection of cafés, restaurants, and bars, perfect for refuelling after a day of exploring the Mackenzie region. Visitors can enjoy hearty Kiwi breakfasts and freshly brewed coffee at local cafés, or savour international and New Zealand-inspired cuisine at casual restaurants. For a relaxed evening, there are pubs and bars serving local beers and wines, where you can soak in the friendly, small-town atmosphere. Many eateries use fresh, local ingredients, and the town is also close to scenic spots for picnics, making it easy to combine good food with the region's stunning landscapes. Whether you're after a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Twizel has something to satisfy every taste.

NZ Alpine Lavender is a charming farm and garden located just outside Twizel, offering visitors a delightful sensory experience. The property features vibrant fields of lavender set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps, creating a perfect spot for photography or a leisurely stroll. Guests can explore the gardens, enjoy the calming scent of blooming lavender, and browse a range of locally made products, including essential oils, soaps, and lavender-infused treats. The farm also has a cosy café where visitors can relax with a coffee or a sweet snack while taking in the scenic surroundings. NZ Alpine Lavender is a peaceful and picturesque destination that appeals to nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of New Zealand's Mackenzie region.

The Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve is one of the best places in the world to experience the night sky in all its glory. Spanning over 4,300 square kilometres, the reserve boasts incredibly clear, unpolluted skies, making it ideal for stargazing and astrophotography. Visitors can marvel at the Milky Way, planets, and countless constellations, and on clear nights, even spot the Southern Lights. The reserve includes several observatories and guided night tours that provide fascinating insights into astronomy. Beyond the stars, the surrounding Mackenzie region offers stunning landscapes of mountains, lakes, and tussock plains, making it a perfect destination for both daytime exploration and nighttime wonder.

The Clay Cliffs near Omarama are a striking natural landmark, known for their towering pinnacles and sharp ridges of eroded siltstone and clay. Formed millions of years ago by the flow of ancient glaciers and rivers, the cliffs rise dramatically from the landscape, creating a maze of narrow ravines and sheer walls. Their unique shapes and earthy colours make them a popular spot for photography and exploration, with visitors often describing the formations as otherworldly. Located on private land just outside Omarama, access is via a small entrance fee, and the short walk from the car park offers a close-up look at this fascinating geological wonder. The Clay Cliffs provide not only a glimpse into the region's geological history but also a memorable experience of New Zealand's rugged natural beauty.