Twizel is the largest town in the Mackenzie District, in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand’s South Island. The town was founded in 1968 to house construction workers on the Upper Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme. Twizel has a resident population of 1,210 (June 2015 estimate); during the summer, holidaymakers nearly triple the town’s population and enjoy1 of our 6 Beautiful lakes (Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Lake Ohau, Lake Benmore, Lake Aviemore and Lake Ruataniwha.
Official travel and tourism information for Aoraki Mt Cook and Twizel New Zealand. Twizel is an alpine village situated in the Mackenzie District in the South Island of New Zealand. Twizel is the closest town to Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier. Twizel is a fly fishing paradise with its many lakes and rivers brimming with world record trout and salmon. Lake Pukaki, Lake Ohau, Lake Benmore the Ahuriri River and the Tekapo River are all nearby.
Twizel is approximately 500 meters above sea level. Surrounded by mountain ranges it has a very distinct climate. Twizel is accessible from Christchurch through Burke’s Pass, from Queenstown through the Lindis Pass and from the East Coast through the Waitaki Valley.
Take a scenic flight from Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook with views over the Southern Alps. Mountain climbing is a major attraction here, with the challenge of Mt Cook. Many ski options are available, including heli-skiing and ski touring.
Twizel has a lot to offer people of all ages, with its vast number of green areas, lakes, walking and tramping tracks available for all types of leisure and recreation pastimes.
The Aoraki / Mount Cook Mackenzie region enjoys a wonderful climate with clear, crisp snowy winters and long, hot summers. Autumn is a riot of colour, while spring brings wild flowers blooming throughout the region. The warm summer season extends from November to February, where the mercury often rises past 30 degrees Celsius. In the cooler winter season, from June to September temperatures drop to below 0 degrees Celsius overnight, while sunny winter days average around 8 degrees Celsius.
We hope you enjoy your stay in the Mackenzie and are confident you will find the residents
friendly and the environment welcoming.
