Twizel started life as a construction town for the region's hydro dams and grew into the Mackenzie's main service centre — the widest range of accommodation, food and activity operators, with five lakes and the high country within easy reach.
What to do here
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
New Zealand's longest cycle trail runs directly through town, with easy sections suitable for families.
Lake Ruataniwha & Lake Pukaki
Rowing lake and the region's largest, most vividly turquoise lake, both minutes from town.
Skydive Mt Cook
Tandem skydiving with Aoraki/Mount Cook as the backdrop, departing from Twizel airfield.
High country fishing
Trophy trout and salmon fishing across the Mackenzie's canals and lakes.