Twizel between mountains, water and starry skies

Twizel between mountain basins, water and starry skies

Twizel lies at an altitude of 470 metres in an inland basin, surrounded by mountain ranges and sheltered from the wind by the Southern Alps. The surrounding landscape was shaped by glaciers, which carved out valleys and deposited moraines. This means you can tailor your stay in different ways – to focus on scenery and nature, outdoor activities or experiences on the water.

The climate is subalpine, with hot, dry summers and cold winters. You can take these contrasts into account when choosing when to visit. Twizel is also part of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. The Twizel Stargazing Experience takes place in Twizel. If the starry sky is a focus of your trip, this is a reason in itself to learn more about the place and its Dark Sky status.

By bike, on foot or on the water

Twizel is on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. You can ride the entire route or choose a single section. The walking trails also vary in length and cater to all experience levels. This gives you different ways to plan your days: with a longer hike or a shorter one, without needing to commit to a particular route or walking time.

Nearby, the Twizel River Trail is a shared singletrack suitable for mountain biking. The nearby trail also offers a walking path with less-frequented swimming spots and picnic areas. If you prefer to spend time on the green, Twizel has the 9-hole Ben Ōhau Golf Course, with 16 tee positions. The Meridian Lake Ruataniwha Rowing Complex in Twizel is a national rowing course.

There are five lakes near Twizel. Activities include water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The options therefore range from activities on the water to bike rides and trails on land. Which of these options you focus on may help shape your decision to stay for a longer or shorter time.

Fishing is also a seasonal option in the waters around Twizel, where you can fish for salmon and trout. Nearby, High Country Salmon offers a fully guided fishing experience where you can catch a salmon. Equipment is provided, and no prior experience is required. This distinguishes the experience from the seasonal fishing opportunities in the surrounding waters.

Hydropower and things to do in town

Twizel’s history is closely connected to hydropower in Aotearoa New Zealand. In the wider travel region, the Upper Waitaki Hydro Heritage Trail is a self-guided driving tour that takes you to important sites in the hydropower system. This lets you add another perspective on the region’s hydropower history to your view of Twizel.

In town, there are cafés, bars, restaurants and shops. Twizel combines dramatic scenery with a wide range of options for active days and a connection to the history of hydropower. When choosing your holiday accommodation, it may help to first consider whether cycling and hiking, water-based experiences, fishing or the starry sky are especially important to your trip.

More town pages: Burkes Pass, Mt Cook, Kimbell, Lake Tekapo, Albury and Fairlie.

Back to the main travel overview: Mackenzie District.