Twizel

Twizel is a town in the Mackenzie Basin of inland Canterbury, approximately 60 km north of Omarama and 50 km south-west of Lake Tekapo. The town was established in the 1960s as a construction town for the Upper Waitaki hydroelectric scheme.

Today Twizel is a popular base for visitors to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, Lake Pukaki, and the Mackenzie Basin's outdoor activities. The town has grown as a tourist destination with a compact town centre. The climate is continental with warm summers, cold winters, and clear skies ideal for stargazing.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Christchurch Airport (CHC), about 270 km north-east, and Queenstown Airport (ZQN), about 210 km south-west.

By Car / Road

Twizel is on State Highway 8, about a 3-hour drive from Christchurch and 2.5 hours from Queenstown. Bus services on the Christchurch–Queenstown route stop in Twizel.

The town is walkable. A car is essential for exploring the national parks and lakes.

Lake Pukaki — 10 km west of Twizel, a stunning turquoise lake with views of Aoraki / Mount Cook. The Phillip's Lookout offers postcard views.

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park — 65 km west via SH80, with access to the Hooker Valley Track, Tasman Glacier, and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

Twizel River — Braided river running through town with walking tracks.

Lake Ruataniwha — 5 km south, a hydro lake popular for rowing and boating.

Walk the Hooker Valley Track (Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park). Boat or kayak on Lake Pukaki and Lake Ruataniwha. Fish for trout and salmon in the local rivers and lakes. Mountain bike on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail which passes through Twizel. Stargaze in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Cafes and restaurants in Twizel serve New Zealand cuisine. Popular options include Poppies Cafe, the Shawty Cafe, and the Hydro Road food trucks in summer.

Local cafes serve excellent coffee. The dark sky reserve area has several bars. Twizel is in wine country close to the Waitaki Valley wine region.

Twizel has motels, holiday parks, and holiday homes. The Twizel Holiday Park and Mountain Chalets Motel are popular. Book ahead during summer peak season.

Twizel has supermarkets, a pharmacy, and outdoor gear shops. The town centre has cafes and retail stores.

• Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park — 65 km west, New Zealand's tallest peak and glacier walks
• Lake Tekapo — 50 km north, turquoise lake and dark sky reserve
• Omarama — 60 km south, gliding capital and Clay Cliffs
• Wānaka — 100 km south-west, lakefront town with Puzzling World
• Oamaru — 130 km east, historic Victorian precinct and penguin colony