Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Uncover the adventure, nature and stunning landscape of South Canterbury and Aoraki Mount Cook, Mackenzie.
The Mackenzie is one of New Zealand’s most refreshing and energising areas to visit. The region is an extraordinary scenic highland that extends from Fairlie, just two and a half hours’ drive south of Christchurch, to the township of Twizel, which is two and a half hours north of Queenstown. Incredibly clear starry nights, brilliant sunny days, remarkable turquoise blue lakes, valleys of emerald green, snow-capped mountains and glaciers contribute to a truly breathtaking experience.
Encompassing Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s iconic tallest mountain, the Mackenzie is home to some of the most diverse scenery and hospitable people in the country. The activities available in the region are equally diverse, with something to suit everyone, from skiing and snowboarding during winter to fishing, hiking, stargazing and scenic flights.
Towards the coast, east of Mackenzie, is the South Canterbury region, home to a series of unique country towns including the region’s main urban hub – Timaru. Offering excellent eateries as well as art and craft galleries in a relaxed country environment, this region is an ideal base for outdoor activities such as fishing, forest walks or skiing.
Regional Highlights
Unforgettable Sights
Spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook New Zealand’s highest peak at 3,754 metres, Aoraki Mount Cook is instantly recognisable soaring above surrounding peaks and glaciers. The Church of the Good Shepherd Standing alone against a backdrop of lake and mountains, this church is a much-photographed icon. Gold tussock-covered hills Contrasting the bright blue glacier lakes of the Mackenzie Basin. Peel Forest and the Rangitata River Rugged and tranquil, Peel Forest is a good spot for a forest walk.
Adrenaline Rush
Skiing and snowboarding Choose from three commercial fields and one club field; Mt Dobson, Roundhill, Ohau and Fox Peak. Heli-skiing Skiing the Tasman Glacier is an unforgettable adventure. Heli-biking Try downhill heli-biking in the Ben Ohau Range with The Helicopter Line. White-water rafting The mighty Rangitata River is the setting for classic white-water thrills. Take a scenic flight Some flights land on the snow or incorporate trout or salmon fishing on one of the region’s many streams or lakes. Mountain biking A spectacularly rugged landscape is a wonderful backdrop to the region’s many mountain bike trails.
Relax & Indulge
Alpine Springs, Spa & Winter Park (Lake Tekapo) Escape to New Zealand’s only high altitude glacial water spa. www.alpinesprings.co.nz Fishing Join a local guide and fish in one of the pristine local streams or rivers – this is one of the few places in New Zealand where visitors can hook wild salmon. Mount John Observatory (Lake Tekapo) Discover the spectacular night sky on a stargazing tour. www.earthandsky.co.nz Glacier Lake Cruise Take a cruise on the Tasman Glacier Lake.
Luxury
The Hermitage Hotel (Mt Cook) The luxurious Aoraki Wing at The Hermitage Hotel has views of Mount Cook. www.hermitage.co.nz Matuka Lodge (Twizel) Five star boutique accommodation in a stunning rural setting. www.matukalodge.co.nz
Culture
Maori rock art See fascinating ancient Maori rock art at Pleasant Point near Timaru (permission is required to visit the site – contact Central South Island Tourism).
Natural New Zealand
Hiking or walking From a scenic forest walk in Peel Forest to a more serious hike in Mount Cook National Park.
On a Budget
Photograph the scenery Rugged mountains and blue lakes make for wonderful photos. Caroline Bay (Timaru) Take a leisurely stroll around the beachfront park at Timaru’s Caroline Bay. Ice-skating (Lake Tekapo) Skate at Winter Park’s outdoor rink. www.winterpark.co.nz
The Iconic Experience
Take a guided walk in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, a breathtaking place of ice and rock – glaciers cover 40% of the area and there are 19 peaks over 3,000 metres high.
Dining & Shopping
Exclusive Dining
Panorama Restaurant (Mt Cook) Iconic restaurant featuring excellent cuisine and incredible views at The Hermitage in Mount Cook Village. www.hermitage.co.nz
Casual Dining
Poppies Café (Twizel) This popular café offers good food and outdoor dining. www.poppiescafe.com
Café
Binney’s Cafe (Fairlie) Stop at the gateway to the Mackenzie Country for great coffee, Devonshire teas and light lunches, phone +64 3 685 8166.
Stylish Bar
Rakinui (Lake Tekapo) Lounge, bar and restaurant at Peppers Bluewater Resort with views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. www.peppers.co.nz
Cosy Pub
Shawty’s Restaurant, Café & Bar (Twizel) Delicious cuisine and a great atmosphere. www.shawtys.co.nz
Culinary Experience
Mount Cook Salmon (Twizel) Taste freshly caught sashimi at the world’s highest altitude salmon farm. www.mtcooksalmon.com
Shop or Gallery
Barker’s Berry Barn Complex (Geraldine) Well-known gourmet food producer; visitors can select from a wide range of delicious sauces, jams and preserves. www.barkers.co.nz
Suggested Itineraries
2 days in Mackenzie & South Canterbury
Start Queenstown I Finish Christchurch
Day 1 Queenstown – Mount Cook
Day 2 Mount Cook – Christchurch
Stop for lunch in Twizel en route to Mount Cook Village. Later, take a guided walk through Mount Cook National Park then experience Panorama Restaurant at The Hermitage Hotel. After dinner, stargaze at Mount Cook airport. On Day 2, take a scenic flight and land on Tasman Glacier. Afterwards travel to Lake Tekapo, stopping at the Mount Cook Salmon Farm and Mount John Observatory. Visit the Heritage Museum in Fairlie before continuing on to Christchurch.
5 days in Mackenzie & South Canterbury
Start Queenstown I Finish Christchurch
Day 1 Queenstown – Twizel
Day 2 Twizel – Mount Cook
Day 3 Mount Cook – Lake Tekapo
Day 4 Lake Tekapo – Fairlie
Day 5 Fairlie – Christchurch
Travel to Twizel, visiting the Kaki Black Stilts on the way. On Day 2, take a guided walk through Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. After lunch, board a scenic flight and land on Tasman Glacier. On Day 3, take a boat cruise on the Tasman Glacier Lake. Depart for Lake Tekapo via Mount Cook Salmon Farm. Indulge at the Alpine Springs, Spa & Winter Park. In the evening, go stargazing at Mount John Observatory. On Day 4, walk around Lake Tekapo, visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd. Depart for Fairlie. On Day 5, drive to Christchurch via Inland Scenic Route 72.
Road Trip
Drive from Fairlie to Twizel via SH 8 Magical in all seasons with bronze autumn leaves, snow in winter, colourful lupins in spring and golden tussock in summer.
Transport
Airports
Timaru Airport services the region with daily flights to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. Christchurch International Airport, an easy drive north, services the region with domestic and international flights. www.christchurchairport.co.nz
Roads
From Christchurch Airport travel south via the Coastal Road (SH 1) or via the Inland Scenic Route (SH 72) to Geraldine.
Further Information
Destination Mount Cook Mackenzie
Trade Contact Philip Brownie, Manager
Phone +64 3 685 6194
Fax +64 3 685 6196
Email manager@mtcooknz.com
www.mtcooknz.com
Central South Island Tourism
Phone +64 3 684 0201
Email marketing@timaru.com
www.southisland.org.nz
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