Things To Do In Twizel
10 Things to Do While Your Partner Is Fishing with Boothy’s Fishing School
Not everyone in the family needs to be an angler to enjoy a visit to Twizel!
While your husband, wife, partner or family member spends the day experiencing some of the fantastic fishing the Mackenzie Basin has to offer with Boothy’s Fishing School, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy around Twizel, Lake Pūkaki, Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Here are ten great ways to spend your day.
1. Explore Aoraki/Mount Cook
Take the spectacular drive alongside Lake Pūkaki to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Enjoy magnificent alpine scenery, short walks, cafés, photography and some of the most impressive mountain landscapes in New Zealand.
2. Visit Beautiful Lake Tekapo
Spend a few hours exploring Lake Tekapo and its famous turquoise water. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, wander along the lakefront, browse the village and stop for lunch or coffee while taking in the incredible Mackenzie scenery.
3. Cycle the Alps 2 Ocean Trail
Hire a bike or e-bike and experience a section of the famous Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. There are several fantastic day rides around Twizel and Lake Pūkaki, making this a great option for anyone wanting to explore the countryside at their own pace.
4. Experience Mackenzie Stargazing
The Mackenzie Basin is renowned for its incredibly clear night skies. Twizel lies within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, making an evening stargazing experience a wonderful way to finish the day.
5. Take a Scenic Flight
See the Mackenzie Country from an entirely different perspective with a scenic flight. Fly above turquoise lakes, braided rivers, glaciers and the Southern Alps, with spectacular views towards Aoraki/Mount Cook. It’s an unforgettable way to experience this remarkable part of New Zealand.
6. Enjoy Lake Ruataniwha
Only minutes from Twizel, Lake Ruataniwha is a lovely place to relax with the family. During the warmer months you can swim, kayak or enjoy a picnic beside the lake, or simply find a quiet spot and enjoy the scenery.
7. Discover Twizel’s Walking Trails
You don’t have to venture far to experience the Mackenzie landscape on foot. Enjoy an easy walk around Twizel, explore the Twizel River Trail or head towards Lake Pūkaki for beautiful views and fantastic photography opportunities.
8. Discover a Piece of Middle-earth
Movie fans can discover some of the spectacular Mackenzie landscapes used during the filming of The Lord of the Rings. Guided tours around Twizel offer visitors the opportunity to see filming locations and learn more about how the area became part of Middle-earth.
9. Relax and Explore Twizel
Sometimes the best holiday activity is simply slowing down. Explore Twizel’s cafés and shops, enjoy a leisurely lunch, browse for gifts and souvenirs or grab a coffee and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of our small alpine town.
10. Make It a Family Mackenzie Adventure
Use Twizel as your base and make a full day of exploring the wider Mackenzie Basin. Visit Lake Pūkaki, drive towards Aoraki/Mount Cook, explore Lake Tekapo, take photographs, enjoy the local food and discover some of the most spectacular scenery in the South Island.