4 minute read
ROAD TRIP 17 A JOURNEY THROUGH AORAKI
Geraldine to Ōmarama
Geraldine to Lake Tekapō Via SH79 & SH8 - 1hr 7min, 88.6km
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Lake Tekapō to Twizel Via SH8 - 38min, 57.2km
SIDE TRIP Twizel to Aoraki Mt Cook via SH80 - 48min, 65.1km
Twizel to Ōmarama via SH8 - 20min, 30km
© AA Traveller 2021
The Mackenzie Basin straddles the Mackenzie and Waitaki districts; it’s a seasonal chameleon, adopting the vibrant hues of each season, with snow blanketing the mountains in winter and flowers doing the same, but to the meadows in summer.
Leaving Geraldine, head inland on SH79 and SH 8 to Lake Tekapō, famous for its starlit night sky, then on to Twizel, the largest town in the Mackenzie District. This historic hydro-town is an adventure playground with lakes, rivers, picturesque canals, and great snow action nearby.
Ōmarama comes next, at the southern end of the Mackenzie Basin. Ōmarama translates to ‘Place of Light’ in English, an endearing reference to its pure and clear sky, a glider’s idea of heaven.
LAKE TEKAPO
Lake Tekapō
© Adobe Stock
Lake Tekapō is an exceptionally beautiful place, whatever the time of year or day; during winter with a backdrop of snow,in summer when the flowers are in bloom and in between, when the wide, clear skies are brilliant for day-time photography and night-time star gazing.
One of the most photographed scenes is of the Church of the Good Shepherd, framed by the Southern Alps. The lake itself,an astounding shade of blue, is also well-documented.
Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapō
© Adobe Stock
There are plenty of ways to appreciate this place: horse riding, mountain biking, trekking, taking a scenic flight and golfing. And in winter, skiing, skating and snowboarding are on the menu. You can soak in hot pools and indulge in a spa all year round. Stargazing is extra special here. Because its skies are free of light pollution, the Mackenzie region is an International Dark Sky Reserve. Join a stargazing tour for a magical night.
HIGHLIGHTS
SHEEPDOG MONUMENT The bronze memorial of a collie – next door to the Church of the Good Shepherd – was commissioned in 1968 to commemorate the role of hard-working dogs in the region’s agricultural history.
FAIRLIE Year-round splendid, spend a day or two enjoying the generosity of the local farmstays, visiting Mabel Binney Cottage and the local museum and art galleries.
Contours of hills, near Fairlie
© Adobe Stock
MT JOHN SUMMIT TRACK For 360-degree views of of Lake Tekapō, the Mackenzie Basin and mountains, set out from the Tekapō Springs complex on a one-and-a-half hour forest walk. There’s also a café and observatory up here and you can drive up, too.
BURKES PASS Halfway between Fairlie and Tekapō, Burkes Pass is a tiny historic village and an endearing snapshot of the past, with museums and heritage buildings including the oldest union church in New Zealand.
Three Creeks, Burkes Pass
© Adobe Stock
THREE CREEKS On the Burke's Pass route, this litte roadside village has a North American vibe and various heritage buildings. Find antiques and all manner of retro collectables as well as coffee. A real hidden gem.
LAKE PŪKAKI Enhanced by surrounding snow-clad mountains, the deep blue colour is due to glacial flour: finely-ground minerals in the water.
LAKE HĀWEA All around the water’s edge, shingle beach meet serene lagoon, while below, there’s a bounty of trout and salmon. Paddle boarders soar across the top and walkers circuit the perimeter.
LAKE TEKAPŌ REGIONAL PARK Made up of 165 hectares of forest along the eastern shores of Lake Tekapō, find a mecca of walks, mountain biking, picnic spots and summer swimming.
AORAKI MT COOK NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTRE Pop in for information on your upcoming walk or bike ride.There are also exhibits, video presentations and a small secent museum.
SIDE TRIP TO AORAKI MT COOK
MAGICAL, UNFORGETTABLE: A 45-minute drive from Twizel delivers you to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park where the highest peak in Australasia – Aoraki Mt Cook – stands. This mighty 3724m mountain is a dream playground for climbers, hikers and lovers of nature.
The national park stretches over more than 70,000ha on tussock grassland, river valleys, lakes and mountains. To explore on foot, consider the Hooker Valley Track which takes around three hours and provides views of some phenomenal glaciers. Another option is to take a scenic flight which will serve up views of not only Aoraki Mt Cook but also other notable highlights of the national park including Tasman Glacier and Tasman Lake, Fox Glacier and Franz Josef glaciers.
Aoraki Mt Cook Village is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the scenery. Embark on a boat trip across Tasman Lake to observe the ice-face of Tasman Glacier and huge glacial icebergs that litter the water.
Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre to learn about the area’s history, Hillary’s life-long achievements and stories from Mountain Rescue.
Boardwalk, Aoraki Mt Cook trail
© Adobe Stock
TWIZEL HIGHLIGHTS
Stargazing
Salmon fishing
Kayaking on the lake
Lavender farm
Birdwatching
Cycling
Trekking
Swimming in summer; skiing in winter, Twizel is a year-round crowd pleaser. Trace the river on foot or by bike, stopping at uncrowded swimming holes and spend time on the water in every imaginable way. In cooler months, Ōhau Snow Fields is an easy 45-minute drive from town. More sedate activities include visiting the largest organic lavender farm in the southern hemisphere, hooking your own fish at the High Country Salmon Farm and grabbing a scoop of ice cream from Sweet Moos in town.
