ROAD TRIP: A journey through Aoraki

Geraldine to Lake Tekapō Via SH 79 & SH 8 - 1hr 7min, 88.6km

Lake Tekapō to Twizel Via SH 8 - 38min, 57.2km

Twizel to Ōmarama via SH 8 - 20min, 30km

SIDE TRIP: Twizel to Aoraki Mt Cook via SH 80 - 48min, 65.1km

Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapō © Vaughan Brookfield

The Mackenzie Basin straddles the Mackenzie and Waitaki districts; it’s a seasonal chameleon, adopting the vibrant hues of each season, with lavender-coloured lupins sweeping boldly across the tussock-swept landscapes in summer.

Leaving Geraldine, head inland on SH 79 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.

James Mackenzie working dog statue, Fairlie

HIGHLIGHTS

SHEEPDOG MONUMENT

A favourite for many visitors to Tekapō, the bronze memorial of a collie – next door to the Church of the Good Shepherd – was commissioned in 1968 to pay respect to 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.

MT JOHN SUMMIT TRACK

Starting from the Tekapō Springs complex, the forest walk is awe inspiring and the summit views are impressive; a 360-degree panorama of mountains, lakes and the Mackenzie Basin. There’s also a hilltop café. Come back when the stars are out for a Milky Way experience at the iconic Mt John Observatory.

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, Vintage Garage Decor, Burkes Pass

Canterbury Tourism

LAKE PŪKAKI

Enhanced by the 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, a bounty of trout and salmon toy with patient fishermen. Paddle boarders soar across the top and walkers circuit the perimeter.

AORAKI MT COOK NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTRE

Pop in for information on your up coming walk or bike ride. There are also exhibits,video presentations and a museum in the basement.

Glacier at Aoraki Mt Cook

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LAKE TEKAPO

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 lupins 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 amazing turquoise blue, is also well-documented.

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. Star gazing 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.

Lake Tekapō is a photographer’s dream, from first light to after dark when all the stars come out.

Lake Tekapō foot bridge over Scott Pond

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SIDE TRIP: 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 Glacier.

Walking Hooker Track, Aoraki Mt Cook

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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 ice burgs that litter the water.

Ball Hut, Aoraki Mt Cook

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This territory is wonderful to explore with walks in summer. Come winter, there are many back country skiing options in Mackenzie Country. Explore new terrain, at your own pace, or with a private guide.

TWIZEL

As the closest town to Aoraki Mt Cook, Twizel is a popular tourist town set amidst lakes, rivers and canals.

Visitors after action and adventure will find it here: mountain biking, horse trekking, hunting, hiking,skiing, kayaking and fishing for salmon and trout are all on Twizel’s agenda. Those looking for quieter, more sedate activities can visit the largest organic lavender farm in the southern hemisphere, check out a high country salmon farm, or they might consider bird watching which is particularly satisfying here. They may even spot the Black Stilt – kakī – the rarest wading bird in the world.

Fishing in the Mackenzie Country

South Canterbury Tourism

Twizel Must-Do's

> Stargazing

> Salmon fishing

> Kayaking on the lake

> Lavender farm

> Birdwatching

> Cycling

> Trekking

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz