Pukaki Airport

Alpine adventure hub nestled beside the Southern Alps and turquoise canals.

Twizel is a small inland town in the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand's South Island, originally built in the 1960s to house workers constructing the Upper Waitaki hydroelectric scheme. Today it serves as a gateway to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and is a base for outdoor enthusiasts seeking skiing, hiking, and stargazing.

The town is surrounded by a network of hydro canals that have become world-class salmon and trout fishing spots, drawing anglers from across the globe. Its proximity to Lake Pukaki — famous for its vivid turquoise glacial water — makes it one of the most photogenic stopover points on the South Island's main tourist circuit.

Despite its small population of roughly 1,200 residents, Twizel punches well above its weight in amenities, offering comfortable accommodation, local cafes, and easy access to some of New Zealand's most dramatic high-country landscapes.

• •Lake Pukaki — breathtaking turquoise glacial lake with Mount Cook views
• •Aoraki Mount Cook National Park — New Zealand's highest peak and premier hiking
• •Mackenzie Basin Dark Sky Reserve — world-class stargazing in pristine night skies
• •Ohau Snow Fields — small, uncrowded ski area above Lake Ohau
• •Canal fishing — internationally renowned salmon and trout fishing in hydro canals
• •Black Stilt Hide — rare glimpse of the world's rarest wading bird in the wild

Getting around: Twizel has no rail service; the most practical way to get around is by rental car, which is strongly recommended given the region's spread-out attractions. InterCity buses connect Twizel to Christchurch, Queenstown, and nearby towns on scheduled routes. Local taxi services and shuttles to Mount Cook Village are available but limited, and rideshare apps are not reliably operational in this remote area.

Best time: Late spring through early autumn (October to April) offers the most reliable weather for hiking, lake visits, and outdoor activities, while winter (June–August) suits skiers heading to Ohau Snow Fields.

Local food: Try fresh locally farmed salmon — available smoked, as sashimi, or grilled — at Twizel's cafes and the nearby Mt Cook Alpine Salmon farm shop.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.