Chill Out Lounge

Mackenzie is a dramatic region encompassing rolling hills, ice-blue lakes and jaw-dropping mountains, including Aoraki (also known as Mount Cook), New Zealand’s highest peak. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is a magical and rugged place: glaciers cover 40 percent of the area and there are 19 peaks over 3,000 metres in height. In addition to designated ski areas, Mackenzie offers unparalleled opportunities for backcountry heli skiing and boarding.

The drive from Geraldine through the Mackenzie Basin to Omarama is unforgettable. Fairlie is the first town after Geraldine and it’s a good base for Mt Dobson and Fox Peak. Further along, Lake Tekapo is a tranquil lakeside village. Here you’ll find the famous Church of the Good Shepherd overlooking the lake. Twizel is another friendly village with great mountain views. Mount Cook Village is worth a detour. The lake and mountain scenery is simply superb. Up for some glacier skiing? You can fly from Mount Cook to the local Tasman Glacier for excellent intermediate to advanced level skiing (www.skithetasman.co.nz). Omarama is the southernmost village in this region and it’s within striking distance of the snow at Ohau and Awakino. Besides skiing and snowboarding, you’ll find plenty of other activities to amuse you in Mackenzie, like fishing, cycling, gliding, hiking and golf. Experts all over the world rate the area for its near-perfect gliding conditions.

Fairlie Fairlie is the eastern gateway to Mackenzie. Aside from skiing at Mt Dobson and Fox Peak, local activities include hiking, fishing, and gallery-combing. Explore local history at the museum or check out the old stone cottages at Kimbell.

Lake Tekapo Lake Tekapo is approximately halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown. The route into town is a spectacular drive through amazing scenery. The Lake Tekapo township is a charming country village with a warm and welcoming feel. You’ll find accommodation to suit all budgets, as well as restaurants and shops.

Twizel South of Lake Tekapo is Twizel, a small town offering a good range of accommodation and dining. Close proximity to lakes and mountains makes Twizel a great base for outdoor adventures, from skiing and snowboarding to heli biking.

Mt Cook Village This picturesque village is definitely worth a detour if you’re driving through the Mackenzie region. Be overwhelmed by the immensity of the surrounding mountains. At 3,754 metres, Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, and 19 others in the region are over 3,050 metres tall.

Lake Ohau Located just off State Highway 8, is the beautiful Lake Ohau. Lake Ohau lodge is located at the bottom of the Ohau Ski Fields access road. While in the area, pay a visit to the Ruataniwha Conservation Area and enjoy forest walks, fishing, mountain biking, 4WD and mountaineering.

Omarama The southernmost village in the Mackenzie region, located on State Highway 8 and within close proximity to the uncrowded slopes of Ohau and Awakino. By night, relax and unwind under the stars with a soak at Hot Tubs Omarama. The region around Omarama is also rated for its near-perfect gliding conditions!

Mackenzie events to mark in your diary!
31 Jul 2010: Ohau Hooley & Irish Winter Olympics [Ohau Snow Fields]
7 Aug 2010: ‘80s Day [Roundhill Ski Area]
14 Aug 2010: Ben Ohoo Highland Games on Field [Ohau Snow Fields]
14 Aug 2010: Chinese Downhill on ‘The Wall’ [Roundhill Ski Area]
21 Aug 2010: Roundhill Big Air [Roundhill Ski Area]
11 Sep 2010: The One and Only Ohau Snowball [Ohau Snow Fields]
3 Oct 2010: Hot Dog Day (Last Day of the Season) [Ohau Snow Fields]