THE ULTIMATE NEW ZEALAND WINTER TRAVEL GUIDE: GEAR, TRANSPORT, PLAY, STAY & APRÈS-SKI

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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.

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 Ski Area and Fox Peak Ski Field. Further along, Lake Tekapo is a tranquil lakeside village. Here you’ll find the famous Church of the Good Shepherd overlooking the lake. 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). Besides skiing and snowboarding, you’ll find plenty of other activities to amuse you in the beautiful landscapes of Mackenzie, like fishing, cycling, gliding, hiking and golf.

Fairlie

Fairlie is the eastern gateway to Mackenzie. Aside from skiing at Mt Dobson Ski Area and Fox Peak Ski Area, 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 3,000 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 Snow Fields 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!

Need to Know
Where’s the Snow?

Mt Dobson Ski Area, Fox Peak Ski Field, Roundhill, Ohau Snow Fields.

Essential Stuff

Population Mackenzie District 4,000. Average July temperature Lake Tekapo 1.7˚C. Main centres Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook Village, Twizel, Omarama.

Getting There

Air The nearest airports are located in Christchurch (both domestic and international flights) and Queenstown (domestic and trans-Tasman flights). Road Most of the towns in the Mackenzie region lie along State Highway 8. Lake Tekapo is 3 hours, 15 minutes from Christchurch and 3 hours, 40 minutes from Queenstown. Coach companies provide regular services.

Getting Around

In New Zealand terms, distances are large in this area. Rent a car for maximum flexibility, but beware of icy winter roads, and make sure you are provided with snow chains and shown how to fit them. Coach and shuttle services make getting around between towns easy.

Find Out More

Online www.destination-nz.com, www.mtcooknz.com,
www.mackenzie.co.nz. By phone +64 3 435 3280. In person Fairlie Visitor Centre 64 Main Street, Fairlie; Lake Tekapo i-SITE Visitor Centre State Highway 8, Lake Tekapo; Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre State Highway 8, Lake Pukaki; Twizel Information Centre Market Place, Twizel; Aoraki Mount Cook National Park DOC Visitor Centre 1 Larch Grove Road, Mount Cook Village.

Defining Experiences

Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Visit a salmon farm and taste the freshest salmon you’ve ever had.
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Experience unforgettable heli skiing or boating on the Tasman Glacier.
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand See the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Take a guided walk in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Go mountain biking.
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Stargaze at Mount John Observatory.
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Splurge on a flight-seeing expedition to appreciate the beauty and scale of the Mackenzie region.
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Mingle with the locals over a pint or two in a cosy pub after your skiing adventures.

Winter Highlights

Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Tubing, ice skating or soaking in a hot pool at the Alpine Springs & Spa Tekapo complex
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Guided snowshoe hikes through the Lake Tekapo high country
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Stargazing upon winter night skies at Mt John Observatory
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Mackenzie heli skiing adventure
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Heli biking tour from Twizel
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Wintertime LOTR tour Join an ice climbing tour
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Go on a 4WD adventure to take a break from skiing and boarding
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Winter wonderland walk in Mount Cook National Park
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Flight-seeing over Mount Cook
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Explore the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre on an off-mountain day
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Glacier skiing
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Tasman Glacier snowshoeing trip
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Tour with Glacier Explorers
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Attend one of Ohau Snow Fields’ iconic events such as the Ohau Hooley & Irish Winter Olympics or Ohau Snowball

Events

Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Fox Trot & BBQ with Chill (Fox Peak Ski Field) 24 – 25 Jul 2011
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand ‘80s Day (Roundhill) 6 Aug 2011
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Soul Surf & Skate Snow Jam (Roundhill) 20 Aug 2011
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Hermitage Winter Ball (The Hermitage Hotel) 31 Jul 2011
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Ohau Hooley & Irish Winter Olympics (Ohau Snow Fields) 9 Jul 2011
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand Ben Ohoo Highland Games on Field (Ohau Snow Fields) 13 Aug 2011
Ski & Snowboard New Zealand The One and Only Ohau Snowball (Ohau Snow Fields) 10 Sep 2011