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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Winter Highlights

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

Events

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