5 Reasons to Shop in the Mackenzie
The Mackenzie Region is a haven for shopping! In such a wide open landscape this may come as a surprise to some, but there are a plenty of fascinating shops & galleries here in our slice of paradise. Don’t worry about heading off to the city for your shopping, get it all sorted here in the Mackenzie and support the locals!
1. Fairlie
Topping off this list is Fairlie. There are heaps of shops in Bobby Square and around the centre of town, making Fairlie a shoppers paradise! You’ll be able to find something for everyone in this Mackenzie mecca for all things giftable. Be sure to hit up the Fairlie Bakehouse for some coffee and food to keep your energy going!
- 77 Art + Living
- Blank Space
- Great Outdoors & More
- JR’s General Store & Mackenzie Florist
- Little Red Fox
- Mackenzie Rose
- Matilda & The Metalman
- Merino Story
- Mint Boutique
Photo credit: Jason Menard
2. Twizel
Twizel is the heart of the Mackenzie, and is perfectly located as a base to explore the region – it’s only a 45min drive to either Aoraki/Mount Cook or Lake Tekapo. The town of Twizel punches well above its weight with its amazing cafes, restaurants, and shops. Check out our faves below, and once you’re done shopping go on and try one of Twizel’s cafes for a refreshing beverage!
- Jake’s Hardware
- Mackenzie Pharmacy (yes, they have gifts!)
- Market Store
- Musterers Hut
- Southern Alps Outdoors
- Twizel Bookshop
Photo credit: Twizel Bookshop
3. NZ Alpine Lavender, Lake Pukaki
Lavender is one of those things you often forget how much you love…until someone hands you something with lavender in it – you take a sniff and your brain is like “Oh yeah, lavender…I LOVE this stuff! Ahhhhhhh!”
As if gazing at their many acres filled with rows of thousands of gorgeous lavender plants wasn’t reason enough to visit, their pop-up shipping container store sells some groovy gifts: dolls, chocolate, oils, candles, soap, lotion and more – all suffused with the healing scent of pure, organic lavender.
Photo credit: NZ Alpine Lavender
4. Burkes Pass
Back in the day, Burkes Pass was quite busy – the social & business centre of the Mackenzie. It was destined to be the capital of the region, but the planned railway stopped in Fairlie and never made it through to link up with Burkes Pass. The township carries on today as a colourful centre for gifts, art, a historic church, and a wonderful heritage walk. Resident artist Julie Greig has her gallery in the Burkes Pass Accommodation & Gallery. See original paintings on the easel by this well known NZ artist – she could even be painting!
Just across the road Three Creeks astounds with a mind-boggling variety of gifts. You can quite literally find something for everyone there.
Have fun exploring Burkes Pass and don’t forget a visit to the church – it’s very quaint and has some info boards about the fascinating history of the township inside.
Photo credit: Jason Menard
5. The Garage Gallery, Kimbell
The Garage Gallery focuses on New Zealand made original creations, both large and small that will knock your socks off! What better gift than a unique piece of art to treasure? There’s a wide variety on offer, stop in and have a look!
Open 7 days and located on the main road to Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Photo credit: Garage Gallery
