If you enjoy water activities you’ll love the Mackenzie! The region is home to some of New Zealand’s most famous and photogenic lakes, as well as rivers and canals. Whether you like boating, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming you’ll find something to suit.

In addition to the popular Lake Tekapo, Pūkaki, and Ruataniwha, we recommend checking out Lake Alexandrina (a short drive from Lake Tekapo), Loch Cameron (6km from Twizel), and Lake Benmore at Falstone Reserve Campground. The perception that all the lakes are unbearably cold is not true – although with the long hot days, sometimes the colder the better!

 Lake Ruataniwha and Benmore are fantastic boating lakes, and you can hire SUPs and kayaks at Lake Tekapo.

 Water activities – just one reason why you should visit the Legendary Mackenzie!