Getting Here & Around

Location

The Mackenzie region is situated in the centre of New Zealand’s South Island. Superbly located, the region is just 2.5 hours drive south of Christchurch and approximately 2.5 hours drive north of Queenstown.

Airports

The region can be accessed through a number of airport gateways. New Zealand’s international airports are located in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown. Christchurch and Queenstown are the closest to the Mackenzie region. Charter flights are then available to the 4 Mackenzie based airports located at Glentanner, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki (Twizel) and Lake Tekapo.

Transport

Please visit our tranport page to find options for transport around the region. Shuttle vans, car hire, and more.

Driving

Driving to the Mackenzie Region is a great way to start your adventure in this stunning, must-see region.

Traveling south by car from Christchurch takes approximately three hours to Lake Tekapo, and Aoraki/Mount Cook is one hour further from here. Allow more time if you plan to stop at the rural towns Fairlie and Geraldine along the way. Allow 2.5 hours heading north from Queenstown. A stop at Twizel, or at the stunning Lake Pukaki look out on your way towards Aoraki/Mount Cook are must-dos.

Petrol Station Locations

It is good to know where to fill up your car with petrol if you are planning on a road trip around the region.

There is a BP service station in Fairlie located on Main Street, heading towards Lake Tekapo.
In Lake Tekapo there is a Challenge service station at the north end of town.
There is a Mobil station in Twizel on Mackenzie Drive in the centre of town.
There is a self-service petrol pump at Aoraki/Mount Cook (credit card only).

Safe Driving Tools

Driving around the Mackenzie region is beautiful, but visitors should be aware of the New Zealand road rules. In winter, snow and ice can cover roads, and the high country location means a few up and down hill slopes and winding sections. For driving safety information, visit the Land Transport Safety Authority.

Driving times and distances

Approximate driving times in the Mackenzie region:

30 minutes Fairlie – Lake Tekapo
45 minutes Lake Tekapo – Twizel
1 hour 15 minutes Lake Tekapo – Aoraki/Mount Cook Village
45 minutes Aoraki/Mount Cook Village – Twizel

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We can’t wait to welcome you to the Legendary Mackenzie! Step into the great wide open and discover NZ’s highest mountains, longest glaciers, vivid turquoise lakes, golden grasslands and clearest starry skies. Take a scenic flight into the mountains and land on glaciers; enjoy the night sky within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve; explore the amazingly beautiful landscape by cycling, walking, kayaking, swimming, skiing and more.