Local Tips
#24 – Hooker Valley Track
The Hooker Valley Track is the most popular hike in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Located a 5-minute drive from the Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, this stunning track is breathtaking at every turn and is regarded as one of the best short walks in New Zealand. The track […]
#23 – Fantastic Eateries
While the Mackenzie might be known for its stunning outdoors, we offer so much more to keep you entertained during your stay. From Albury to Twizel and everywhere in between, you’ll find a range of cafes, bars and restaurants to suit all budgets and dining styles. […]
#22 – Astrophotography
The Mackenzie Region is a stargazer’s dream destination as it’s the world’s largest gold-certified dark sky reserve. This makes it an ideal location for astrophotography. People come from all over the world to photograph our stunning landscapes with the Milky Way as a backdrop. While all […]
#21 – Lake Tekapo Regional Park
The Lake Tekapo Regional Park is made up of 165 hectares of forested land along the eastern shores of beautiful Lake Tekapo and State Highway 8. The main carpark can be found just off Lilybank Road. There is also walking and mountain bike access from the […]
#20 – Ice Skating
The Mackenzie Region is an awesome place to come and visit – and in the cooler months we really turn it on! Not only do we have fantastic ski fields close by suitable for the whole family, but we also have a range of other winter […]
#19 – Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Day Trip
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is a multi-day adventure starting from either Aoraki/Mount Cook or Lake Tekapo and finishing in Oamaru. If you’re after a day trip we suggest the Lake Pūkaki to Twizel section. It’s an easy-grade 18km trail that’s suitable for all ages […]
#18 – Opihi River Track
The Opihi River Track, also known as the Fairlie Walkway, is primarily a walking track, with most sections making a nice beginners mountain bike trail too. Starting near Kimbell, the track follows the bank of the Opihi River east past Fairlie until you reach the Opihi […]
#17 – Scenic Flights
The Mackenzie Region covers almost 7,500 square kilometres – consisting of turquoise glacial lakes, golden tussock lands, braided river systems and of course, the Southern Alps. Surrounded by seemingly endless mountain ranges, scenic flight tours of the Mackenzie Region are an absolute must-do to get up […]
#16 – Ski the Tasman Glacier
You may have heard of the Tasman Glacier, but did you know you can ski and snowboard on it? Your adventure begins with breath-taking views while flying over the Southern Alps, including Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. You’ll then spend this once-in-a-lifetime experience making turns all the […]
#15 – 4WD Adventure
The Mackenzie Region has some of the most unique and impressive natural landscapes around, so why not jump in a 4WD and roam the backcountry in style? Whether you want to explore public land in your own vehicle or join a guided trip and head […]
