Twizel Archives - Mackenzie Region, New Zealand

Rise Ben Ōhau

Written by Jason on July 21, 2024.

The Rise offers a quiet take on luxury. Equal parts raw and refined, they’ve created cohesion with the exterior world through natural materials, earthy tones and textures, and spaces that unify the outside with the in. They understand the significance of memories; of experiencing more of the moments that take your breath away. For them, the foundations of The Rise are infused with meaning; imagined as a legacy of togetherness and presence, a place to make time truly count.

Moraine Lodge

Written by Jason on July 18, 2024.

To dine at Moraine Lodge is to savour the tastes of nature. Step into an uncomplicated world where food is real, the soil, air and water are pure and your dining experience is designed to honour those elements to the fullest. Located at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, the cuisine is rooted in what comes from their large vegetable garden and the local suppliers of the region. Guests have described their dining experience there as “foodie heaven.” The cuisine playfully wanders the line between refined and rugged, borrowing from both fine dining and simple whole foods defined by freshness and the natural...

Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park & Motels

Written by Jason on July 18, 2024.

Welcome to a sheltered paradise on the waterfront of Lake Ruataniwha. Situated on the southern outskirts of Twizel offering the choice of brand-new, high-quality motels, economical cabins and tent sites. Each unit has lake and Southern Alps views. Nestled in the heart of the Mackenzie Region, this hideaway is a fishing paradise. Only minutes from the front door, you could be hiking this wonderland or just relaxing in the country wilderness. The holiday park is on 50 acres of land and has several amenity blocks with kitchens, toilets and showers plus a coin-operated laundry. Water bikes and canoes...

Pūkaki Wine Cellar & Observatory

Written by Jason on June 27, 2024.

Pūkaki Observatory and Wine Cellar is located at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat at Lake Pūkaki. Located in the heart of the gold status Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the observatory is set in a rural location with absolutely no light pollution. You are invited to take a tour of the universe using the latest technology for star gazing and astrophotography. Designed as a personalized small group viewing experience, the dark sky becomes yours to explore. Starting in the wine cellar you will be treated to a tot of whisky from the carefully curated collection or a glass of wine from...

Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel

Written by Jason on June 24, 2024.

Instantly recognisable by its classic stonework exterior, Twizel’s only 4-star hotel reflects the distinctive mountain and river landscapes of the region. The spacious gardens and iconic mountain silhouette are key features of this idyllic setting, located a short walk from the Twizel town centre. Featuring 108 hotel rooms with private balconies or patios, that invite you to relax and breathe in the alpine air. All rooms offer heaters, refrigerators, tea & coffee making facilities, TVs & free unlimited Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy dining in the Four Seasons Restaurant and drinks in the modern...

Skylark Cabin

Written by Jason on March 26, 2024.

Skylark Cabin is a private, luxury escape, nestled serenely within the awe-inspiring landscape of backcountry Ben Ōhau. Surrounded by soaring mountain ranges and the rugged, ethereal beauty of the expansive valley, this isn’t just a comfortable place to stay while visiting the Mackenzie Region, it’s an experience in itself. Witness the mesmerising clarity of the starry night sky. Be humbled by the big landscape that surrounds you. Connect with nature and escape from the pace of daily life.

Cycle Journeys

Written by Jason on January 25, 2023.

Cycle Journeys is the major trail outfitter on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. They also have similar operations on the West Coast Wilderness Trail and Nelson Great Taste Trails. Each trail has great one-day and half-day rides and riders are supported by extensive shuttle networks, full bike hire service and daily luggage movement. The reservations team will handle all enquiries and provide trip information.

Matuka Lodge

Written by Jason on January 18, 2023.

Matuka Lodge is set in secluded surroundings only 3.5 kilometres from the lifestyle town of Twizel, the gateway to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Conveniently placed on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail route, and by road almost exactly halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown. Enjoy views across the private trout pond to the Southern Alps and the wider Mackenzie Region, so stunning it was used as the backdrop to The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. After the sun sets in the evening the magic of Matuka Lodge continues as you look skyward and gaze upon the world-renowned Aoraki Mackenzie International...

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Written by Jason on January 17, 2023.

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is set in a forest wilderness, nestled between the turquoise blue waters of Lake Pūkaki and the majestic Ben Ōhau ranges. It is right on the doorstep of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park located in the beautiful and unique Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Offering 3 luxury villa accommodations, the Retreat is a luxury lodge with onsite facilities including Moraine Lodge wedding & events venue, an observatory wine cellar, tennis court, and 5kms of walking tracks. 2-3 hours drive from Queenstown and 40 minutes from Lake Tekapo. Lakeside Villas Overlooking the turquoise-coloured...

Skydive Mt Cook

Written by Jason on January 10, 2023.

Enjoy New Zealand’s most spectacular skydiving experience! Located near Twizel at the Pūkaki Airport and boasting some of the country’s most epic scenery. Skydive Mt Cook offers quintessential South Island views: snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and, of course, the mighty Aoraki/Mount Cook. Freefall from the best piece of sky this beautiful country has to offer. An authentic Kiwi experience that will give you your fair share of adrenaline along with sightseeing some spectacular New Zealand landmarks.

Lakeland Explorer

Written by Jason on January 9, 2023.

Conveniently based in Twizel township, Lakeland Explorer is your one-stop shop for scenic tours, cycle trips and bike hire. Relax, explore and discover this beautiful region with a small team of passionate locals. Bike Choose to hire a bike and explore on your own, or join a range of supported cycle trips for yourself or your group. Explore the local trails or use their shuttle service (commentary included) to go further afield. They’ll drop you off to explore a section of the famous Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, or enjoy a relaxing spin along one of the picturesque Mackenzie Region hydro canals. If...

Pūkaki Air Lodge

Written by Jason on December 23, 2022.

Pūkaki Air Lodge is a purpose-built, five-bedroom lodge positioned in a unique location on Pūkaki Airport, 2km north of Twizel. The lodge opened in October 2018 and was specifically built to appeal to Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail cyclists, touring aviators, and visitors to the Mackenzie Region wishing to stay in a venue with stunning views and easy access to the many activities on offer. Guests will wake up to uninterrupted views of the Mackenzie Region and can indulge in coffee on the veranda outside each room with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

SkyScape

Written by Jason on December 22, 2022.

This distinctive accommodation is designed to maximize the panoramic views of the Mackenzie Region both day and night, with your bedroom built predominantly of glass. With three unique buildings comprising of a glass-roofed bedroom, as well as an earth-roofed kitchenette and bathroom. One building is fully accessible. SkyScape is located 10km from Twizel, on Omahau Hill Station, a 6,000-acre sheep and beef farm. Perched on the slopes of the Ben Ohau Range, inside the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the units are nestled within native scrub, in private and isolated locations....

Te Manahuna Retreat

Written by Jason on December 22, 2022.

Te Manahuna Retreat is boutique ecosanctuary accommodation at the base of the Ben Ōhau mountain range, designed to be your home for a moment in time. Reconnect with the elements of the natural world. Explore beautiful Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo then soak in your own private hot tub under the sparkling stars of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. The cottage is located on a private 10-acre ecosanctuary 530m above sea level at the base of the Ben Ōhau mountain range. It is a peaceful, quiet country location with incredible views in all directions, yet is only 17km from...

Lakestone Lodge

Written by Jason on December 22, 2022.

Lakestone Lodge is exclusively positioned on the southern shores of Lake Pūkaki with some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The off-grid eco-lodge has been designed to maximise the panoramic views. Every room and bathroom share stunning views northward over Lake Pūkaki to the Southern Alps. On calm days New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, can be seen reflected in the turquoise glacial waters of the lake. In contrast, mountain storms rolling in over the alps can be viewed from the comfort and warmth of this luxurious lodge. In the evenings, after watching the sun...

Trade Hub Location: Twizel

Rise Ben Ōhau

Moraine Lodge

Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park & Motels

Pūkaki Wine Cellar & Observatory

Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel

Skylark Cabin

Cycle Journeys

Matuka Lodge

Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Skydive Mt Cook

Lakeland Explorer

Pūkaki Air Lodge

SkyScape

Te Manahuna Retreat

Lakestone Lodge

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