Mackenzie District: Trails, Lakes and History

When looking for a hotel in Mackenzie District, the experiences that matter most to you can influence your choice of destination. Examples range from history at Lake Tekapo to cycling and hiking trails, water sports, and guided activities in Fairlie. The named places each offer a different focus. Looking at these activities can help you plan your stay around what you want to do before choosing a hotel deal.

History at Lake Tekapo

In the wider Canterbury destination, the Church of the Good Shepherd is associated with the early Pākehā settlers of the Mackenzie Basin. The church in Lake Tekapo opened in 1935 and was the first church built in the Mackenzie Basin. Heritage New Zealand lists it as a Category 1 Historic Place. The church is private and not open to the public, so do not plan to visit it as a public attraction.

Trails, park and walks

The Takapō Regional Park stretches across 165 hectares on the eastern shore of Lake Tekapo, or Takapō. The park has 24 km of cycling and walking trails as well as a dog park. For travellers planning outdoor exercise, the trails provide a clear point of reference. The loop trail around the township of Twizel is accessible year-round. The Twizel River Trail has picnic areas and swimming spots along the river. The loop trail therefore offers a year-round route, while the River Trail focuses on riverside picnic areas and swimming spots.

Cycling and activities on the water

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passes through Twizel and is divided into nine sections. Its alternative route from Takapō, or Lake Tekapo, to Twizel crosses the Pūkaki Flats before reaching Twizel. Sailing, canoeing and windsurfing are available on Lake Ruataniwha. Its shallow water makes the lake a family favourite for swimming and relaxation. Lake Tekapo and the Tekapo Hydro Canal also offer opportunities to fish for trout and salmon. This lets you choose between the waterways based on what you are looking for: water sports and shallow water at Lake Ruataniwha, or trout and salmon fishing at Lake Tekapo and in the canal.

Guided activities in Fairlie

Fairlie also offers two very different guided activities. Alpine Alpacas Fairlie offers farm tours with alpacas, llamas, sheep and horses; visitors can hand-feed the animals. Back Country Trout is based in Fairlie and offers guided sight fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout. The operator picks guests up from their accommodation. So the choice here ranges from a farm tour featuring several animal species to a guided fishing activity that includes accommodation pick-up.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Lake Tekapo, Twizel, Mt Cook, Fairlie, Burkes Pass, Kimbell, Albury, Kaikoura District.

For the wider travel overview: Canterbury.