Twizel – Nature, Cycle Trails and Hydropower History

Twizel brings together landscapes, hydropower history and a range of outdoor activities. The town lies at an elevation of 470 metres, in the rain shadow of the Southern Alps and in an inland basin surrounded by mountain ranges. The landscape around Twizel also bears the marks of glaciers: they carved out valleys and deposited moraines.

The subalpine climate brings hot, dry summers and cold winters. Twizel is also part of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. If you’re interested in the night sky, this connection gives stargazing a clear link to the destination.

Cycling and hiking around Twizel

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passes through Twizel. You can cycle the whole route or a single section; the trail is divided into nine sections. An alternative route from Takapō, or Lake Tekapo, to Twizel crosses the Pūkaki Flats before reaching Twizel. This means you can choose between the full route and individual stages as different ways to travel.

Twizel also has walking tracks of varying lengths for all experience levels. Near town, the Twizel River Trail is a shared-use singletrack suitable for mountain biking. The trail is signposted directly opposite the township and offers opportunities for walks, as well as less-frequented swimming spots and picnic areas. Some sections may be washed out, in which case you may need to walk your bike. Flooding and river crossings may also be a factor in lower-lying sections.

Lakes, fishing and other activities

There are five lakes in the area around Twizel. Activities available there include water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The local waterways also offer seasonal opportunities for salmon and trout fishing. Check the applicable regulations and conditions before your trip.

For a guided fishing experience, High Country Salmon near Twizel offers the chance to catch a salmon. Equipment is provided, and no prior experience is required. The site is three kilometres south of Twizel. Booking arrangements and opening hours may change, so check them before your visit.

The Ben Ōhau Golf Course in Twizel has nine holes and 16 tees. Twizel is also home to the Meridian Lake Ruataniwha Rowing Complex, a national rowing course. If you’d like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates and current operating conditions.

Local life and hydropower history

Twizel’s history is closely connected to hydropower in Aotearoa New Zealand. This gives the town a historical dimension alongside its landscapes and activities. The town has cafés, bars, restaurants and shops; opening hours for individual businesses may change.

Whether you’d rather spend your time cycling, walking, by the water or exploring the history of hydropower, the options offer quite different experiences. As you plan, you could weigh up a ride on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, a hike and seasonal activities on the surrounding waterways.

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

Back to the main travel overview: Mackenzie District.