| Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki via car on one of New Zealand’s scenic alpine roads. |
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About Mackenzie
The Mackenzie Country has a colourful history. The area was once the stamping ground for Jock Mackenzie, New Zealand’s most notorious sheep rustler, who used a secret route through the mountains to move his stolen flock. Today the Mackenzie Country is famous for New Zealand’s highest peaks, turquoise blue lakes, crisp days with sunny skies and ski slopes that are delightfully off the beaten track.
Main snow sport venues
Roundhill
As its name would suggest, Roundhill is a gently undulating hill. It has the longest T bar lift in New Zealand, a beginners' platter and fabulous views of Mount Cook, the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo. A ski and snowboarding school completes this picture of family holiday happiness.
Mount Dobson
The Mount Dobson ski area has the largest learner/intermediate slope in New Zealand. This is the place to hone your basic skiing or boarding skills and enjoy the freedom of wide, treeless slopes. This friendly field has four tows, including a triple chair.
Ohau
Point your skis in the direction of Ohau if you love powder snow, uncrowded slopes and a more than average amount of sunshine. Thrill seekers can take to the Elevator or Tom's Drop; less experienced snow sporters can cruise the Boulevard, the Sun Run or the Shirt Front. This field delivers spectacular views up the valley to Mount Cook.
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| The beautiful stone Church of the Good Shepherd stands on the shores of Lake Tekapo. |
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Other things to do
Off-the-snow activities in the Mackenzie region include golf, trout fishing, mountain biking, farm visits, skydiving and 4WD safaris. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, just up the road from Twizel, has the highest mountains and the largest glaciers in New Zealand. Short day walks begin around the village and scenic flights leave from the local airport.
Places to stay
The rural towns of Fairlie, Lake Tekapo, Twizel, Lake Ohau and Omarama know a thing or two about hospitality. Mount Cook Village is another option, if you want to live in the heart of the mountains. Accommodation styles range from farmstay B & Bs to luxurious resort hotels. After a day on the snow, join the locals in the nearest bar or restaurant for a hearty meal, good conversation and a glass of wine or two.
Getting there
The closest international airports are Queenstown and Christchurch. It takes around 2 ½ hours to drive from either airport to Twizel. Daily coach services pass through the main Mackenzie townships.
Key tips
- Buses to Mount Dobson run from Timaru and Fairlie on weekends and public holidays.
- Buses to Ohau run from Ohau Lodge.
- Mackenzie snow areas are generally open from early July until mid October.
- Only Ohau snow area has a crèche.
- Glacier and heli-skiing experiences are available.
- 4WD vehicles are recommended - the snow areas have gravel access roads.
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MT COOK MACKENZIE
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 | Featured Activities | |
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| MACKENZIE ACTIVITIES |
Learn more about the activities and attractions that the MacKenzie region has to offer. From adrenaline pumping action to scenic wonders.
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| Featured National Park | |
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| AORAKI / MT COOK NATIONAL PARK |
Mountaineers regard the area to be the best climbing region in Australasia, while less skilled adventurers find plenty of satisfaction with the mountain walks that lead to alpine tarns, herb fields and spectacular glacier views.
Photo credit: Rob Suisted
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