Mackenzie District: Trails, Lakes and Farm Tours
Accommodation in Mackenzie District
The Mackenzie District combines cycling and walking trails at Lake Tekapo and near Twizel with water sports at Lake Ruataniwha, as well as guided farm and fishing experiences in Fairlie. The history of the Church of the Good Shepherd is also part of what defines this destination. When choosing your accommodation, it helps to first consider which experiences you want to shape your stay.
Trails and History at Lake Tekapo
On the eastern shore of Lake Tekapo (TakapÅ), TakapÅ Regional Park covers 165 hectares. It has 24 km of cycling and walking trails as well as a dog park. The trails can be used on foot or by bike; the dog park is an added feature for travellers with dogs.
The Church of the Good Shepherd opened in Tekapo in 1935. It was the first church built in the Mackenzie Basin and has Category 1 Historic Place status. The church is private and not open to the public.
Cycling and Walking Trails in Twizel
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passes through Twizel and is divided into nine sections. Its alternate route from TakapÅ, or Lake Tekapo, to Twizel crosses the PÅ«kaki Flats before reaching Twizel. The route also shows the transition between named places and open countryside on the way to its destination.
For a different kind of outing, there is a loop track around the township of Twizel that is accessible year-round. The Twizel River Trail has picnic areas and swimming spots along the river. This gives you different ways to spend your time in Twizel: on a section of the cycle trail, a loop around town, or a riverside trail with places to picnic and swim.
Water Sports and Fishing
Sailing, canoeing and windsurfing take place on Lake Ruataniwha. Its shallow water makes the lake a popular place for families to swim and relax. Those interested in fishing can find opportunities to catch trout and salmon in Lake Tekapo and the Tekapo Hydro Canal.
Guided Experiences in Fairlie
Alpine Alpacas Fairlie offers guided farm tours with alpacas, llamas, sheep and horses. Visitors can hand-feed the animals. Back Country Trout offers a different guided experience: based in Fairlie, the operator runs sight-fishing trips for wild brown and rainbow trout. Guests are picked up from their accommodation.
With Back Country Trout, pickup from your accommodation is a specific planning consideration. You can choose hotels in the Mackenzie District according to the activities you actually plan to do.
The Wider Regional Context
Beyond the local focus, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve includes Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. This connection shows the wider regional scale without conflating the individual places or the experiences described there.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Lake Tekapo, Twizel, Mt Cook, Fairlie, Burkes Pass, Kimbell, Albury, Kaikoura District.
For the regional travel overview: Canterbury.
