Twizel is the largest town in the South Island’s Mackenzie District. It was purpose-built in the 1960s to provide a home for workers involved with the Upper Waitaki Power Scheme.

Today it sits in the basin that characteries the district surrounded by canals, lakes and wide open plains and overlooked by the Southern Alps. That makes it a well-positioned base for mountain climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, horse trekking and hiking.

The peaks and trails of Mount Cook National Park are just up the road. Fish for salmon and trout in the stunning aqua-blue local waters. If you don’t have any luck, call into the salmon farm and buy a fish – fresh or smoked.

In summer Twizel’s population more than trebles, as holiday houses and camp grounds fill to capacity with New Zealanders on holiday.