Top Things to do in Mackenzie District
Top Hotels in Mackenzie District
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10 Things to do in Mackenzie District That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Mackenzie District, New Zealand including Hooker Valley Track, Mueller Hut Route, Lake Tekapo, The Church of the Good Shepherd, Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon Shop, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre, Mount John University Observatory, Mount John Summit Circuit Track, Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, High Country Salmon.
Restaurants in Mackenzie District
1. Hooker Valley Track
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,041 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Falsendrach - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We did the Hooker Valley trail in May, just after NZ dropped to Covid Alert Level 2. It was a great time to do it with the lack of tourists around. Because of the popularity the Hooker Trail is usually very busy, sometimes with so many people on the trail you feel like you're walking in a queue. Parking can be an issue if you're arriving later in the day and you sometimes have to park on the access road and walk 15-20mins to the trail start. With the current Covid international travel restrictions though there's few tourists and it's not hard to get a space in the carpark. Wonderfully though this time it felt virtually empty. Sure, we ran into other people but only about 60-70 rather than the 1000+ you'd expect. The trail is about 90mins each way, culminating at Hooker Lake. Do allow extra time as we happily spent an hour playing at the frozen-over lake skipping stones & throwing sheets of ice around. As far as reward vs effort goes, the Hooker Valley trail is one of the best short tracks you can do as it's wide, mostly flat, taking you over three suspension bridges that offer gorgeous views of turbulent pale azure water rushing underneath, majestic hills sweeping up on either side and Mt Cook/Aoraki as a stunning backdrop. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as the trail is mostly rock, & switch out to boots in colder/wetter weather. Layers are essential & you'll find that coming back in the afternoon it's quite a bit cooler once the sun has dipped behind the peaks. And on that note, bring a torch or headlamp if you're setting off within 4 hours of sunset. There are some toilets about two thirds the way along the track but they aren't great. You should definitely pack some hand sanitiser & a roll of toilet paper in case they run out (they frequently do). At the height of the tourist seasons there's usually a queue.
2. Mueller Hut Route
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip. See website for the price of accommodation on this track.
Reviewed By Roadtrip_Fan_UK - Hong Kong, China
It's the scenery that will keep everyone going. The ascent is super steep but the views are truly breathtaking. I continued on to Mount Ollivier and got rewarded with a 360° panorama that was well worth the extra effort.
3. Lake Tekapo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,629 reviews
Reviewed By Travelove58
Lake Tekapo is very similar to the many other lakes we have seen in South Island- they are all amazingly beautiful, so tranquil & so stunning. The lakes here are usually a part of the just as awesome mountains. An added attraction here is an old antiquated nice church. The feeling is just great, strolling along the beach & admiring the awesome views in front. In the morning, the sun rising from the back of the mountains shines against towards the sea & creates a stunning blanket of white rays.
4. The Church of the Good Shepherd
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,077 reviews
The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains. The Church of the Good Shepherd was built to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. "Somehow the setting and the church combine to speak of God to those who enter and pause in the midst of their busy lives." - Peter Hurricks NO PHOTOS INSIDE Please do not use cameras, cellphones or tablets inside the church so that others may enjoy as is a place of prayer and reflection. PLEASE REMOVE YOUR WASTE There are no toilet or rubbish collection facilities in the area around the church so we kindly ask that visitors remove their waste and respect the natural environment around the church.
Reviewed By happi1944 - Jupiter, United States
We visited the Church of the Good Shepherd overlooking Lake Tekapo in New Zealand last February while on an extensive (4 weeks) Collette tour of Australia and New Zealand. We had just spent an overnight at the lodge overlooking Mt. Cook and were on our way to Christchurch. This delightful church had a most knowledgeable docent who told us the history of both the church and the area. However, the best experience I had was to be allowed to play the little pump organ at the back of the church. When I asked if I could, the docent first said "no". However, when I told him I was a church organist in my hometown, he very kindly said "yes". He even searched through the pile of music to find more things for me to play. Before very long, there were lots of tourists standing around singing hymns. What a lovely experience for me. When you visit, be sure to take a walk down to Lake Tekapo (behind the church). There is quite a beautiful view of Mt. Cook.
5. Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
Located on the edge of Mt Cook National Park our shop is stocked with Freshwater King Salmon -raised in the cool glacial water of New Zealand's Southern Alps. We have a great selection of sashimi, fillets, whole salmon and smoked salmon for you to enjoy, as well as a picnic area with the world famous view of Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook. Visit our shop for: - Sashimi - Fillets and whole Salmon - Smoked Salmon - Picnic Area with view of Mt Cook. Currently open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm
Reviewed By Scottraveller2018 - Nelson, New Zealand
Great fresh salmon sashimi on the banks of the lake looking across to Mount Cook Incredible views and wonderful salmon!
6. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 684 reviews
7. Mount John University Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 713 reviews
Reviewed By P2112WFkevinh - Auckland, New Zealand
We had another lovely sunny day so took on the walk up to Mt John and then the loop around the lake side. It was a superb walk and nowhere near the 3 hours as advertised. We are in our early fifties and it took us 2.5 hours, including a decent break at the top. Recommended.
8. Mount John Summit Circuit Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By NickyM421 - Hamilton, New Zealand
After finding the road was closed i was told about the track. Walked up on my own in the late afternoon, and so pleased I did ... amazing views I wouldn't have seen otherwise. Worth getting the heart rate up, need a general level of fitness to do this comfortably
9. Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 603 reviews
Designed to educate and entertain, the centre features a spectacular state-of-the-art 3D movie, New Zealand's first full dome digital Planetarium and Museum which documents the pioneering heart of the region and features the impressive Hillary Gallery. The cafe and bar area offers indoor and outdoor seating and floor to ceiling mountain views.
Reviewed By Kiwifreespirits - Auckland, New Zealand
We visited this exhibition on our last visit a few years ago and wanted to have another look . We again really enjoyed looking at the memorabilia on display . It is much more than an exhibition on Sir Edmund Hilary as important as this undoubtedly is . Even in respect of Sir Ed it is a reminder of his Antartic adventures and achievements which understandably tend to be overshadowed by the legend of Everest .There is excellent information on other notable mountaineers and also the very interesting history of Mt Cook Airlines and the the Mt Cook area including developement over the years . Well worth a visit . Last time we also watched the excellent film in the theaterette but skipped it this time. Not sure how often the fil runs at the moment as unusual times with less visitors about
10. High Country Salmon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 365 reviews
Drop in for a rest stop on your travels and look over a working salmon farm on the glacial waters of the Mackenzie High Country -and its free to drop in and feed our beautiful salmon. Try our farm fresh sashimi and a whole range of delicious salmon cafe items at our floating shop. Or buy a fresh fish or smoked salmon packed on ice to take home and prepare yourself. We're a family run business focussed on growing the best freshwater king salmon and getting it to you fresh. Our floating cafe menu also includes sushi, chowder, curry, burgers, smoked salmon platter, grilled teriyaki salmon, hot pies, quiche, salmon eggs benedict, sandwiches, miso noodle soup and more! We look forward to seeing you. We're easy to find on the main road 3km south of Twizel.
Reviewed By melfen87
We stopped here twice for dinner and lunch and i have to say the salmon rice, sushi and sashimi are great and delicious
