Location: Twizel
Top Things to do in Twizel
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What to do and see in Twizel, South Island: The Best Things to do
Twizel /ˈtwaɪzəl/ (Māori: Ruataniwha) is the largest town in the Mackenzie District, in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand's South Island. The town was founded in 1968 to house construction workers on the Upper Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme. Twizel has a resident population of 1,250 (June 2017); during the summer, holidaymakers nearly triple the town's population.
Restaurants in Twizel
1. SkyScape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
This distinctive accommodation is designed to maximise the extraordinary views of the Mackenzie Country both day and night, with a bedroom built predominantly of glass. This unique building comprises a glass-roofed bedroom, as well as a grass roofed kitchenette and bathroom and is located on a farm, within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Reviewed By Travellingtom2021
Bevan and Bridget have created a wee slice of paradise in the middle of Mackenzie Country. Fantastic accommodation, so well presented and thoughtful, with the eco-friendly design of the room. Peaceful and isolated, it was the perfect place to relax and unwind with views looking out over the the land and of course, billions of stars once the sun sets, either from the outdoor bath or the comfort of the roomy bed. The magical sight of seeing stars drifting across the glass ceiling as you lay in bed is an experience like no other. I will definitely be back and highly recommend Skyscape for anyone looking to experience something special.
2. Mueller Ridge
3. 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!
4. Lake Ohau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By skyhighski - La Roche-des-Arnauds, France
Spent the day on the shore of the lake, swimming, sun bathing and enjoying a wonderful picnic with a bunch of friends, the surrounding mountains are magnificent and the region is simply spectacular, well worth the drive
5. Lake Ruataniwha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By 993anitat - Forster, Australia
We stopped on the edge of Lake Ruataniwha which is an artificial lake in the McKenzie Basin. It is located beside the highway two kilometres North of Twizel and forms part of the Waitaki Hydroelectric Project. There were lots of people along the bank trying their luck at catching a trout. Personally I was blown away by the sheer beauty of the mountains reflecting in the still water of the lake. I consider it a must stop, have a walk, fish or picnic and definitely take lots of photographs.
6. Twizel Information Centre
7. 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
8. New Zealand Alpine Lavender
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 25 reviews
NZ Alpine Lavender is the largest organic lavender farm in the southern hemisphere. The farm and its surroundings are beautiful and you can visit our shop where we sell our award winning oils and other lavender based products. A great place to find unique and fine quality New Zealand made gifts.
Reviewed By skyhighski - La Roche-des-Arnauds, France
The lavender farm is a great place to stop and relax with wonderful flavours of ice cream to enjoy, there is the opportunity to walk or sit in the rows of fresh lavender growing at the farm, it’s truly a unique experience well worth your time to stop.
9. Kaki Visitor Hide
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 6 reviews
The kaki/black stilt visitor hide is closed until further notice due to significant damage caused by heavy snow in 2015. Guided tour to see the world’s most endangered wading bird.Learn about the recovery programme. Late Oct-Apr: daily 9.30am & 4.30pm. Cost: adults $20, children $10. Families pay for first child only. Own transport required. Bookings essential at the local info centre or the MacKenzie Country Hotel. Find us on facebook.
10. Twizel Walkway
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By Narziss - Auckland, New Zealand
We arrived to collect hire bikes in preparation for our A2O journey and found this a great path to get acclimatised to the both the bikes and especially the electric versions for those of us using them.
