I spent 6 months of my year in New Zealand living in the small town of Twizel, in the Mackenzie Region of the South Island. Located between Christchurch and Queenstown, less than an hour from Tekapo, this is a really special place. It’s surrounded by mountains and long stretches of open plains, with lakes and canals snaking alongside the roads. I’m lucky enough to have called it home for a short time! Here are all of the best things to see and do in Twizel, New Zealand.

The Best Things to Do in Twizel

Swim at Lake Ruatnaiwha

This man-made lake is a breathtaking shade of turquoise, thanks to glacial particles feeding into the lake from the nearby canals. It’s one of my favorite places on earth – when I think of my happy place, this lake is what immediately springs to mind. The lagoon is shallow, and great for families or relaxing in the sun. I had “my spot” here on the lagoon, where I went swimming most days after work in the summer. There are walking trails around the lake if you’re visiting in winter or don’t want to swim. Note that it’s popular for rowing, and during major events there won’t be public lake access. You can drive through the caravan park and park near the toilet here.

Enjoy the view of Aoraki/Mount Cook

There is a sign and bench on Wairepo Road (running parallel to the highway) with a great view of Aoraki/Mount Cook in the distance. You can just see the mountain peak through the trees! It’s between the motel and Musterer’s Hut.

There’s also a fantastic view towards the mountains as you drive down Glen Lyons Road.

Spot the lupins along the Twizel River

Head down to the Twizel River around November to see a beautiful display of lupins along the riverbanks. This was one of my favorite lupin spots in the region – and no one knows about it! There is a really nice footpath along the river, which I loved on my days off work.

Walk the Twizel Walkway

This walk is 8 km, and will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. The route goes along the river, veering off on North West Arch and continuing on through the quiet woodland. It then brings you in a loop back to the town center and where you started. It’s a good way to get your bearings and explore some of the Twizel area. There are signposts marking the route as you go.

Read More: The Best Walks in Twizel, New Zealand

Hike Ben Ohau and the Greta Track

Ben Ohau and the Greta Track was one of my favorite day hikes in all of New Zealand. In fact, this walk was one of the reasons I came back to Twizel for summer! There are absolutely phenomenal views from the summit of Ben Ohau – you can see the bright blue glacial waters of Lake Ohau, Twizel and Lake Ruataniwha, and even Lake Pukaki from here. The route, including the true summit (which is off the main track), is just over 19 km and will take 6 to 8 hours. You can do this in a loop – I recommend going clockwise to avoid a ridiculously steep ascent. If you want to do one major walk around Twizel, it should be this one.

Read More: Hiking Ben Ohau and the Greta Track: Everything You Need to Know

Relax at Loch Cameron

Loch Cameron is a pretty lake near the canals, with an easy 1.2-kilometer loop around the shore. I’ve swum here, but a friend from work told me there were massive eels here (still not sure if she was joking, lol) which slightly put me off. It’s a peaceful spot for fishing and swimming just outside of town!

See the Old Iron Bridge

One of the best swim spots around Twizel is at the Old Iron Bridge. Built in 1889, this used to be the main highway bridge, before the road was rerouted in the 1970s. I loved swimming here – although I wasn’t brave enough to jump off the bridge! It’s a nice spot to chill by the water for the day. The road here isn’t sealed and there are some nasty potholes, so take care if you’re driving a 2WD.

Visit High Country Salmon

You can’t visit Twizel without stopping at High Country Salmon. This is a family-owned salmon farm, with a cafe/restaurant on a floating dock in glacial waters. See the fish – you can usually feed them for free – or cast a line to reel in your own salmon. The cafe serves tasty bites including fresh sashimi and sushi – you won’t find fresher farm-to-table fish than this! Stop by the shop to pick up salmon and various other products. If you want to do the Catch-a-Fish experience, it’s best to book in advance.

Explore Lake Pukaki

Just a short drive from Twizel is one of the most beautiful places in all of New Zealand: Lake Pukaki. There are so many viewpoints along the road to gaze across the bright blue glacial water towards Mount Cook in the distance, plus there’s a path for walking/biking along the shoreline. Swim at the beach near the freedom campground, snap insane photos from Peter’s Lookout, hike the 4-kilometer Pukaki Kettle Hole Track, and just enjoy the beauty of this area. My favorite viewpoint is listed on Google Maps as Lake Pukaki Viewpoint.

Relive Lord of the Rings at Pelennor Fields

Film crews took over the small town of Twizel during the filming of Lord of the Rings, as the major battle scene in Return of the King was filmed just outside of town. You can soak up the scenery of Pelennor Fields (no orcs to be found) and enjoy this amazing film location. The Peace Ring, run by a lovely man named Dean, offers a truly special experience for LOTR fans. Sadly, it’s listed as permanently closed on Google Maps.

Read More: Lord of the Rings Film Locations to Visit in New Zealand

Bike part of the A2O

The Alps to Ocean (A2O) cycle trail is a 315-kilometer route and the longest bike trail in New Zealand. The route starts in Tekapo or Mount Cook, and finishes in Oamaru on the coast, passing some of the most beautiful mountain scenery and glacial lakes on the way. Part of the trail runs through Twizel, so it’s easy to do a section from here. The flat trails around the canals also offer great opportunities for biking.

Go fishing

I’m not one for fishing, but the canals and lakes here offer loads of opportunities for fishing. If you like fishing, you’ll definitely enjoy this area. There were folks fishing pretty much every single day around the NZMCA Campsite across from High Country Salmon.

Eat at Mint Folk & Co

Twizel is a very small town, with just a few businesses. The best place to eat here is Mint Folk & Co – whether you want a quick brunch or tasty mains in the evening, the food is delicious. Book a table in the evening if you’re dining in, as it does get busy. It’s also a nice spot to come for a drink if you’re after cocktails.

Things to Do Around Twizel

Thanks to Twizel’s central location in the Mackenzie Region, there’s a lot to do in the surrounding area, outside of the immediate town. You will need a car to access these places from Twizel!

Relax at Lake Ohau

If you want to avoid the crowds of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, head to Lake Ohau. This glacial lake is located slightly further off the highway, but it’s well worth it. The mountain views – of Ben Ohau and of the Ohau Ski Fields – are superb.

Hike at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki/Mount Cook is one of the most popular places to visit in the country, and with good reason. The mountain is the highest in New Zealand, at 3,724 meters high. Some of the best hikes, like the Hooker Valley Track, Sealy Tarns and Mueller Hut, and Red Tarns, are here. Walk out to see Tasman Glacier, or even go on a boat ride around the icebergs. You can easily spend a couple days here if you like hiking and being outdoors.

Enjoy Lake Tekapo

Less than an hour’s drive from Twizel is Lake Tekapo. There is a lot to do here, centered around the beautiful glacial lake. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, hike Mount John Observatory or Cowans Hill Walkway, and relax in the hot pools at Tekapo Springs. I also loved swimming in the lake here. Don’t miss it on a visit to the Mackenzie.

Admire the Clay Cliffs

The Clay Cliffs are located in Omarama, about a 40-minute drive from Twizel. These remarkable pinnacles and ridges offer loads of fun as you wander around the dramatic ravines. Note that the cliffs are accessed on an unsealed road on private land – entry is $10 per vehicle.

Have fun at Lake Benmore

Another of my favorite places around Twizel is Lake Benmore. You can get to the lake from Ohau C Substation, but I especially loved hiking around Benmore Peninsula. There are fantastic views over the lake and hilly landscape from Islands Lookout – the walk is 4 km and will take 1 to 1.5 hours.

Planning Your Trip to Twizel

Twizel is located in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand. Christchurch is the closest major airport – I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. While there is bus service to Twizel with the Intercity network, the area around town is best explored with a vehicle. I survived without a car in Twizel for several months, but it was rough! (I hitchhiked several times, lol.) There are two Four Square supermarkets here, a pharmacy, an outdoor sports shop, a hardware store, post office, and a Mobil gas station, if you need to stock up on supplies. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

If you’re after a guided tour in the area, check out options below!

Where to Stay in Twizel

I camped at a free camp outside Twizel on my first visit, and lived in staff accommodation for the 6 months I lived in town. But there is a range of places to stay here depending on your budget and style!

• Free Campground: Lake Poaka DOC – a basic DOC site suitable for self-contained and non-self-contained vehicles, near a pretty lake a short 10-minute drive outside of town
• Paid Campground: Twizel Holiday Park – a highly rated caravan park with powered sites and a great location in town
• Budget: High Country Lodge and Backpackers – dorm rooms, private rooms, and studios are available at this conveniently located spot that has a communal kitchen
• Mid-range: Alps Motel & Apartments –clean, comfy, and spacious motel rooms in an excellent and convenient location (I lived just steps away from here!)
• Luxury: Matuka Lodge – a five-star property just outside of town with gorgeous views of the mountain and pond

Most visitors skip Twizel completely on a trip to the South Island – or if they do stop, it’s just to get gas or grab essentials at Four Square. But there is so much to do in this small town, especially if you like being outdoors. I loved my time living here, and I’m so grateful I got to explore as much of the town and area as I did. I hope this post helps planning your trip to Twizel!

Have you visited Twizel before? What were your favorite spots around town?

You might also like my posts:

The Best Walks in Twizel, New Zealand

Hiking Ben Ohau and the Greta Track: Everything You Need to Know

21 Phenomenal Places You Must Visit in the Mackenzie Region, New Zealand

Lord of the Rings Film Locations to Visit in New Zealand

20 of the BEST Day Hikes in New Zealand

Free & Budget Campsites in New Zealand for Non-Self-Contained

How to Save Money Traveling New Zealand on a Budget

All of my New Zealand posts!

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