Fairlie Lake Tekapo Aoraki/Mt Cook Twizel Official Visitor Guide Shore of Lake Tekapo
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fairlie lake tekapo aoraki/mt cook twizel Official Visitor Guide Shore of Lake Tekapo. Image credit: Johan Lolos Welcome to the Mackenzie Region The Mackenzie Region is situated at the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the country, with bright, sunny days and clear, starry nights. The land is sparsely populated (just over 4,000 people) and the amazing wide-open spaces are ringed by snow-capped mountains, including Aoraki Mount Cook, the tallest in New Zealand. Here, golden tussocks give way to remarkable turquoise-blue lakes, fed by meltwater from glaciers including the Tasman, the longest in New Zealand. This is the place to rediscover the magic of the night sky – the Mackenzie Region has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest in the world and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. The Mackenzie is the perfect place to experience your New Zealand outdoor adventure, or simply to take in the pure, breathtaking beauty of the landscape. Cover Image: Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, Lake Pukaki share your 2 experience UPLOAD using #MackenzieNZ #CanterburyNZ area highlights Albury • Visit the rare collection of conifers at Anderson Arboretum. • Explore the quaint, scenic farming community. Fairlie • View the beautiful green fields and rolling hills from Mt Michael. P9 • Indulge in a great range of local eateries and shops. Kimbell • Visit the quirky art galleries. • Enjoy the Kimbell – Fairlie trail, on foot or by bike. Burkes Pass • Follow in the footsteps of early settlers on the Heritage Walk. • Visit a pioneer church, art gallery and unique shops. Lake Tekapo • Home to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. P12 • Stroll over the graceful, picturesque footbridge. Glentanner • Relax with a coffee and take in the beautiful vistas. • Enjoy the stunning drive up to Aoraki Mount Cook Village. Aoraki Mount Cook Village • Discover awe-inspiring mountain views on P22 the walking trails. • Be informed and entertained at the Visitor’s Centre. Twizel • Wander along the beautiful Twizel River. P30 • Enjoy the shores and waters of Lake Ruataniwha. Omarama • Explore the otherworldly Clay Cliffs. P35 • Soar over stunning scenery on a glider flight. VISIT mackenzienz.com 3 mackenzie region Southern Alps Roundhill Aoraki Mount Cook Ski Area Aoraki/ Mt Dobson Mt Cook Lake Ski Area McGregor Lake Village Lake Opua Lake Tekapo Alexandrina Glentanner Clayton Rd Trentham Rd Braemar Rd Kimbell Mt Michael Rd Lake Geraldine Pukaki Lake 72 Burkes Hayman Rd Hayman To Christchurch 80 Tekapo Pass Fairlie Ohau 8 Snow Albury Fields Lake Ohau 8 Twizel Timaru Lake To Wanaka & Benmore Queenstown Omarama 1 83 Lake Aviemore Kurow Waimate 82 To Oamaru & Dunedin touring and travel Mackenzie Inland Scenic Route 72 Region South Canterbury Heritage Trail Christchurch Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Queenstown share your 4 experience UPLOAD using #MackenzieNZ #CanterburyNZ Geraldine Milky Way from Red Tarns track, Aoraki/Mt Cook. Image credit: Lee Cook Discover the Night Sky The Mackenzie is home to the planet’s largest (4,300 sq km) International Dark Sky Reserve, and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. Awarded with gold tier status, the region has one of the most pristine night skies in the world. • Visit Mt John on the shores of Lake Tekapo and take the opportunity to tour a working observatory. • Visit a theatre planetarium at Aoraki Mount Cook Village and learn about the unique features of the southern sky before viewing the real thing. • Take a tour with knowledgeable and passionate stargazing guides who will bring the magical night sky to life. • If you’re lucky, the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) will colour the sky for an amazing photo. VISIT mackenzienz.com 5 Explore the Outdoors The Mackenzie is home to some of New Zealand’s best outdoor experiences. With so many things to see and do, allow plenty of time to explore this diverse region. • Enjoy a relaxing walk in native forest, a more demanding hike or trek into alpine wilderness, or simply find a quiet place to sit and enjoy the view. • Admire Aoraki Mount Cook National Park’s rich flora, including the Mount Cook “lily”, the largest buttercup in the world. • Scenic flights throughout the region afford breathtaking views over the Southern Alps and countryside, with ski- plane or helicopter landings on the glaciers providing an unforgettable experience. share your 6 experience UPLOAD using #MackenzieNZ #CanterburyNZ Hooker Valley Track, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park • In the winter months, choose from three unique ski areas, heli-skiing and ski touring throughout the region. From amazing learner slopes for young families to intermediate and adventurous options on the Tasman Glacier, there is something for everyone. • The lakes, rivers and canals of the Mackenzie provide a treasure trove of fishing spots. There are lots of options, from backcountry fly fishing to relaxed family fishing for salmon in the canals. • Try something different: guides are available for glacier exploration, climbing, mountaineering, tramping or trekking in some of the most awe-inspiring spots throughout the high country and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Further information is available on mackenzienz.com VISIT mackenzienz.com 7 fairlie This pretty rural town is home to a vibrant community surrounded by majestic mountain ranges. • Take time to enjoy the unique shops, children’s playground and top-quality, family-friendly eateries. • Try the abundant salmon and trout fishing in the rivers or hunting and hiking in the hills. • Investigate the proud rural past at the Fairlie Heritage Museum. • Visit Lake Opua, a great spot for fishing, boating, swimming and camping. • Enjoy the local cafes and restaurants with their indoor or outdoor dining options. Fairlie Main Street. Image credit: Bev Bell VISIT mackenzienz.com 9 Fairlie activities & attractions Gem Alpaca Farm Visits gemalpacas.nz 18 Nixons Road, Fairlie m +64 3 6858689 [email protected] Gem Alpaca Stud is situated on the main highway from Christchurch to Queenstown - perfectly placed for your stop over. Come on in and feed, touch and meet our Alpaca & Llama. Get your up close photos with our beautiful animals. Covered veranda and our new on farm shop offering refreshments, ice creams and drinks. Farm Visits: $20 per adult, $15 per child, pre-school age FREE. Open all year round, weather dependent. Summer: 1st October to 30th April Depart at 10 am - 12 pm - 2 pm & 4 pm Winter: 1st May to 30th September Depart at 11 am - 1 pm & 3 pm Rangitata Rafts rafts.co.nz Rangitata Rafts, Peel Forest, Geraldine NZFREEPHONE 0800 251 251 p +64 3 696 3735 [email protected] Rangitata Rafts is a family business and our number one priority is making sure you have a great day. There’s no rush, no crowds, just great people and awesome rapids on one of New Zealand’s most beautiful rivers. Trips run every day from October through to May, for more information or to Book online go to www.rafts.co.nz or call 0800 251251. Fairlie. Image credit: Bev Bell share your 10 experience UPLOAD using #MackenzieNZ #CanterburyNZ VISIT mackenzienz.com Fairlie accommodation Mt Dobson Motel mtdobsonmotel.co.nz 768 Fairlie, Tekapo Highway, Kimbell, Fairlie NZFREEPHONE 0800 546 235 p +64 3 685 8819 [email protected] Owners Brigid and Geoff, welcome you to their motel, situated in the serene and picturesque village of Kimbell. Close by are three ski areas plus Lake Opuha. We offer five quiet ground floor units, all with kitchen facilities, ranging from studio through to two bedrooms (from $100 for 2 persons). Large off street parking area with garaging available for bikes. Pinewood Motels pinewoodmotels.co.nz 25 Mount Cook Road (SH 8), Fairlie NZFREEPHONE 0800 858 599 p +64 3 685 8599 [email protected] The perfect overnight stop, midway in your travels between Queenstown & Christchurch. Your friendly hosts Chris and Leanne welcome you to Fairlie’s largest motel which offers clean, modern, spacious Studios and 2-bedroom Family Units, including one wheelchair Access Unit. Free WiFi. 60+ Sky Channels including sport. Safe off-street parking. Fairlie in Autumn. Image credit: Bev Bell share your experience UPLOAD using #MackenzieNZ #CanterburyNZ VISIT mackenzienz.com 11 lake tekapo Welcome to the bustling little village of Lake Tekapo. With an abundance of activities, eateries, accommodation and selection of hiking and cycling trails, take your time to enjoy what’s on offer. • Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. • See the bronze dog statue, a tribute to the hardy sheep dogs. • Stroll across the graceful footbridge. • Walk or drive to the top of Mt John for a 360-degree view of the stunning region. • For the ultimate high country experience, go hunting or fishing with a local guide. • In winter enjoy the local ski fields, ice skating and snow-tubing, or relax in the hot pools. • Discover the area on horseback, from the air on a scenic flight or by walking one of the many scenic trails. Lake Tekapo Footbridge. Image credit: Shellie Evans share your 12 experience UPLOAD using #MackenzieNZ #CanterburyNZ VISIT mackenzienz.com Lake Tekapo activities & attractions Air Safaris airsafaris.co.nz State Highway 8, Lake Tekapo NZFREEPHONE 0800 806 880 [email protected] See aoraki mount cook and glaciers with the scenic flying experts n unforgettable adventure ! Fly with AIR SAFARIS from Lake Tekapo and experience the incredible “Grand Traverse” of Aoraki Mount Cook & glaciers. Highlights include Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Tasman & Murchison glaciers plus the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers on every flight! Air Safaris operate a modern fleet of aircraft that guarantee everybody a window seat.