Aurora - chapel - Lake Tekapo - Mt Cook Mackenzie  Fraser Gunn

About Mt Cook & Mackenzie

Whether you come to explore, energise or invigorate, Mt Cook Mackenzie's spectacular alpine scenery, crystal clear horizons, turquoise coloured lakes and golden valleys promise to captivate and excite.

Be Captivated by Mt Cook & Mackenzie

With scorching summer temperatures and freezing snowy winters, this is a land of extremes where visitors can enjoy a raft of unforgettable activities, no matter what the season.  

Aoraki Mt Cook

No visit to the region would be complete without experiencing New Zealand’s highest peak – Aoraki Mt Cook. This dazzling mountain soars to 3654 metres, towering over the tiny Mt Cook Village and surrounding hills. Snow-capped year round, the mountain can be ascended by experienced climbers, as well as viewed from the many walks in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, or seen up close by air. Mt Cook Village harbours plenty of other attractions, including walking, kayaking, a glacier boat trip and the informative Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the country. The turquoise waters are world famous, and the multi-coloured lupins which surround its edges in early summer are truly eye-catching. Visit the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd – the lake and alps create a picture-perfect backdrop.

Fairlie

This largely rural community is also known for its proximity to a number of good ski areas. Ski fields Mt Dobson and Roundhill, as well as club field Fox Peak, are all within easy driving distance of Fairlie. The town's pastoral backbone is displayed for all at the annual A&P show - a huge event that gives everyone a chance to experience rural New Zealand.

Twizel

The population of tiny Twizel swells to tens of thousands in summer, as visitors flock to enjoy the township's surrounding lakes and relaxed lifestyle. Known for its delicious salmon and its top rowing lake - where national rowing regattas are held annually - Twizel is also the only place in the world where you can view the Black Stilt - the world's rarest wading bird.

Omarama

Surprisingly, this region is also a world-class gliding location – the combination of mountains and clear air make miniscule Omarama the gliding capital of the world. Gliding competitions during summer attract hundreds of people to the farming town.

Whether you come to hunt, ski, hike or just escape, this region won’t disappoint!

More Information

Aoraki Mount Cook Mackenzie is the Regional Tourism Organisation for this region. Their website has more indepth regional information, events and local news.

 Lake Ohau Lodge - Mt Cook Mackenzie  © Lawrence Smith

Mt Cook & Mackenzie

Accommodation

From backpackers to exclusive luxury lodges; B&Bs to farmstays; holiday parks to hotels  - there is an accommodation option for everyone. 

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 Hiking near Lake Ohau, Twizel, Mt Cook Mackenzie  Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie

Mt Cook & Mackenzie

Activities

The region offers many adventure activities, including world class gliding, hiking, heli-tours and skiing. Take your pick!  

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