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Before you go
Your trip to Twizel.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Twizel – Canterbury Destination Aoraki / Mount Cook and Tekapo about 285 km from Christchurch
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Queenstown (ZQN) Queenstown · 200 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
It’s on Highway 8, about 60 km from Tekapo and 65 km from the village of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Long-distance buses between Christchurch and Queenstown stop in town, and there are buses to the park village. Queenstown is about a 2.5-hour drive away.
How many days
One night, as a base for Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki. With two days, include Omarama’s clay cliffs and a section of the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail.
When to go
From December to March, with long, dry days. In summer the population nearly triples with holidaymakers. Winter is cold, with heavy frost and snow.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes, in practice: points of interest are spread across the plateau and public transport is limited. The Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail passes through town for cyclists.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Twizel
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Morning
Lake Pukaki
Go to the visitor centre at the southern end of Lake Pukaki, about 7 km away, and follow the shore to the viewpoints overlooking Aoraki/Mount Cook, about 70 km to the north.
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Afternoon
Omarama clay cliffs
Head south to the Omarama clay cliffs, about 40 km away, and walk among the gravel and clay towers on the short trail.
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Late afternoon
Lake Ruataniwha
Return via Twizel and pass the shore of Lake Ruataniwha, used for rowing and sailing, just minutes from town.
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Evening
Dark sky
With a clear sky, leave town to stargaze: Twizel also lies within the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth staying in Twizel to visit Aoraki/Mount Cook?
Yes, for travelers who want more accommodation options and lower prices. The park village is about 65 km away, roughly a 50-minute drive, along the shore of Lake Pukaki.
What to do in Twizel?
Visit Lake Pukaki and the viewpoints for Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Omarama clay cliffs, Lake Ruataniwha, and cycle sections of the Alps 2 Ocean trail.
Why was Twizel created?
To house workers building the upper Waitaki hydroelectric schemes, in 1968. After the works finished, the town remained and became a tourist base.
Is Twizel far from Queenstown?
About a 2.5-hour drive via Highway 8 and the Lindis Pass, or via Cromwell.