Twizel

Travel Guide
Twizel showing a lake or waterhole and a bay or harbour
Base yourself at this convenient South Island stopover town to take a scenic flight over a glacier, see movie-set landscapes and get active in alpine wonderlands.

Twizel is a small town in the Mackenzie District of New Zealand’s South Island, which is an alpine region full of spellbinding mountains, lakes and rolling hills. Twizel is situated next to Lake Ruataniwha and gives easy access to the vast Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Established in 1968 to house workers of the local hydroelectric scheme, Twizel is a relatively young town even for New Zealand standards. Due to its convenient location in between Lake Tekapo and Queenstown, Twizel has become a popular stopover for those crossing New Zealand’s South Island.

Set out on a hike or bike ride to take in the majesty of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Mountain bike options from Twizel range from simple bike hire through to fully supported multi-day tours.

Step into the mystical realms of Middle-earth during a Lord Of The Rings Twizel Tour. Visit the stunning spots where famous scenes were filmed and learn about how the movies were made. Put on a costume to pose for a photo for a great souvenir.

See the scenery from a different perspective by taking a kayak trip out on a lake. Go on a guided tour or drift along in the serenity of your own company.

A third way of appreciating the majesty of the landscape is from above. Enjoy a scenic biplane flight, which takes just 2 passengers to provide a personalized viewing experience.

Visit High Country Salmon at their lakeside farm just to the south of town. Feed the salmon in the ponds with some of the free fish food that is provided and marvel at their speed and maneuverability. Order fresh salmon sushi, salmon pies or smoked salmon and eat it next to the ponds where the fish was caught.

Twizel is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark-Sky Reserve, a heaven for stargazers. Dark-sky reserves are in low nighttime light areas and reduce artificial light pollution to help promote astronomy.

Whether it's the night sky or the movie-like scenery, you can’t help but be starstruck by this enchanting place in the far regions of the Southern Hemisphere.

Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Cnr Ostler & Wairepo Roads, PO Box 99, Twizel
The price is S$237 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
S$237
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (569 reviews)
"convenient location Corridors dingy, could benefit from artwork/posters Corridor carpet joins need fixing urgently Bathroom getting shabby, plug in our bathroom basin room didn't work. Room 110"

Reviewed on 28 Oct,2024

Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park
Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park
3 out of 5
53 Freda Du Faur Avenue, Twizel
The price is S$70 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
S$70
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Twizel. Enjoy free parking, WiFi (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Lake Ruataniwha and Mueller Ridge ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (65 reviews)
"Great place for a short stay."

Reviewed on 26 Oct,2024

Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park
Mountain Chalets Motel
Mountain Chalets Motel
3 out of 5
Wairepo Road, Twizel
The price is S$143 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
S$143
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3-star motel in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (870 reviews)
"The staff were very friendly and helpful. The place was spacious and quiet. Even though it did get cold at night, I was fine with their comfy blanket and electric mattress pad. Definitely recommend it!"

Reviewed on 26 Oct,2024

Mountain Chalets Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Glencairn Beauty
Glencairn Beauty
3.5 out of 5
16 Glencairn Road, Twizel
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Excellent stay.
"Excellent home. Appears brand new. Super comfortable and clean."

Reviewed on 23 Feb,2024

Glencairn Beauty
Twizel Cottages
Twizel Cottages
3.5 out of 5
2 Irishman Drive, Twizel
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
"Great little unit which was easy to find, warm on arrival and all you need for a short stay."

Reviewed on 17 Jul,2024

Twizel Cottages
Glencairn Glamour
Glencairn Glamour
3.5 out of 5
30 Glencairn Road, Twizel
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
THANK YOU
"Thank you for letting us stay with you. We can feel like home."

Reviewed on 14 Apr,2023

Glencairn Glamour
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Twizel

3.8
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 10%
4 - Good
7
" "4 - Good 70%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 10%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Terry

Lovely area and perfect stopover place.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Quite a sleepy town but a good base to explore the region.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

lovely peaceful spot ideal for touring around