| TWIZEL
NEW
ZEALAND
Homepage
for Twizel New Zealand, Mount Cook and the Mackenzie
Basin.
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ACTIVITIES IN TWIZEL, MT COOK AND THE MACKENZIE BASIN
FISHING
- GOLF - HUNTING - TRAMPING - WALKING TRACKS
Twizel,
the home of world class fly fishing in New Zealand's South Island
- Mackenzie Basin. It has been said that there are enough streams
and rivers here to fish new water for 6 years or more. For
those who live within membership distance of Twizel's Ben Ohau
Golf Course, the sight of the snow covered heights of the Southern
Alps and the clear blue skies on a constant basis are simply
a way of life. The Twizel hunting blocks are well known for
their thar hunting potential. Chamois, wallabies, pigs and red
deer are also found in the area. |
Here
is a list of local activities for you to enjoy when
visiting Twizel. Bookings are essential for most of
these ac-tivities. To make bookings or for more information,
contact:
Twizel Visitor Centre, Twizel Events Centre.
Phone 435 3124
Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre, SH8 Lake Pukaki.
Phone 435 3280
Lake Tekapo i-SITE
Main Street, SH8, Lake Tekapo. Phone 03 680 6579
Or visit: www.twizel.com / www.mtcooknz.com
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TWIZEL:
Guided Kaki/Black Stilt Tour - Black stilts
are the rarest wading bird in the world. Tours at 9.30am and
4.30pm daily.
Lord of the Rings Tours - 1 hour & 2 hour
tour options available, visiting local filming sites of Lord
of the Rings films. www.discoverytours.co.nz for more information.
Helibike tours - Helicopter up, mountain bike
down. Several helibike options available. www.helibike.com or
visit iHUB infor-mation centre next to Poppies Café.
Scenic Flights Scenic helicopter and plane flights are available
from Pukaki Airfield, just north of Twizel. Enquire at Twizel
Infor-mation Centre or Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre.
Mountain Biking / Cycling - Biking is a great
way to explore Twizel. There is a wide variety of bike trails
in the area. Pick up a brochure from the Information Centres.
Bike hire, repairs, service and equip-ment: iHUB information
centre next to Poppies or Twizel Adventures 0274 894935
Walking - There is a wide variety of walking
trails, including the ‘round the town’ loop. Ask
for suggested routes at Twizel In-formation Centre.
Fishing - There are several rivers, lakes
and ca-nals to be fished. Fishing licenses and equipment are
available at Twizel Hard-ware and Southern Alps Fishing both
in Market Place, Twizel.
Golf - Ben Ohau Golf Club, corner Mackenzie
Drive and Ostler Road. Phone 435 0302. Driving range also available.
Mini golf: - The Musterer’s Hut Café,
Ruataniwha Road, Twizel.
Tennis - Local tennis courts located behind
Twizel swimming pool. Free of charge. BYO rackets and balls.
Squash - There are two squash courts in the
Twizel Events Centre. Book and pay at Twizel Information Centre.
BYO rackets and ball.
Climbing Wall - The Twizel indoor climbing
wall is open Thursday nights from 7-9pm. Located in the Twizel
Events Centre. Harness supplied. Private sessions by arrange-ment.
Call Twizel Information Centre 03 4353 124
Frisbee Golf - The Twizel Frisbee Golf course
starts beside the old earthmoving machines on Wairepo Road.
It is free to use and open to the public. Play against the locals,
Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 5pm. Frisbees and course
infor-mation/score cards can be purchased from the Twizel Information
Centre.
Salmon Farms - Visit High Country Salmon, just
south of Lake Ruataniwha. Buy fresh salmon and sashimi or feed
the fish for a donation. Or Mt Cook Alpine Salmon on the canal
road between Twizel & Tekapo (signposted from SH8).
Op Shop - The Twizel Op Shop will be open
ex-tended hours. Purchase second hand clothing, shoes and homewares.
Lo-cated beside the church on Mackenzie Drive.
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LAKE PUKAKI -
(10 minutes drive north of Twizel)
Enjoy the views from Lake Pukaki Visi-tor Centre, SH8. Walk
around the Lake Pukaki Kettlehole track. Great views. One hour
walking. Details from Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre.
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MOUNT COOK - (45
minutes drive from Twizel)
Glacier Explorers boat trip
Cruise to the icebergs on Tasman Gla-cier Terminal Lake. Tour
approximately 3 hours. Departs daily (weather de- pendent).
Book at The Hermitage Hotel,
Mt Cook Village or with the Hermitage representative at the
rowing Course.
www.glacierexplorers.co.nz.
4WD & Argo tours - Tasman Valley - Tour
approximately 2.5 hours. Departs 10am & 2pm or on demand
for groups.
Bookings essential. Book at The Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook Village,
or with the Hermitage representative at the Rowing Course
Glacier Sea Kayaking - Walk to the Hooker Lake
and enjoy paddling around icebergs. Book at The Old Mountaineers
Cafe, Mt Cook Village.
Scenic Flights - Scenic ski plane and helicopter
flights are available from Mt Cook Village and nearby Glentanner
Park. Some offer glacier and snow landings.
Walking - There are many excellent walks in
and around Mt Cook Village. For more information, track details
and conditions visit the DOC Visitor Centre in Mt Cook Village.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre - Located
at The Hermitage Hotel. Includes the Sir Edmund Hillary Museum;
a 3D movie ‘Mount Cook Magic’, Planetarium with
3 space/astronomy shows playing at various times daily.
DOC Visitor Centre - Learn more about Aoraki
Mt Cook National Park, climbing and tramping opportunities,
history & local conservation issues.
The Cook Connection - Daily transport to Mt
Cook Village from Twizel at 8.45am and 12.45pm. Departs The
Hermitage, Mt Cook Village at 10am and 4pm. Bookings phone 0800
26 56 26. www.cookconnect.co.nz. |
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LAKE TEKAPO -
(40 minutes drive north of Twizel)
Drive the canal road between Twizel & Lake Tekapo (signposted
from SH8). Stop at Mt Cook Alpine Salmon on the way where you
can feed or buy salmon.
Mt John Observatory tours - Day tours of the
facilities and night time stargazing tours. www.earthandsky.com.
Phone 03 680 6960.
Scenic Flights - Air Safaris offers one hour
scenic plane flights. View Mt Cook and the West Coast. www.airsafaris.co.nz.
Phone 03 680 6880.
Walking - There are several local walks in
Lake Tekapo village. For more information, ask at the Information
Centres.
Hot pools & spa - Three open-air hot pools,
private tubs, sauna, steam room and plunge pool as well as a
beauty spa offering massage and beauty therapies. Open 10am
to 10pm daily. www.alpinesprings.co.nz. Phone 03 680 6984.
The Church of the Good Shepherd - Visit Tekapo’s
famous church and sheep dog statue. Great views and photo opportunities.
Open 9-5. Tekapo also offers Lake Cruises, Kayaking and Jet
Boat trips. Ask at any of the Info. Centres.
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OMARAMA - (20 minutes south
of Twizel)
Clay Cliffs: - Signposted from main road. View
these spectacular natural cliffs. Short walks and great photo
opportunity.
Omarama Hot Tubs: - Private outdoor hot tubs.
www.hottubsomarama.co.nz
Phone 03 438 9703. Omarama offers World Class Gliding and Tiger
Moth flights. The Information Centres can help |
| TWIZEL
EATERIES
Alpine Takeways 4350
406
Poppies 4350 848
Combined Services Club 4350 494
Razza Bar 4350 492
Charming Thai Restaurant 4353 232
Shawtys 4353 155
Hunters Café and Bar 4350 303
The Musterer’s Hut 4350 241
Mackenzie Country Inn 4350 848
Top Hut Bar and Bistro 4350 832 |
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| OHAU
SKI FIELD - TWIZEL NEW ZEALAND |
It
is a 20 minute drive from Lake Ohau Lodge to the Snow Fields.
Most people drive themselves, sometimes hiring chains from the
Lodge at the bottom of the road if they don't have a 4WD or
chains are required that day. There is also a bus that leaves
every morning from the Lodge at 9.15am and only returns at the
end of the day. From the 9.6km access road, the views up the
valley to Aoraki Mount Cook and overlooking Lake Ohau are spectacular
with snatched glimpses of the snow field now and again before
opening up to the full panorama on arrival at the car park.
From the
car park it is a quick walk to the ticket office and Day Lodge
and once you're all set to go a gentle slide down to the start
of the chair lift or platter slope. For beginners the snow mat
is right there. Arranging a lesson is a good idea to start off
with and there is plenty of good rental gear.
The mountain
caters for all abilities. With the installation of the double
chair lift a couple of years ago and some slope grooming most
intermediates are now able to enjoy the flat wide slopes at
the top of the mountain and cruise down the Boulevard very comfortably.
There is some great hiking around the tops for the more adventurous
accessing the best powder snow and the views from there are
really magnificent and definitely worth the effort.
At the
end of a great day in the mountains, there is nothing better
than knowing you're only 20 minutes from a hot spa with a gluhwein
in your hand or a cold beer in the bar. Back to friendly staff,
no thinking about what you're going to cook that night and a
very reasonably priced holiday. You will leave relaxed and revived!
CLICK HERE
TO VISIT WEB SITE |
FISHING
IN TWIZEL NEW ZEALAND
Twizel, the home of world class fly fishing in New Zealand's South
Island - Mackenzie Basin. It has been said that there are enough
streams and rivers here to fish new water for 6 years or more.
All Waters hold both wild Rainbow and wild Brown Trout. The Mackenzie
basin offers a variety of fly Fishing water, from fast flowing
mountain streams to gentle chalk stream type water. Just 10 minutes
from Twizel you will find the Tekapo river, boasting the largest
population of fish per kilometer in the south island.
Or,
if like myself, the legs aren't quite like they used to be, fishing
the canals with your surfcaster or boat rod can be trully satisfying
with Rainbow Trout and Salmon up to 27 lb regularly being caught.
During the fishing season Twizel usually enjoys dry days with
temperatures in the mid 20C- 30C, however, it can experience some
cold, wet and windy days as well as heat-waves.
River and stream fishing, walking upstream, spotting and stalking
rainbows and browns, is a style of flyfishing often referred to
as "hunting" trout. Spotting trout in fast waters or
poor light conditions requires many years experience and is a
skill top New Zealand guides excel at. Whenever possible the dry
fly is used, however as 80% of trout feeding is on nymphs near
or on the river bed, logically weighted nymphs will have a higher
success rate.
The key to flyfishing success in New Zealand is accuracy and presentation.
Our true wild strain trout generally do not tolerate sloppy casting.
Both presentation and drift are essential and it certainly makes
for challenging and exciting fishing. Nearly always we cast to
visible trout and having guided and fished extensively overseas
I can say that there is nothing to compare with this style of
New Zealand flyfishing.
The Twizel area offers the
anglers a variety of fishing opportunities from spring creeks
and gentle streams to larger rivers, all well stocked with prime
rainbow and brown trout. All this with the world famous Southern
Alps and Mt Cook as a backdrop. The huge watershed of the Southern
Alps provides sparkling,crystal clear, cool waters, the perfect
habitat for trout. The region also has one of New Zealands most
reliable climates.
Internationally
Famous Trout Rivers The
Tekapo River
The Tekapo River is a braided river system that drains from
Lake Tekapo and flows 25 kilometers before entering Lake Benmore.
The best fishing is to found below the confluence of the Maryburn
and Gray Rivers, which are themselves both very high quality
fisheries. The Tekapo River holds one of New Zealand's highest
numbers of good sized Brown and Rainbow Trout. This river is
willow lined offering trout both shade and security. By New
Zealand standards this river has prolific numbers of both Mayfly
and Caddis so the visiting angler can expect some hatches through
the day, especially early and late in the season when water
temperatures are lower.
The Ahuriri
River
The Ahuriri River is very aesthetically pleasing, especially in
the upper headwaters. It is a meduim sized river rising in the
Southern Alps and flowing through tussock open country before
emptying (as does the Tekapo River) into Lake Benmore. The lower
section to 10 kilometers above the lake is not unlike the Tekapo
River with very high trout numbers of average size. Similar files
to those used on the Tekapo River are successful here. The upper
reaches are known for their trophy Brown Trout.Trout numbers are
not high however trout there are not only large but particularly
beautiful and usually in magnificent condition. These are very
wary fish as their size would suggest, but the skilled and patient
angler will be rewarded. Very exciting fishing can be had when
the cicadas are on the water in mid February to early March. Believe
me, nothing gets the adrenalin going more than the sight of a
large Brown rising from the depths of a crystal clear pool some
8 to 10 feet deep, to suck in a large 8-10 Terrestial pattern.
February
to March is my favourite time to be on the river. Fly hatches
are not as prolific here and the fish are more opportunist feeders,
so presentaion rather than fly pattern is the essential element.
1) What
is the best time of the season? The beginning of the season
can be very good. Early November December the fish are hungry
and general in pretty good condition. The weather however can
be a bit wild, being close to the mountains Sunny mornings followed
by snow, not uncommon. January February the caddis start hatching
out in the high country, which can be loads of fun. Good dry
fly time. March April generally will find you along on the rivers,
Aprils is begging to get a bit colder, but lovely mornings and
warm afternoons, the weather is more stable.
2) What to bring. The weather in the early part of the season
can often be unpredictable with sunny skies in he morning followed
by snow in the afternoon. Foul weather gear a must. A second
rod in the case of one breaking 4,5, and 6 are fine selection,
though at times a heavy rod in the wind can be best. Recommend
having darker lines, the bright colors very visible to fish.
3) The invasive alga didymo. Please log on a read the information
regarding the spreading of the alga.
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/didymo
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Twizel
Te Manahuna Area covers the South Canterbury region
of the South Island, within the iconic Mackenzie Basin.Twizel
Te Manahuna area office manages over 220,000 hectares
of public conservation land which includes Ahuriri and
Ruataniwha conservation parks as well as the Godley,
Oteake, Kirkliston and St Marys Range. The terrain ranges
from steep rock and scree slopes, glaciers, braided
rivers, beech forest and open tussock country. The Twizel
hunting blocks are well known for their thar hunting
potential. Chamois, wallabies, pigs and red deer are
also found in the area.
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| GOLF
IN TWIZEL AND THE MACKENZIE BASIN
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BEN
OHAU GOLF GLUB, TWIZEL, NEW ZEALAND
For
those who livr within membership distance of Twizel's
Ben Ohau Golf Course, the sight of the snow covered
heights of the Southern Alps and the clear blue skies
on a constant basis are simply a way of life. The district
is reknown for its lack of rainfall yet golfers play
on green grass along tree lined fairways where once
neither grass or trees existed. The 9 hole layup is
set up for an 18 hole card over 5,345 metres.
BEN OHAU GOLF GLUB
9 hole golf course (72 par). Players welcome. Turn from
State Highway 8 at Twizel Township signs and follow
signs to golf course. Driving
Range phone for hours +64 3 435 0000 Green fees $12,
juniors $5,[18 holes or part thereof] Club hire $15.
Four person carts available.
Contact: Malcolm Lousley
Phone: (03) 3 435 0302 - Fax: (03) 3 435 0302
Address: South Road, Twizel
Email: Email
us
Web Site: www.benohau.nzgolf.net |
Mackenzie
Golf Club
Highest registered 9 hole course in NZ. Undulating, sub
alpine backdrop, very scenic.
State Highway 8, PO Box 68, LAKE TEKAPO, New Zealand,
Ph: 03 680 6830 |
Omarama
Golf Club
A pleasant, flat, 9 hole course bounded by the Omarama
Stream with fine views of the mountains.Affiliate Green
Fees $10, $7 with Guide
Non-Affiliate Green Fees $10, $7 with Guide
State Highway 8, c/- PO Box 65, OMARAMA, New Zealand
Ph: 03 438 9784 - Email: terre@xtra.co.nz
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Otematata
Golf Club
9 holes, undulating fairways. On the shores of Lake Aviemore
below Benmore Dam. Very picturesque.Affiliate Green Fees
$10, $7 with Guide
Non-Affiliate Green Fees $10, $7 with Guide
c/o Postal Agency, OTEMATATA, North Otago
New Zealand
Email:
ian.calder@xtra.co.nz
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Tarras
Golf Club
Wide open 9 hole course. Balance of flat & undulating
fairways, trees for interest.Affiliate Green Fees $10,
$7 with Guide - Non-Affiliate Green Fees $10, $7 with
Guide
Main Cromwell - Omarama Highway, Tarras
C/- Holger Reinecke, 3RD, CROMWELL, New Zealand
Ph: 03 445 2020, Email: info@lindisriver.co.nz
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| TWIZEL
ATTRACTIONS
Twizel
is the closest town to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Ohau
Forest. Mt Cook, the highest peak in Oceania (3750m) is just
40 minutes away from Twizel.
Twizel
is surrounded by the beautiful Southern Alps (snow-capped during
winter) you may wish to partake in some of the activities Twizel
(Mackenzie Basin) has to offer.
Twizel
is close to all amenities including shopping centre, playground,
swimming pool, skate-board park, climbing wall and gymnasium.
Twizel
has a 9 hole golf course, driving range, bowling green, tennis
courts and squash courts.
Twizel
has glacier flights, snow skiing, watersport, rowing fishing,
tramping, hunting, etc.
Twizel
has 6 Beautiful lakes from five to forty-five minutes away (Lake
Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Lake Ohau, Lake Benmore, Lake Aviemore
and Lake Ruataniwha.
Twizel
is the base for Giant Upper Waitaki Hydro Electric Power Scheme.
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TRAVEL
TO TWIZEL
From Christchurch:
Drive south on state highway 1 to Rangitata and
turn right to Geraldine- 1.5 to 2 hours.
Continue to Fairlie - 30 minutes - and turn right onto state highway
8 through the beautiful Mackenzie Country, past Lakes Tekapo and
Pukaki, to Twizel - 1 to 1.5 hours.
Allow 4 hours for a comfortable journey with a break.
From Queenstown :
Drive north on state highway 6 past Cromwell -
about 45 minutes.
Turn onto state highway 8 and continue north through Tarras and
over Lindis Pass , then through Omarama to Twizel - 1.5 to 2 hours.
Allow 3 hours for a comfortable journey with a break.
Twizel is:
198km from Queenstown
148km from Oamaru
195km from Ashburton
160km from Timaru
286km from Christchurch
Click
Here for an Interactive Map of Twizel |
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