Twizel

Travel Guide
Twizel featuring signage
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.

Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park
Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park
3 out of 5
53 Freda Du Faur Avenue, Twizel
The price is ¥6,617 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
¥6,617
per night
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Twizel. Enjoy free parking, WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Lake Ruataniwha and Mueller Ridge are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (35 reviews)
Great Motel
"I stayed in the motel room with a spa. The room was large and comfortable. There was a nice view to the lake. The kitchenette and bathroom were modern."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park
Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
3 out of 5
Cnr Ostler & Wairepo Roads, PO Box 99, Twizel
The price is ¥14,544 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥14,544
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3-star ski hotel in Twizel. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and WiFi. Popular attractions Twizel Town Centre and Mueller Ridge are located nearby. ...
8/10 Very Good! (534 reviews)
"Extremely comfortable."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2024

Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
The Lakes Motel Twizel
The Lakes Motel Twizel
4 out of 5
10 Mackenzie Drive, Twizel
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥18,885 per night from Apr 12 to Apr 13
¥18,885
per night
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Stay at this 4-star golf motel in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Twizel Town Centre and Mueller Ridge are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (259 reviews)
Perfect for our 1 night stay
"We only stayed one night but in definitely fit the bill! Very pleasant, clean and close to many needs. The bed very comfortable."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

The Lakes Motel Twizel
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.
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 terrace. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located nearby. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Nice place except for the beds.
"Our only complaint with this property were the beds. They were very soft and worn. We were a group of two couples travelling. All 4 of us had bad sleeps on the two beds and complained of sore backs. Good beds are so important. The rest of the cottage was locked lovely."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024

Twizel Cottages
Private holiday home
Private holiday home
Twizel
Stay at this vacation home in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, barbecue grills, and a balcony. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located nearby. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (40 reviews)
Great Home to Stay
"We were impressed with the size of the home which is well equiped with everything that is required. Loved our time there and would book again in a hearbeat. Thank you hosts."

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024

Private holiday home
Twizel Peaceful Retreat
Twizel Peaceful Retreat
Twizel
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
"Great property!"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Twizel Peaceful Retreat
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

Things to do

Reviews of Twizel

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
11
" "4 - Good 55%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Nov 21, 2019

Staying at Heartland Lodge was really the best for us. The proximity to Mt Cook is also ideal.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 12, 2019

Nice small town with adequate services. Only downside - it goes to sleep early :-)

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 18, 2019

Shopping mall had most things you would need. Lots of food options for a small town.

4/5 - Good

Robin
Sep 17, 2018

I imagine it's a good base in winter but during spring I'd recommend Lake Tekapo or even Mt Cook.

Cities near Twizel