Things to do in The Mackenzie Country
Discover the best attractions and experiences The Mackenzie Country has to offer
Historic Monuments
Lonely alpine scenery meets enduring manmade landmarks that tell the Mackenzie Country story.
Church of the Good Shepherd
Iconic lakeside church by Lake Tekapo, built as a memorial to early settlers and a favorite sunset photo spot.
Mount John Observatory (Mount John University Observatory)
Hilltop astronomical facility with historical significance and sweeping views over the Mackenzie Basin.
Museums
Discover regional heritage and alpine legends through curated exhibits and collections.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Museum and planetarium at Mount Cook Village celebrating Hillary and alpine exploration.
Fairlie Heritage Centre
Local history museum with exhibits on Mackenzie Country life and pioneer communities.
Religious Monuments
Quiet chapels and churches set amidst dramatic landscapes, offering tranquil places for reflection.
All Saints Anglican Church
Small, scenic church reflecting the region’s spiritual heritage and alpine surroundings.
St Mary's Church, Twizel
Compact parish church offering a warm welcome amid lake and mountain views.
National & Theme Parks
Some of New Zealand’s most iconic parkland, with towering peaks and pristine lakes.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Home to New Zealand's highest peaks and dramatic glacial landscapes.
Lake Tekapo Scenic Reserve
Protected lakeside reserve with easy trails and postcard views.
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
World renowned stargazing destination with minimal light pollution.
Neighborhoods
Gateway communities that anchor your Mackenzie Country adventures.
Tekapo
Lakeside village known for turquoise waters, dining and stargazing.
Twizel
Gateway town offering outdoor activities and access to nearby trails.
Mount Cook Village
Alpine settlement serving hikers and mountaineers with alpine scenery.
Free Things to Do
Take in the scenery without booking or admission fees.
Hooker Valley Track
Easy track to the Hooker Glacier with stunning mountain vistas.
Mount John Summit Track
Popular hike to a lookout with expansive valley views.
Lake Tekapo Lookout & Shore Walk
Pleasant lakeside stroll with photo-worthy reflections.
Gastronomy
Casual cafes and alpine dining with lake and mountain backdrops.
Tekapo Springs Café
Casual bites and coffee near the family-friendly hot pools.
The Hermitage Restaurant
Elegant alpine dining with views of the mountains.
Nightlife
After dark, the region shines with starry skies and celestial experiences.
Dark Sky Project Stargazing Tours
Evening stargazing experiences under the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
Mount John Observatory Night Tours
Guided night visits for detailed celestial viewing.
Entertainment
Cultural and educational experiences that enrich your stay.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Informative displays and city-scale cinema exploring alpine history.
Fairlie Heritage Centre
Interactive exhibits celebrating Mackenzie Country heritage.
Sports
Active pursuits in glacial valleys, alpine terrain and winding trails.
Hooker Valley Track
Scenic valley hike with dramatic glacier views.
Mueller Hut Route
Challenging alpine hike with panoramic summit views.
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail (A2O) – Twizel Segment
Rugged yet rewarding cycle route linking the Alps to the sea.
Off the Track
Unforgettable ways to explore beyond the obvious trails.
Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight
A breathtaking flight over ice cliffs and icefields.
Tasman Glacier Viewpoints & Guided Glacier Walks
Close-up glacier vantage points with expert guidance.
Scenic Flights over the Southern Alps
Aerial views of peaks, lakes and glaciers in a serene flight.