Twizel

Travel Guide

Twizel featuring a bay or harbour and a lake or waterhole
Twizel which includes signage
Twizel which includes signage
Twizel showing a lake or waterhole
Photo by Completely Wanderlust

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 ParkOpens in a new window.

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 personalised 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 manoeuvrability. 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 €42 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€42
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Twizel. Enjoy free parking, WiFi (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Lake Ruataniwha and Mueller Ridge ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (149 reviews)
"First time staying here and it was perfect. Travelling with a kiddo who loved the playground. Accommodation was clean warm and comfortable. Didn’t really have any interaction with staff but the guy at check in was lovely. Will be back in summer! Thanks ☺️"

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2025

Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park
The Lakes Motel Twizel

The Lakes Motel Twizel

4 out of 5
10 Mackenzie Drive, Twizel
The price is €106 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
€106
5 Sept - 6 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf motel in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Twizel Town Centre and Mueller Ridge are ...
The Lakes Motel Twizel
Alps Motel Apartment Twizel

Alps Motel Apartment Twizel

2 out of 5
17 Ruataniwha Street, Twizel, Twizel
The price is €142 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
€142
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Twizel Town Centre and Mueller Ridge are located ...
Alps Motel Apartment 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 garden. Popular attractions Mueller Ridge and Twizel Town Centre are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews)
"Absolutely perfect. Warm, clean, and comfortable. Will certainly stay again!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Twizel Cottages
Happy Holidays on Harris just mins from the Lake!

Happy Holidays on Harris just mins from the Lake!

Twizel
Stay at this vacation home in Twizel. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Twizel Town Centre and Mueller Ridge are located ...
Happy Holidays on Harris just mins from the Lake!
Dusky's Hidden Gem - a Private Sanctuary in the majestic Mackenzie country

Dusky's Hidden Gem - a Private Sanctuary in the majestic Mackenzie country

Twizel
Stay at this apartment in Twizel. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Twizel Town Centre and Mueller Ridge are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Cosy spot in great location
"Sweet jumping off point for all the region has to offer, lakes mountains and culture. Kids loved relaxing in the outdoor bath watching the stars:-)"

Reviewed on 2 May 2025

Dusky's Hidden Gem - a Private Sanctuary in the majestic Mackenzie country
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.