Twizel

Travel Guide

Twizel showing a bay or harbor and a lake or waterhole
Twizel which includes signage
Twizel which includes signage
Twizel which includes 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 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 P3,441 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
P3,441
P3,957 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 20 - Mar 21
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! (115 reviews)
"The room is very clean and well-maintained, with jacuzzi bath and very close to the lake. The reception is not quite visible from outside and signage is not easily found. Parking is a bit inconvenient due to the room entrance is facing main driveway to other rooms."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park
Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Cnr Ostler & Wairepo Roads, PO Box 99, Twizel
The price is P11,175 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
P11,175
P12,851 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 20 - Mar 21
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (616 reviews)
Roomy and comfortable.
"On the way to Queenstown this is a perfect stay. Roomy, all the amenities. Rooms are big and the staff friendly. Good buffet option for dinner and breakfast is included. (Buffet). Place is quiet and relaxing. Has a couple of breakout rooms and a very comfortable reading room. Couldn’t fault this ..."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
The Lakes Motel Twizel
The Lakes Motel Twizel
4 out of 5
10 Mackenzie Drive, Twizel
The price is P8,985 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
P8,985
P10,333 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 15 - Mar 16
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (304 reviews)
"Stayed Feb 2025. We were pleasantly surprised by this property. The room we stayed in - no.2 - had been recently renovated and the quality of the furnishings was better that some of the 4 star hotels we stayed in. The bathroom was large with a large shower area. The kitchen provided a microwave, ..."

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2025

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.
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)
"Quaint town, house is located on a good spot with views and drivable to restaurants nearby and walk to river. House itself is very comfortable"

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2025

Glencairn Glamour
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Property was nice and quiet. Beautiful home that fit 5 guests well."

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2025

Glencairn Beauty
Ben Ohau Vista
Ben Ohau Vista
3.5 out of 5
16B Ostler 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! (6 reviews)
"Nice place to chill out."

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2024

Ben Ohau Vista
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