From hiking to flight-seeing, discover an extensive range of outdoor activities in a stunning natural landscape of jewel-blue lakes and soaring mountain peaks. The stuff of postcards, it’s home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, and a national park punctuated with ice-white glaciers.

Around the Mount Cook and Mackenzie DISTRICT

This is an incredibly scenic place of blue glacial lakes and tussock-clad hills, lorded over by Aoraki Mount Cook – New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Get close to the mountain with a visit to Mount Cook Village, a hiking expedition in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park or a flight-seeing adventure. Further east, small towns offer a slice of rural life. Spend your days fishing, hiking and skiing (during winter), and your nights stargazing or soaking in a hot pool.

Regional Destinations

Mount Cook Village Historic alpine hamlet, base for exploring Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Lake Tekapo Pretty lakeside village known for its Church of the Good Shepherd.

Fairlie Northern gateway to the Mackenzie, set amid rolling green farmland.

Omarama Small settlement known internationally for its near-perfect gliding conditions.

Twizel Main regional town, well served with amenities and offering a range of activities.

Land of Lakes & Mountains

Mackenzie Country is a spectacularly beautiful region of blue lakes, rolling hills and soaring mountains. Iconic Aoraki Mount Cook, the tallest peak in Australasia, watches over the area, and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park contains numerous glaciers, including the immense Tasman Glacier with its remarkable glacier lake.

Highlights

Hike in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Ski or snowboard during winter months. Stargaze under clear skies at Mount John Observatory. Gaze at astonishingly blue lakes.