Things to do in Twizel

No. 14 of Night Attractions in New Zealand

Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki is nestled among the mountains of the Canterbury region and is a large lake in the northern Mackenzie Basin that flows from north to south. When ancient glaciers retreated, moraine deposits blocked the river valley, forming a dammed lake, making it a typical moraine-dammed lake. Fine rock flour ground by glaciers over the years remains suspended in the water, scattering light into a rich milky blue and turquoise color, resembling a whole lake of poured, rich milk, which is how it earned the nickname "Blue Milk Lake." The lake surface is at an altitude of over 500 m, and the lake water mainly comes from the meltwater of the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Glacier. Looking north, you can see the continuous snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. On clear days, standing at the viewing point on the southern shore, you can capture both the snow-capped peaks and the lake in your camera lens.

Punatahu Visitor Center

Punatahu Visitor Center is located on the southern shore of Lake Pukaki on the South Island of New Zealand. It is a popular stopover on the way from Lake Tekapo to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, featuring a parking lot and restrooms, making it a great place to stop, rest, take photos, and refresh before continuing your journey. The viewing platform next to the center faces the lake, offering a view that stretches across the water to Aoraki / Mount Cook in the distance, where you can directly admire the magnificent scenery of mountains and lake intertwined. It is a great spot for photos. The lake water is crystal clear with a faint milky-blue hue, creating a striking contrast with theSouthern Alpsand the snow-capped peaks in the distance. The scenery is very photogenic, especially on clear days with high visibility. Many people stop here briefly to soak in the clear, tranquil atmosphere.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Pukaki

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop is a convenient gourmet stop on the self-drive route from Lake Tekapo to Aoraki / Mount Cook on the South Island of New Zealand. Most salmon on the market is saltwater-farmed, but the King salmon here are raised in glacial meltwater. The fish are farmed in the alpine waterways connecting Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Lake Benmore, where the water is cold, fast-flowing, and high in oxygen, resulting in exceptionally firm and fresh meat that makes for a memorable meal for many travelers. They sell sashimi, sushi, smoked salmon, and more. You can take home whole fresh fish to prepare yourself, and they also sell salmon-themed souvenirs. Ordering a portion of sashimi and enjoying it by the lake is a popular choice for many.

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences

Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences take you soaring over Mount Cook National Park, offering breathtaking aerial views of vast glaciers and snowfields. Feel the majestic embrace of towering mountains from high above as your helicopter navigates through narrow ridges before landing on alpine terrain, where you'll marvel at the park's spectacular scenery. During this unforgettable journey, you'll witness natural wonders like the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Valley from above, experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of glacial landscapes and snow-capped peaks. Under the guidance of professional pilots, you'll enjoy low-altitude flights for close-up observations of glacial crevasses and ice caves while learning about glacial formation processes. More than just a visual feast, Mount Cook Helicopter Experiences offer a profound spiritual awakening amidst nature's grandeur.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise

Born in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw, known as "The Lady of the Lake," dates back to the golden age of steamships—an era that included the world-famous Titanic. Today, as a coal-fired ferry, she has been sailing for over 100 years and isLake WakatipuA charming sight that takes you back in time to experience the splendor of early 20th-century Europe. During the cruise, you can lean on the railing on the deck and gaze at the beautiful lake and mountain scenery of Queenstown, or step onto the bridge to secretly admire the captain's superb steering skills, or venture into the steam boiler room to learn how the steam engine works. △ Boat tourLake Wakatipu, you can enjoy magnificent mountain views and tranquil lake waters △ Visit the engine room and mini museum on board, listen to songs accompanied by piano, and savor the elegance of the turn of the century △After arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm, you can view and feed the farm animals up close, and attend sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Milford Sound Scenic Cruises

Take in Milford Sound on a modern and spacious Milford Sound Cruise, with unobstructed views outside the boat from any area of the interior cabin. The boat features a comfortable indoor lounge and large panoramic picture windows, allowing you to see waterfalls and wildlife up close from the bow. From the spacious upper outdoor deck, you can look directly down on the water, and the captain will provide informative commentary, and the cruise will play commentary in other languages at certain times.

Skydive Mount Cook

Mount Cook skydiving experience The Mount Cook skydiving center is located in Pukaki, boasting the magnificent natural scenery of New Zealand's South Island. Here, you can take in the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, spectacular glaciers, azure lakes, and the stunning landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Want to experience an unforgettable high-altitude adventure? Take on the Mount Cook skydiving challenge, from9000 to 15000 feetLeap from high above and experience the thrill of freefall amidst New Zealand's stunning skies, admiring the breathtaking views of Mount Cook and its surroundings from a whole new perspective. Before the official skydiving, our professional team will provide you with comprehensive safety guidance and precaution instructions. Then, you will complete the entire process with an experienced tandem skydiving instructor, so no need to worry about the action—just relax and fully enjoy this amazing aerial adventure. After boarding the skydiving plane, as the aircraft gradually ascends, you can enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of Mount Cook and its surrounding magnificent scenery. With the continuous increase in altitude, the mountains, glaciers, and lakes before your eyes will become even more awe-inspiring. Countdown begins—take a deep breath and take the leap! Experience the wind and speed rushing towards you during the brief moment of freefall. Then, as the parachute gradually opens, after the thrilling instant, you will have a few minutes to slow down and leisurely admire the magnificent mountain scenery from the sky, before landing smoothly on the ground, bringing this unforgettable Mount Cook high-altitude adventure to a perfect close.

Lake Pukaki Viewpoint

Twizel Holiday Park

Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park & Motels