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 Twizel
township was built in 1968 as base for one of the most impressive
hydro-electric power schemes in the Southern Hemisphere. The town
was to be bulldozed once the construction scheme was finished,
however, the population began a campaign to retain Twizel. The
Government offered the town to the Mackenzie Country Council,
complete with many houses, sections, and all facilities, such as
shopping centre, community complex, medical centre, church, fire
station, sportsfield, heated swimming pool, service station, etc.
The town has continued its service role to the surrounding areas
as well as expanding its tourist role as the nearest township to
Mount Cook, the highest peak in Oceania.
 The
Mackenzie Basin is located in the middle of the South Island at
an average of more than 300 meters above sea level. It contains
Lakes such as Tekapo, Alexandrina, Pukaki, Ohau, Ruataniwha and
Benmore. Because of the fact that the Basin is surrounded by
mountain ranges it has a very distinct climate. The Mackenzie
Basin is named after the legendary Scottish shepherd James
Mackenzie. In 1857 the 704,000 hectares of the Basin was divided
among runholders who mainly run merino sheep.
 Before the white settler came the coastal
Maoris used to migrate to the Basin for the hot summers. They
quarried stone and hunted moa. There is evidence that the Basin
was once covered with Totara Forest. A reforestation programme
for the Basin is underway. The Mackenzie Basin is accessible from
Christchurch through Burke's Pass, from Queenstown through the
Lindis Pass and from the East Coast through the Waitaki Valley
via the Otematata Saddle.
From a
Tourist's point of view, this region offers numerous activities,
especially for the adventurous traveller.
 You can take a scenic
flight from Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook giving you superb views
over the Southern Alps and its surrounds. Your ski-plane can
actually land on the Tasman Glacier to make your flight truly
unforgettable. All sorts of ski options are available, including
heli-skiing and ski touring, with experienced guides at your
disposal. They can take you climbing, tramping and snowboarding.
For an unrivalled experience, the guides can even take you on a
glacier exploration adventure.
Mountain Climbing is a major attraction here, with the challenge
of Mt Cook, the highest peak
in Oceania (3750m or 12,303ft), being the ultimate goal for the
truly hardy and adventurous traveller. Guides from a number of
companies can organise your climb and supply all the necessary
equipment.
 Boat cruises and tours of Lake Tekapo are a
feature of this area, with many companies able to take you on
fishing and exploration ventures. You can even try out
heli-fishing, which saves a lot of travel time and is great for
those on a tight schedule.
Do you enjoy Canoeing or Kayaking? Many tourism operators in this
region offer a wide variety of adventures just for you! They can
be tailored from mild to wild according to your level of ability.
With this much to try out, it is essential that you allocate
enough time to really enjoy the experiences offered by this
region.
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