Mackenzie Country
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View over Mackenzie Country to Mount CookPhoto: Svenja Trachte, Outdooractive Editors
Mackenzie Country is a glacier-created basin in the center of New Zealand's South Island. It is of little wonder why the region bears the title "Golden Land", as large parts are covered with undulating, yellow-brown tussock grass.
Glacial lakes such as Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki shine in bright turquoise and the peaks of the Southern Alps to the west create an incomparable panorama. Mount Cook (Aoraki) with a height of 3724m is the highest mountain in New Zealand. The first European to reach Mount Cook was the Dutchman Abel Tasman in 1642. The Tasman Glacier on the slope of Aoraki is named after him and is now popular with glacier enthusiasts and heliskiers. Guided ice hikes and climbing tours can also be undertaken here.
In the Mackenzie Country there are only three small villages, and only one of them has more than 1000 inhabitants – this is an absolute insider tip to experience New Zealand nature in its original condition.
Public transport
Take the Christchurch - Queenstown bus (9556 to 9562) and get off at Tekapo or Twizel.By road
From Christchurch take the A1 south to Timaru, then the A8 to Tekapo or Twizel.From Queenstown take the A6 north to Cromwell, continue on the A8 to Twizel or Tekapo.
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