Mackenzie Country
Mackenzie Country is named after legendary sheep rustler James ‘Jock' McKenzie who used to hide his stolen flocks in this vast uninhabited area. Mackenzie Country is also famous also as the location of New Zealand's highest mountain - Mount Cook. Vast sheep stations, turquoise coloured glacial lakes and snow-capped mountain peaks explain why it is considered by many as New Zealand's most spectacular national park.
Mount Cook Aoraki
New Zealand's highest mountain at 3754 metres and one of 22 peaks over 3,000 metres in Mackenzie Country. Known to the Maori as Aoraki, one the 'children of the gods', it later became known as Mount Cook in 1851 and was first climbed in 1884. Its proximity to the sea creates fast-changing weather patterns and large, flowing glaciers and is a challenging climb even for the most accomplished of climbers.
Mount Cook Village
Not so much a village as a large hotel. The Hermitage Hotel, which dominates the village, is worth a visit even if only for lunch or a drink. The views from its bars and restaurants towards Mount Cook are sensational. The village is also the starting point for three excellent walks of 3-4 hours duration - Kea Point, Sealy Tarns and Hooker Valley. The airstrip offers spectacular flights around Mount Cook, with landings on the Tasman Glacier for the adventurous.
Lake Tekapo
Tekapo and its turquoise lake stand at the northern entrance to Mackenzie Country. The famous lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog statue are testimony to the strong sheep farming traditions of the area. Its night skies are world-renowned. For the best views of the Universe you're ever likely to see visit the Mount John Observatory for its nighttime stargazing tours.
Lake Pukaki
On State Highway 8 between Tekapo and Twizel and offering classic panoramas of Mackenzie Country. On a clear day the views from the Pukaki lookout area across the turquoise waters of the lake to Mount Cook are among the best on offer in New Zealand.
Twizel
The functional Mackenzie Country settlement of Twizel was originally built to accommodate workers on the hydroelectric power project. It has since evolved into a centre for exploring the Mackenzie Country area with low cost accommodation and a multitude of activities on offer, including the bizarre game of ‘golfcross' - a mixture of golf and rugby.
Waitaki Hydroelectric Power System
The Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme provides one third of New Zealand's power supply. It uses the natural energy from the headwater of three lakes of the Waitaki river (lakes Tekapo, Pukaki and Ohau) and a series of dams to feed 12 power stations. For those interested in engineering, tours of the dams and power stations are available.