Located in the heart of
New Zealand’s
South Island and close to the World Heritage Area of
Aoraki/Mount Cook, the township of
Twizel, was only established in 1968 as a service town for the “Upper Waitaki Hydroelectricity Scheme”. It was originally intended to be removed once the project had been completed, but residents successfully fought to have the town saved. Today,
Twizel has a population of 1,200 residents, but this can double during peak holiday periods.
Twizel enjoys an enviable location and its infrastructure satisfies visitors from both, overseas as well as other parts of
New Zealand. Visitors find plenty to do year round; an abundance of lakes and rivers and the alpine playgrounds of
Ohau and
Mount Cook being less than an hour’s drive away, offer an array of outdoor activities. Open spaces, a fine climate, good infrastructure and services, a laid-back pace and broad range of activities make
Twizel a great place to spend a few days.