The Southern Alps and Fiordland Places
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Twizel
A service town to its core, Twizel was built in 1968 as a base for workers constructing a major hydroelectric power plant. When the hydroelectric scheme wrapped up, the residents fought to keep their town intact. Now it's a handy place for tourist overflow in the Aoraki/Mt. Cook area. Birders should check with the visitor center about tours to the kaki aviary to see these striking, endangered, red-legged birds.
Twizel is close to five good-size boating and leisure lakes and has a great place to eat called Poppies. Having already passed Tekapo and Pukaki, you'll find Lake Ruataniwha a little tame. Lake Ohau is a little off the main road, but is another high-country fishing gem. A ski slope, Ohau Snow Fields, opens in July each winter, and a number of walks are in the nearby Ohau Forest Range.
Twizel at a Glance
Elsewhere in The Southern Alps and Fiordland
Travel Deals in The Southern Alps and Fiordland
- New Zealand Fares from L.A. (R/T incl. Tax) Air New Zealand
- New Zealand Tours & Vacations, Save up to 40% Tourism New Zealand
- New Zealand Fares from L.A. (R/T incl. Tax) — $1,058-$1,158 Air New Zealand
- New Zealand Tours & Vacations, Save up to 40% — $79 Tourism New Zealand
