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. For area information stop by the Twizel Information Centre (61 Mackenzie Dr. 03/435-3124. www.twizel.com) and the Lake Pukaki Visitor Information Centre (State Hwy. 8, Twizel. 03/435-3280. www.mtcook.org.nz).