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 kakî aviary to see these striking, endangered, red-legged birds.