Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and discover a wonderful range of outdoor activities in a stunning natural landscape of lakes and mountains.

Easily accessible from Christchurch, the Mackenzie region an incredibly scenic landscape of blue glacial lakes and tussock-clad hills silently watched over by Aoraki Mount Cook – New Zealand’s tallest mountain. You can get up close to this giant on foot or by kayak with a visit to Mount Cook Village. In winter, the Mackenzie offers excellent skiing and snowboarding, and at other times you can spend your days fishing, hiking, stargazing or contemplating the extraordinary views from the window of a small plane. East of Mackenzie, towards the coast, South Canterbury’s country towns offer a slice of New Zealand rural life with excellent eateries, art and craft galleries, fishing and hiking and other activities.

DESTINATION-NZ.COM HIGHLIGHTS

Don’t forget to breathe as your tiny plane passes among the mountain peaks and above the glaciers of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. The Church of the Good Shepherd, a quaint stone church standing alone at the edge of Lake Tekapo, is picture-perfect whether you’re looking across the lake from SH8 or gazing at Mount Cook through the altar window.

NOTABLE CULTURE

In the 1820s, when northern Maori raided the South Island, Te Waiateruati Pa near Temuka held firm and was the base of a counter attack by the local Ngai Tahu tribe.

MOMENT IN HISTORY

In 1855 a sheep rustler called James Mackenzie and his dog stole a mob of sheep from a South Canterbury run-holder and drove them over the mountains to the Mackenzie Basin – his exploits in evading the authorities led to his name being forever associated with the district.

THE ICONIC EXPERIENCE

Take a guided walk in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, a breathtaking place where glaciers cover 40% of the area and there are 19 peaks over 3,000 metres high.

Plan your trip with a detailed map of this region and peruse our suggested travel itinerary. Read More Sights, activities and top picks to make planning easier. Read More