Things to do in Twizel
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Top 10 attractions in Twizel
Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki is nestled among the mountains of the Canterbury region and is a large lake in the northern Mackenzie Basin that flows from north to south. When ancient glaciers retreated, moraine deposits blocked the river valley, forming a dammed lake, making it a typical moraine-dammed lake. Fine rock flour ground by glaciers over the years remains suspended in the water, scattering light into a rich milky blue and turquoise color, resembling a whole lake of poured, rich milk, which is how it earned the nickname "Blue Milk Lake." The lake surface is at an altitude of over 500 m, and the lake water mainly comes from the meltwater of the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Glacier. Looking north, you can see the continuous snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. On clear days, standing at the viewing point on the southern shore, you can capture both the snow-capped peaks and the lake in your camera lens.Ben Ohau · 21.7km from Twizel
RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise
Known as the "Princess on the Lake", the TSS Earnslaw steamship (TSSEarnslaw) was born in 1912 - a golden age in the history of steamships including the world-famous cruise ship "Titanic" . Today, as a coal-fired ferry, she has sailed for 100 years and is a fascinating sight on Lake Wakatipu, transporting you back in time and enjoying the gorgeous European style of the early 20th century. During the voyage, you can lean on the railings on the deck and overlook the beautiful lakes and mountains of Queenstown. You can also climb the watchtower to steal the superb steering skills of the captain. You can also sneak into the steam boiler room to understand the operation principle of the steam engine. △ Take a steamer ride on Lake Wakatipu, where you can enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery and the serenity of the lake △ On board, visit the engine room, sailor's cabin art gallery, and listen to songs accompanied by a piano for a taste of turn-of-the-century elegance △ Upon arrival at Walter Peak Highlands Ranch, you can see and feed the farm animals up close, participate in a sheep shearing show and a working sheepdog showNew Zealand · Queenstown
Milford Sound Scenic Cruises
Take in Milford Sound on a modern and spacious Milford Sound Cruise, with unobstructed views outside the boat from any area of the interior cabin. The boat features a comfortable indoor lounge and large panoramic picture windows, allowing you to see waterfalls and wildlife up close from the bow. From the spacious upper outdoor deck, you can look directly down on the water, and the captain will provide informative commentary, and the cruise will play commentary in other languages at certain times.New Zealand · Milford Sound
Tekapo Chinese Stargazing
Tekapo Chinese Stargazing is an activity offering Chinese-guided stargazing tours in the Lake Tekapo region of New Zealand's South Island. Located in the central part of the South Island, Lake Tekapo is renowned as one of the world's premier stargazing destinations. Its pristine and transparent skies, with minimal light pollution, create ideal conditions for observing the stars. The Chinese stargazing activity at Lake Tekapo provides a convenient stargazing experience with Chinese-language guides.Lake Tekapo · 39.4km from Twizel
Mount John
Mount John is the commanding height of the town of Lake Tekapo. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook the panoramic view of Lake Tekapo and the town. There is a famous star-gazing point MtJohnUniversityObservatory on the top of the mountain, and you can experience the world-famous starry sky of Tekapo at night.Tekapo · 42.2km from Twizel
NZONE Skydive Queenstown
Gold tier trial period: October to April of the following year NZONE Skydive Queenstown in New Zealand 1. Tandem skydiving origin experience: New Zealand tandem skydiving started in Queenstown in 1990. Complete the challenge at this legendary starting point. 2. New Zealand tourism awards certification: A skydiving brand awarded by the New Zealand tourism awards, ensuring both safety and experience with double authority. 3. Queenstown core view aerial perspective: Free fall to enjoy the "S"-shaped bay of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range and the panoramic view of Queenstown. 4. 360° unobstructed "God's-eye view": Aerial panoramic vision, far surpassing cable cars and viewing platforms, truly seeing all the highlights of Queenstown at once. 5. Multiple height options suitable for all ages: Offers various skydiving height choices, available for ages 6 and up. 6. Tandem skydiving for beginners: Professional instructors provide one-on-one guidance throughout the experience, no prior skydiving experience required. 7. Complies with New Zealand safety standards: equipment, processes, and instructor qualifications have all met the high standards of New Zealand's aviation and safety regulatory system certification. 8. Scenic flight + free fall + dual gliding experience: First enjoy a scenic fixed-wing flight in Queenstown, followed by the thrill of high-speed free fall, then glide smoothly under the parachute to admire the scenery. 9. Free shuttle service in Queenstown downtown: Located in the heart of Queenstown, offering complimentary transfers year-round (weather permitting) for more flexible itinerary arrangements.New Zealand · Queenstown
Skyline Queenstown
The Skyline sits on top of Bobt's Peak in Queenstown, a location overlooking downtown Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the city to the cable car ride point, and take the cable car in the southern hemisphere to the top of the mountain. The sightseeing corridor on the second floor offers a 270-degree panoramic view of the town, and the scenery at sunset is even more intoxicating. The Sky Cable Car is a highly comprehensive attraction. In addition to the view, there is also a very famous restaurant, Stratosfare Restaurant, which was once rated as "the best restaurant in the world" by the ABC. △ Take the cable car to enjoy stunning scenery △ Marvel at the 270-degree view of the mountain and lake △ Explore more exciting experiencesNew Zealand · Queenstown
Tekapo Star Gazing
Tekapo Star Gazing offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the Milky Way and nebulae up close, thanks to minimal light pollution and crystal-clear atmospheric conditions, turning the starry sky into a poetic experience within reach. The attraction offers various stargazing experiences. Professional guides operate large-aperture telescopes to observe celestial objects unique to the Southern Hemisphere, such as the Magellanic Clouds and Alpha Centauri, while sharing Maori myths behind the constellations. Visitors can lie on specially designed recliners to identify dust lanes and star clusters in the Milky Way's core with the naked eye, experiencing the raw beauty of starlight. The site also provides simple equipment for capturing stunning night sky images featuring star trails and auroras. Daytime activities are equally enriching: Walk along the lakeside trail of Tekapo to observe the unique glacial erosion landscape and explore the cosmic and geological link. A guide will explain how local plants adapt to high-altitude environments, such as the cold-resistant properties of silver tussock. Relax on the lawn in front of the Church of the Good Shepherd, listening to the gentle lapping of the lake, preparing your mind for the stargazing adventure ahead. You can also hear Maori elders share legends of the Southern Cross and its connection to navigation and seasonal changes, or learn to paint Maori star-themed patterns with natural pigments, creating your own celestial story.Lake Tekapo · 41.2km from Twizel
Shotover Jet Queenstown
Shotover Jet Queenstown is the iconic speedboating experience in Queenstown, operating continuously in the Shotover Canyon since the 1960s and having hosted millions of travelers. It is also the only commercial speedboat company permitted to operate in this section of the canyon river. The river channel was formed by years of erosion from rapid currents, with nearly vertical rock walls on both sides enclosing the water surface. Located less than a ten-minute drive from Queenstown town center, it is now owned and operated by the local Māori tribe, Ngāi Tahu, whose ancestors once traveled this waterway to gather food and greenstone. The bright red speedboats are locally built in Queenstown, specifically designed for the canyon river. Each boat can carry over ten passengers and is powered by twin V8 engines, using jet propulsion for movement, steering, and control—allowing it to skim at speeds of nearly 90 km/h in water as shallow as approx. 10 cm. The entire experience lasts approx. 25 minutes, featuring continuous sharp turns and cliff-hugging maneuvers from the moment you depart the dock. Skilled drivers take you at high speed through whitewater rapids and tight bends, performing thrilling close-to-the-wall stunts, including the signature 360-degree spin at full throttle, sending water splashing into your face as if the boat has lifted off the surface. Life jackets and storage lockers are provided on board. As the spins generate significant splashes, it is advisable to prepare to get wet. During colder seasons, extra attention to warmth is recommended.New Zealand · Queenstown
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is located in the Mackenzie Basin in the central part of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a lake formed by glacial meltwater, with a surface altitude of approx. 700 m and an area of approx. 80 sq km. The lake water displays a distinct turquoise color, making it stand out in the alpine scenery of the South Island. This unique color comes from fine rock flour ground by glaciers: as glaciers move slowly, they grind rock layers into extremely fine particles, which flow into the lake with the meltwater and remain suspended for a long time. Under sunlight, the water color shifts between milky blue and emerald green, changing with the weather and light. The lake is surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps and open meadows. Standing on the lakeshore are the stone-built The Church of the Good Shepherd and a bronze statue of a sheepdog, which together with the lake and mountain scenery behind them form a common photo opportunity. Ascending Mount John on one side of the lake area also offers a panoramic view of the intertwined lake and basin. Lake Tekapo is also part of the Waitaki hydroelectric power system—the lake water is diverted for power generation, and the lake level is artificially regulated, rising and falling regularly within a certain range throughout the year. The lake area is far from city lights and has excellent night sky conditions; on clear nights, you can see the clear Milky Way and Southern Hemisphere constellations, and stargazing is a long-standing local experience. From late spring to early summer each year, the lakeshore is covered in patches of lupins, with pink and purple flower belts spreading along the shore; in other seasons, it takes on a simple color palette composed of snow-capped mountains, clear water, and short grass, with the scenery changing with the seasons. Walking, cycling, or boating along the lake are common ways to experience this alpine lake.Tekapo · 51.3km from Twizel
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![New Zealand Lake Tekapo chameleon stargazing tour [Chinese/English | small group | complimentary hot drink + roasted marshmallow]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0582612000qr6deq4D13C_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
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Free things to do in Twizel
Lake Pukaki
Ben Ohau · 21.7km from TwizelRealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise
New Zealand · QueenstownBook now for tomorrowMilford Sound Scenic Cruises
New Zealand · Milford SoundImmediate access, Book now for todayTekapo Chinese Stargazing
Lake Tekapo · 39.4km from TwizelMount John
Tekapo · 42.2km from TwizelNZONE Skydive Queenstown
New Zealand · QueenstownBook now for tomorrowSkyline Queenstown
New Zealand · QueenstownTekapo Star Gazing
Lake Tekapo · 41.2km from TwizelShotover Jet Queenstown
New Zealand · QueenstownBook now for tomorrowLake Tekapo
Tekapo · 51.3km from Twizel
What travellers say about Twizel
旅の径26 October 2020
4.0
New Zealand has many lakes, most of which are surrounded by mountains, with winding coastlines, clear water and pleasant scenery. It is an excellent tourist destination.
Lake Pukaki, located in the central part of the South Island, is worth visiting for its four unique features.
First, the lake is rich in rock particles and minerals. Under the sunlight, it reflects a unique blue color, which is dreamy and attractive, and has the reputation of "Blue Milk Lake".
Second, the lakeside is the best place to overlook Mount Cook. When the weather is fine, standing on the south bank of Lake Pukaki, the Southern Alps on the north bank 55 kilometers away are clearly visible, and the highest peak is Mount Cook.
Third, the lifelike Tahr sheep statue. The Tahr sheep, native to the Himalayas, lives between high mountain cliffs. It is a first-class protected animal in my country and is listed as a "near endangered" animal in the world. In 1904, a British man brought five Tahr sheep to the South Island. Because they had no natural enemies, Tahr sheep thrived in the Cook Range and became the favorite hunting animal for European and American hunters to hunt in New Zealand. In 2014, people erected a handsome and mighty Tahr sheep statue on the shore of Lake Pukaki to commemorate the contributions of relevant people in protecting Tahr sheep worldwide. Taking a photo with the statue is the only choice for all tourists.
Fourth, on the south bank of Lake Pukaki, there is a Mount Cook salmon farm. The salmon produced is firm and tender, cheap and good quality. Many food lovers come here to taste and buy.
Lake Pukaki
网站老张10 October 2026
5.0
A very unique steamship, still providing excellent service despite being over a century old. There are Chinese staff on board, and the buffet restaurant on the other side is quite good. Enjoy a relaxed and pleasant time in Queenstown.
RealNZ | TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruise
Nestor Collado Garcia12 October 2026
5.0
Best day ever…..!! I recommend for stress people who have full focus on there work? Just give them a time for there self to refresh to see the beauty by creation by GOD
Milford Sound Scenic Cruises
星之邪术师12 September 2024
5.0
The starry sky is so beautiful! It's the first time I've seen so many stars. If you want to take pictures with your phone, bring a tripod to fix it. The tour guide was very detailed and I learned a lot. Highly recommended
Tekapo Chinese Stargazing
jing0ling22 January 2024
5.0
nice place with nice Astro Cafe, Astro cafe opening hour is depends on the weather. if is too windy they will close.
Mount John
道治11 March 2025
5.0
Skydiving is super fun, 15,000 feet, the free fall feels like life is free!
The package comes with a handheld camera, with photos and videos.
After the jump, it will be sent directly to your email for you to download.
It takes about 20 minutes to drive to the base.
NZONE Skydive Queenstown
cic***cf5 October 2026
5.0
The Skyline Gondola is the highest point in Queenstown, offering panoramic views of the town and the lake, a completely different experience from looking down from below. Lunch was also a good experience; the lamb chops were delicious. Many people say the menu isn't extensive, but most restaurants there serve similar dishes, so they're generally not that different. The main advantage was that I got a buy-one-get-one-free ticket, so lunch was essentially free.
Skyline Queenstown
M37***089 October 2026
5.0
The experience of lying down and stargazing was fantastic. The explanations were very engaging, and our 5-year-old listened to the entire presentation starting at 11 pm. The nebulae seen through the telescope were especially beautiful and breathtaking. The final activity of roasting marshmallows was a favorite among the kids. The professional stargazing photos were also a precious highlight of the trip, and we even captured a glimpse of the pink aurora. Overall, it's a highly recommended family-friendly experience. However, reservations need to be made at least a month in advance.
Tekapo Star Gazing
Sherwin Solis16 October 2026
5.0
We blasted through the dramatic, towering walls of the Shotover Canyons at mind-bending speeds. Skimming over water that felt mere centimeters deep and executing those famous full 360-degree spins was pure exhilaration! Our driver was an absolute master at the helm—delivering maximum heart-pounding thrill while keeping everyone feeling completely safe and secure throughout the ride.It’s an unforgettable experience to share together—equal parts breathtaking scenery and high-octane excitement. Easily one of the absolute highlights of our trip to New Zealand. 10/10 MUST DO!
Shotover Jet Queenstown
铨上风满楼21 February 2026
4.0
Located a popular tourist destination a 3.25-hour drive southwest of Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island… the scenery here is breathtaking. The Church of the Good Shepherd is a must-see. If driving from Christchurch to Queenstown, this is a great stopover! It's also perfect for a weekend getaway, with a small hot spring nearby… a good place to unwind after a long drive… and a popular spot for photographers to capture stunning images!
Lake Tekapo
