Welcome to this land for all seasons in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand. The Mackenzie Country, as it is known, is a high inland basin beneath the Southern Alps and Mount Cook, south west of Christchurch.
(for a detailed map of the Mackenzie region within the South Island, please click here)
Shaped by the giant forces of nature, massive glaciers have scoured the land leaving a trail of lakes and rivers across the landscape. Today you will see awesome mountain ranges - the snow capped Southern Alps stretching across the western horizon. Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain at 3,754 metres above sea level, towers over the expansive countryside.
Hidden in the mountains are magnificent glaciers including the famous Tasman Glacier which, at 27 kilometres in length, is one of the longest glaciers in the world to be found outside the polar regions. Flightseeing over the mountains and glaciers is a very accessible thrill for all but many will aspire to a closer connection with these wonders. Cross-country and downhill skiing, guided climbing, hiking, horse riding, camping, golf or mountain biking are just a few of the options for those who wish to take in some alpine air.
Melting snow from the glaciers and mountain peaks gives the lakes their distinctive turquoise blue colour. Lake Tekapo lies in the centre of the region and it is here that the hydro electric canals begin to channel the water into electricity for New Zealand. Canals built throughout the 1970's link the lakes with the dams and also provide fresh water for the farming of salmon. Rivers wind through the high country plains to the Waitaki River system and offer great opportunities for fishing and four wheel drive safaris.
The Mackenzie District enjoys a wonderful climate with clear, crisp snowy winters and long, hot summers. Autumn is a riot of colour, while spring brings wild flowers blooming throughout the region. The warm summer season is from November to February, where the mercury often rises past 30 degrees. In the cooler winter season, from June to September temperatures drop to below 0 degrees celsius overnight, while sunny winter days average around 8 degrees.
