Introducing Twizel
It wasn’t long ago that New Zealanders maligned the town of Twizel, just south of Lake Pukaki. The town was built in 1968 to service construction of the nearby hydroelectric power station, and was due to be abandoned in 1984 when the construction project was completed. Now the town’s tenacious residents are having the last laugh as house prices are increasing and new lakeside subdivisions are being built to take advantage of the area’s relaxed lakes and mountains lifestyle. Mt Cook is just 63km down the road, and Twizel’s range of affordable accommodation and a few good eateries make it a good alternative to staying in more expensive Mt Cook Village. Twizel as a travellers’ nirvana. Who would have thought?
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Right in town is the Twizel i-SITE (03-435 3124; www.twizel.com; Twizel Events Centre; 9am-6pm daily Oct-Apr, 10am-4pm Tue-Sat May-Sep; ), which has internet access. In late January the town hosts the lively Mackenzie Summer Salmon and Wine Festival.
There’s an ATM in the main shopping area. Note there’s no ATM at Lake Tekapo or Mt Cook. Self-drive travellers should also fill up with petrol in Twizel before heading to Mt Cook.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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