Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Information
The DOC visitor centre (
Click here
)
is the best source of local information. The nearest
ATM and supermarket are in Twizel.
Getting There & Away
The village's small airport only serves aerial sightseeing companies. Some of these may
be willing to combine transport to the West Coast (ie Franz Josef) with a scenic flight, but
flights are heavily dependent on weather.
If you're driving, fill up at Lake Tekapo or Twizel. There is petrol at Mt Cook, but it's
expensive and involves summoning an attendant from the Hermitage (for a fee).
Cook Connection
( 0800 266 526;
www.cookconnect.co.nz
)
Shuttle services to Lake Tekapo ($35,
1½ hours) and Twizel ($25, one hour).
InterCity
( 03-365 1113;
www.intercity.co.nz
)
Daily coaches head to/from Christchurch (from
$67, 5¼ hours), Geraldine (from $38, three hours), Lake Tekapo, (from $30, 1½ hours),
Cromwell (from $59, 2¾ hours) and Queenstown (from $64, four hours). They stop at the
YHA and the Hermitage, both of which handle bookings.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Twizel
POP 1140
It wasn't long ago that New Zealanders maligned Twizel. The forest-ringed town just
south of Lake Pukaki was built in 1968 to service construction of the nearby hydroelectric
power station, and was due to be abandoned in 1984 when the project was completed.
Now Twizel's residents are having the last laugh as new lakeside subdivisions have been
built to take advantage of the area's relaxed lakes-and-mountains lifestyle. Accommoda-
tion, eateries, petrol and groceries are all better value in Twizel than Mt Cook Village.
Sights & Activities
Nearby Lake Ruataniwha is popular for rowing, boating and windsurfing. Fishing in local
rivers, canals and lakes is also big business; ask at the information centre about local
guides.