Twizel

Twizel is a small town in the Mackenzie District on New Zealand's South Island, positioned at a crossroads of major roads leading into alpine country. The town center has local shops, cafes, and lodging options, with Christchurch located roughly two hours away as the nearest larger city.

The settlement was established in the mid-1960s to house workers building the Lake Pukaki dam project in the region. Rather than being abandoned after construction finished, the town took root and developed infrastructure that allowed it to persist as a permanent community.

The town was created in the 1960s as a workers settlement for dam construction and has since become a gateway for people exploring the surrounding mountains and waterways. Visitors notice that this origin shapes how locals relate to the land and outdoor activities that dominate daily life here.

The town is best visited by car and sits on main routes to popular hiking areas and national parks in the region. Visitors should be prepared for exposed mountain conditions and rapidly changing weather, so bringing warm layers and proper gear for outdoor activities is wise.

The town was originally designed to be temporary and expected to decline after the dam project ended, but remained and grew instead. This unplanned transformation from a workers' settlement into a permanent town makes it a curious example of how remote communities can take unexpected roots.

Location: Mackenzie District

Inception: 1968

Elevation above the sea: 470 m

Website: http://twizel.info

GPS coordinates: -44.25833,170.10000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:01