Golf
Step out of your room and you're almost there, with the Ben Ohau Golf Club conveniently located directly opposite the Hotel. Surrounded by the stunning Mackenzie Basin scenery, the well presented Ben Ohau Golf Course has a 9 hole layout set up for an 18 hole card over 5,345 meters, and also features a driving range for you to master your swing. If you can't fit your own clubs among your luggage, we have some available for hire for you. See our Golf Package.
Clay Cliffs Winery
The Clay Cliffs Estate winery is at 440m above sea level, the highest altitude vineyard in New Zealand. Named after the nearby dramatic, geological marvel of sharp pinnacles and deep narrow ravines of the Clay Cliffs, Clay Cliffs Estate has one of Otago's earliest plantings of Pinot Gris, Muscat and Pinot Blanc. The Estates Tuscany style restaurant - with both inside and outside dinning - features large ponds with rainbow and brown trout for you to feed, if you wish. Clay Cliffs Estate is approximately a 20 minute drive from Twizel, and 500m south of the Omarama township, on State Highway 8.
Salmon Farm
Visit a salmon farm, feed the fish, and buy some delicious fresh or smoked salmon while you are there. Only a short drive south from Twizel is the Mount Cook Salmon Farm, which at 677m above sea level, is the highest salmon farm in the world. Situated among one of the hydro canals feeding the Waitaki Hydroelectric Power scheme, the continual flow of fresh mountain waters make it the ideal place for strong, healthy fish to grow and thrive.
Recreational Facility
Twizel proudly boasts a new events centre, with a fully equipped gym, an impressive indoor climbing wall, two squash courts, as well as a full size sports hall.
A night at the Movies!
With screenings on every Thursday night, get along to the Twizel Event Centre for a community cinematic experience in true Twizel style! Ask us for details on which film will be screening this week.
Performing Arts
The Twizel Event Centre is also a great performance venue, with different events happening throughout the year. It is popular destination for the royal New Zealand Ballet troupe.
Frisbee Golf
Here's a game the whole family can enjoy! Twizel boasts one of New Zealand's two Frisbee golf courses. Maps and Frisbees are available from the Shell Service Station and the Twizel Information Centre.
Swimming
Twizel has a 30m, open air swimming pool. Solar heated, the pool operates from November till March. With plenty seating, a shaded children's pool, and a paddling pool, it is perfect for the whole family.
Tennis
Directly adjacent to the Twizel swimming pool complex are three community tennis courts - yours to use, free of charge!
Mountain Bike
With so much incredible wild scenery to explore, it could be hard to know where to begin. Local operator, Heli Bike, provide an ultimate adventurous solution, flying you to the top of the Benmore Range by helicopter, leaving you to descend 1300 vertical metres back down through the high country farm tracks to Twizel. With trips starting at $65, it is a relatively affordable thrill. Bikes, helmets, and experienced guides are all available.
Boating
Many of the Mackenzie Basin's rivers and lakes - both natural and manmade - are popular boating, sailing and kayaking destinations. Lake Ruataniwha - an artificial lake created as a part of the Waitaki hydro electric project - is home to a world class rowing course and international power boating venue. These picturesque lakes are also ideal for waterskiing, wake boarding, kite surfing and windsurfing.
Fishing
Bring your rod and line to hook yourself a trophy sized brown trout, rainbow trout or salmon, in any of the pristine, mountain fresh waters of the Mackenzie area's many beautiful lakes and rivers. With perfect conditions for the fish to live and grow, and not too many anglers to complete with, a truly great catch awaits you. Licences and tackle can be acquired from Twizel Hardware. They can also give you advice on where to cast your line, or recommend to you one of the local fishing guides - for some real local knowledge.
Walking tracks
There are endless opportunities to explore Aoraki Mount Cook, Ben Ohau Ranges, Dobson and Hopkins Valleys areas on foot. Walks ranging from half hour to multi-day are all within easy access of Twizel. For more information on walking tracks, ask at the Twizel Information Centre, or visit the Department of Conservation website: www.doc.govt.nz
Horse Treks
Enjoy the quiet seclusion and spectacular scenery of the Mackenzie High Country from the back of a horse. A variety of treks are available, ranging from half hour to a fully guided six day adventure. Suitable for beginners through to experts, treks operate from October to mid April.
Hunting
The mountainous ranges surrounding Twizel are home to many Red Deer, Chamois and Tahr. Twizel has hunting guides ready to take you to the hills in search of adventure and a trophy.