Mackenzie Country

Lake Pukaki Visitors Centre Aoraki Mount Cook in distance

Geraldine To Burkes Pass

Even though the Mackenzie Country doesn't officially start before Burkes Pass, if you are heading from Christchurch, you will likely be driving through Geraldine and onto Fairlie before turning left onto Hightway 8 to head towards Tekapo via Burkes Pass.

There is a little gem you might want to explore just outside Geraldine called Te Moana Gorge. Take the right turn into Te Moana Rd after you cross the bridge across Speechlys river about 3-4km outside Geraldine. The gorge is 13km along this road which is sealed early on but is unsealed for the last few km. The road does narrow near the end on the 'No Exit' section but you will love the native bush. There is flat land for a picnic and basic toilet facilities when you reach the gorge. I love the bubbling brook, the swimming waterhole and the sound of birdsong.

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Te Moana Gorge

Burkes Pass To Tekapo

As you come down Burkes Pass you will see the expanse of the Mackenzie Basin in front of you. It is majestic in the winter when the ground is covered in snow and the basin stretches out before you with the Southern Alps rising in the distance.

And then as you drive, you suddenly turn a corner and there in front of you is Lake Tekapo. Tekapo is a vibrant village and there are so many visitor attractions, it's worth a stop over. Lake Tekapo is a Dark Sky Reserve so this is a special place at night.

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Lake Ruataniwha rowing complex 2000 meter start

Tekapo To Twizel

If you are driving in December / January, you will likely be greeted by bright pink and purple lupins along the roadside between Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. There are known as Russell Lupins and are an invasive species in New Zealand, but visually they are spectacular.

We have covered the drive to Mt Cook on our <a href="http://www.new-zealand-campervan-holidays.com/christchurch-mount-cook.html" title="Chch to Aoraki" target="_blank">Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook page.

The largest lake on the northern side of the Mackenzie basin is Lake Pukaki which has the regal Aoraki Mount Cook as a backdrop. There's something magical about being out on a a hot sunny summer's day and sitting at the lakeshore looking across the glacial blue water towards a towering snow capped mountain. The Lake Pukaki Visitor's centre is the perfect place to stop for photos.

We would like to introduce you to a new route along the canals between Lake Pukaki and Twizel.

As you drive out of the visitor's centre, go straight across the road rather than taking a right on State Highway 8 towards Aoraki/Mt Cook. Follow the sealed road around to the right until you come to the canal. Turn right and cross the bridge. Follow the canal, with it's sparkling aquamarine colour. At the end, turn left onto Highway 8, cross the bridge and then take a right back onto the canal road.

This road eventually heads towards the Ohau Power Station where you will take a left and head into Twizel via Lake Ruataniwha. Lake Ruataniwha has an internation rowing complex so if you are lucky, you will be there at the same time as a regatta so you can enjoy the spectacle.

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Lake Ruataniwha Rowing Course

Twizel To Lindis Pass

Head back out to State Highway 8 from Twizel village towards Omarama and Lindis Pass. You can take a road off to the right to Lake Ohau to explore that region more.

At Omarama, you can head take the road to Lindis Pass and onto Cromwell or you can head east towards Kurow and Oamaru.

If you take the road east, you will come to Lakes Benmore and Aviemore on the southern border of the Mackenzie basin. These are great destinations for summer fun especially if you have some form of water craft - a kayak, jetski or motor boat.

This ends our tour of the Mackenzie Country

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