Go where the locals go in Mackenzie and Timaru District

Endless skies, iconic scenery, and a foodie’s paradise

The Church of the Good Shepherd. Image credit: Rachel Gillespie

The Church of the Good Shepherd. Image credit: Rachel Gillespie

The best is in your backyard and no region says that more than South Canterbury.

From the seaside charms of Timaru to artisanal Geraldine, to the legendary Mackenzie district, here you’ll find a horizon that stretches on for miles, skies that never end, and golden grassy plains that stretch to New Zealand’s most impressive landmarks - including its tallest mountain, longest glacier and largest Dark Sky Reserve.

This is an adventurer’s paradise, criss-crossed by world-class hiking and biking trails, epic ski fields and impossibly blue lakes. And the best part? It’s all right here just waiting to be discovered.

To help you go where the locals go we’ve rounded up the best experiences in the South Canterbury district.

Glentanner: Image credit: Brook Sabin

Stock up on artisan products in Geraldine

South Canterbury feels like a world away but it’s actually just a 1.45 hour drive from Christchurch.

Start your adventure heading south on the stunning Inland Scenic Route 72 stopping in at the charming town of Geraldine. This pretty country town is fast gaining a reputation as a foodie destination with seriously good shops, galleries, cafes and boutique food producers.

Wake up in luxury at The Vicarage or if you fancy a more local experience Ngā Whare Mānatu and Kotare Homestay are both great options too. While you’re in Geraldine, head to Humdinger Gin and enjoy a tasting. This wee distillery is housed in a former garage, and run by two gin loving locals who do everything by hand, from peeling citrus skins to bottling their tipples.

Humdinger Gin is a great place to stop - run by two Gin-loving locals

Forrest Estate Cellar Door

Wine, dine and shop in seaside city Timaru

After just two hours driving from Christchurch or 30 minutes from Geraldine you’ll reach Timaru. A beautiful little seaside city known for its great restaurants, coastal walks and city centre beaches. 

Satisfy your tastebuds by downloading Timaru Trails on the Apple app store or Google play and do the Outstanding Food Trail.

If you fancy a warm welcome visit Hector Black's, an eclectic bar housed in the historical National Bank of New Zealand building and named after the owner’s beloved taxidermied Jack Russell (who’s displayed in the middle of the bar in a glass cabinet, believe it or not).

Stay a night at The Grosvenor. Known as the ‘Grand Old Lady of The South’, this hotel is very much a part of Timaru’s history with its foundation stone being laid in 1875 and having hosted Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on two occasions. 

Mount John Tekapo Image credit: Dark Sky Project

Mount John Tekapo Image credit: Dark Sky Project

This is an adventurer’s paradise, criss-crossed by world-class hiking and biking trails, epic ski fields and impossibly blue lakes.

Explore New Zealand’s bluest lakes and darkest nights

A 45-minute drive west of Timaru, brings you to Fairlie - a charming rural centre that doubles as a ski-base for Mount Dobson in winter, and home to Fairlie Bakehouse - whose delicious pies are the stuff of Kiwi legend. Drive 30 mins more west to Lake Tekapo, an impossibly blue lake, fringed with flowers and snow capped mountains.

While you’re here check out a night sky tour, visit the iconic Church of Good Shepherd by the lake and soak in the hot pools. For the ultimate night sky experience head up to the University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory with Dark Sky Project and literally soak in the stars with Tekapo Star Gazing offering a guided hot pool stargazing experience. Or enjoy an intimate stargazing and astrophotography affair from the comfort of your accommodation with Alpha CruX.   

After a stay in Lake Tekapo, continue on to Lake Pūkaki. This lesser known lake is just as beautiful as Tekapo - it’s also a popular swimming spot and boasts jaw dropping views of Aoraki/ Mount Cook from its shores.

The Farlie Bakehouse pies are legendary. Image credit: Rachel Gillespie

The Farlie Bakehouse pies are legendary. Image credit: Rachel Gillespie

Aoraki/ Mount Cook at night is sight to behold. Image credit: Alex Meban

Aoraki/ Mount Cook at night is sight to behold. Image credit: Alex Meban

Experience Aoraki / Mount Cook


More than 75 years ago Sir Edmund Hillary came to Aoraki/ Mount Cook to practise mountaineering before climbing Mount Everest. We reckon he was onto something - this is New Zealand’s tallest mountain and we’d argue it’s the most breathtakingly beautiful spot in the country. 

Although Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park has 23 peaks at over 3,000 metres high, it’s very accessible. Here are some of our favourite ways to explore it:

Walk one of dozens of mountain tracks including the Hooker Valley Track, which has been called NZ’s best short walk.

Hike or ski the Tasman Glacier after being transported there via helicopter.

Take a scenic flight to see NZ’s most dramatic landscapes from above.

Explore the glacier from the water either by boat with Glacier Explorers, or kayak with Southern Alps Guiding.

A stay at the iconic Hermitage Hotel in the Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park is a must or if you’ve hired a camper, make sure you book at Glentanner Park, just a 15 minute drive from Mount Cook Village on Lake Pūkaki. 

Foodies will love Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat’s cooking demonstration and dining experience – experience a sensational garden-to-plate offering.



The majestic Aoraki Mount Cook and Lake Pūkaki. Image credit: Rachel Gillespie

The majestic Aoraki Mount Cook and Lake Pūkaki. Image credit: Rachel Gillespie

Stargazing from Mount John Observatory is a must-do. Credit: Dark Sky Project

Stargazing from Mount John Observatory is a must-do. Credit: Dark Sky Project

Go on a high country adventure

The Mackenzie region is New Zealand at its purest and most adventurous. To experience it close-up try the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, an epic adventure from the highest mountains past great lakes, and vast glaciers. It starts at Aoraki/Mount Cook and spans 315 KM all the way to the Pacific Ocean in Oamaru. The trail is intermediate level and takes 4-6 days.

Alternatively, see the real Mackenzie by visiting one of the region’s iconic high country stations. These working farms offer accommodation and experiences such as guided hikes, 4WD trails, heli-tours and more - not to mention the panoramic mountain views!

Check out the local operators to enjoy your own epic high country 4WD or walking tour. Check out Glentanner High Country Heli Hike, Tekapo Adventures and  Air Safaris.

Scenic Flights offer memorable experiences from the sky. Image credit: Hollie Woodhouse

Scenic Flights offer memorable experiences from the sky. Image credit: Hollie Woodhouse

Walk in a winter wonderland

When the chilly season comes around Mackenzie transforms into a winter wonderland, with powdery snow, world class skiing and epic tours.

Families who want a taste of winter adventure can enjoy ice skating and snow tubing at Tekapo Springs, while others can choose between three boutique ski fields:

If you’re an intermediate skier, book a heli-ski with Alpine Guides, Southern Alps Guiding or Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters and ski the Tasman Glacier - New Zealand’s longest ski run, next to its highest peak (Aoraki).

Hooker Valley: A winter wonderland. Image credit: Bare Kiwi

Ready to experience New Zealand’s most epic year round adventures in the Legendary Mackenzie?

Get inspired and start planning your trip at mackenzienz.com and www.vttourism.co.nz



Please travel safely and check guidance at https://covid19.govt.nz/ for alert level requirements in the region you're travelling to.

A stunning view from the Ōhau chairlift. Image credit: Ōhau Snow Fields

A stunning view from the Ōhau chairlift. Image credit: Ōhau Snow Fields