The modest town of TWIZEL (rhymes with bridle) is a leafy island surrounded by seas of pasture and backed by alpine scenery. It began life in 1966 as a construction village for people working on the Waitaki Hydro Scheme. Twizel was due to be bulldozed flat after the project was finished in 1985 (some think this would have been a kinder fate) but enough residents wanted to stay that their wishes were granted. Long ridiculed as dull and featureless, this town of 1400 is now becoming a cheapish and more varied base for forays to the Mount Cook National Park (a 45min drive away), scenic Lake Ohau and the gliding operation at ... More
Overview of Twizel, New Zealand
Information by Rough Guides
The modest town of TWIZEL (rhymes with bridle) is a leafy island surrounded by seas of pasture and backed by alpine scenery. It began life in 1966 as a construction village for people working on the Waitaki Hydro Scheme. Twizel was due to be bulldozed flat after the project was finished in 1985 (some think this would have been a kinder fate) but enough residents wanted to stay that their wishes were granted. Long ridiculed as dull and featureless, this town of 1400 is now becoming a cheapish and more varied base for forays to the Mount Cook National Park (a 45min drive away), scenic Lake Ohau and the gliding operation at Omarama.
WHile Twizel is still about a good 50+ km from the Mt.cook town (Heritage HoteL) its still a great place to stay. You could enjoy the evening at Lake Punaki. The room felt ... More