At 3,754 metres above sea level, Aoraki Mount Cook provides the focal point of the Mackenzie region. Combine that with the unique deep turquoise colour of several glacial lakes and you have scenery that'll leave you breathless - but there's more ... much, much more...

Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre, State Highway 8, Twizel,  Phone: +64-3-435 3280  Fax: +64-3-435 3283 Email: info@mtcooknz.com

Aoraki Mount Cook Mackenzie - they call it the Mackenzie country - a two and a half hour drive from Christchurch.

Take State Highway 73 from Christchurch heading west, then turn left at the junction with State Highway 72 (The Inland Scenic Route) and follow this through to Geraldine. From there, turn right onto State Highway 79 through to Fairlie.

From Fairlie, a right turn onto State Highway 8 will take you through the heart of the Mackenzie country, passing through Lake Tekapo and Twizel.

Click here to see a sample itinerary of what to see and do in Mackenzie Country.