Church of the Good Shepherd
Explore
South Island
Mt Cook & Mackenzie
Where New Zealand’s highest peaks rise above glacial lakes, open high country and some of the clearest skies on Earth.
5 Tours Visit Here
Kauri, Mataī, Mt Cook Lily, Pōhutukawa, Tōtara
Discover Mt Cook & Mackenzie
In the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, the Mackenzie is a wide inland basin of golden tussock, luminous glacial lakes and immense open skies. Mountain ranges encircle the landscape, rising towards Aoraki / Mount Cook, the country’s highest peak. The turquoise waters of Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo bring vivid colour to the high country, while the small town of Twizel rests quietly beneath it all. After sunset, one of the clearest and darkest skies on Earth reveals a breathtaking canopy of stars.
New Zealand’s Highest Peak
Aoraki / Mount Cook stands 3,724 metres high, towering above the surrounding peaks of the Southern Alps.
Mackenzie’s Turquoise Lakes
Fine glacial sediment suspended in Lakes Pūkaki and Tekapo / Takapō gives their waters a vivid turquoise colour.
A Basin Among Mountains
The Mackenzie Basin is New Zealand’s largest intermontane basin - a broad plateau enclosed by snow-capped ranges.
Southern Hemisphere’s Largest Dark Sky Reserve
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve covers 4,367 square kilometres of national park and high country
Travelling through the Mackenzie brings you closer to the places and stories that give this remarkable region its character. At Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd has stood beside the turquoise water since 1935, built from local stone to honour the region’s early pioneers. Farther south, Lake Pūkaki opens towards Aoraki / Mount Cook, creating one of the South Island’s most memorable views.
Aoraki / Mount Cook is an ancestor of deep significance to Ngāi Tahu, the principal Māori iwi of the South Island. Around it, glaciers have shaped a landscape of broad valleys, rugged peaks and luminous lakes, while Twizel brings a quiet, welcoming presence to the open high country.
After sunset, the Mackenzie’s immense skies take centre stage. Much of the region lies within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where minimal light pollution reveals the Milky Way, planets and distant constellations with remarkable clarity. It gives this beautiful journey a final sense of wonder, long after the mountains have faded into silhouette.
What You'll Experience
Some of New Zealand's most treasured experiences, all part of your time in Mt Cook & Mackenzie.
Journey alongside Lake Pukaki
Journey alongside the breathtaking shores of Lake Pukaki, where vivid turquoise waters stretch beneath the peaks of the Southern Alps. As the largest lake in the Mackenzie District, it offers some of New Zealand's most iconic views, with Aoraki / Mount Cook often visible from lookout points along the shoreline. The combination of brilliant glacial waters and sweeping alpine scenery makes this one of the South Island's most spectacular journeys.
Lake Pukaki's famous turquoise hue is created by glacial flour - fine rock particles suspended in the water after being ground down by nearby glaciers.
Explore Mt. Cook Village
Explore Mt. Cook Village, a remote alpine settlement nestled within Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Surrounded by soaring peaks and dramatic mountain landscapes, it's the perfect place to relax, enjoy lunch, or discover the region through an optional activity. The village is also home to the excellent Aoraki / Mount Cook Visitor Centre, where exhibits, artwork, and stunning views provide a fascinating introduction to the national park and its history.
In te reo Māori, Aoraki means "Cloud Piercer", reflecting the mountain's towering presence above the Mackenzie landscape.
Learn pavlova making at a local home
Enjoy true Kiwi hospitality with an exclusive Pure Discoveries® visit to a local home overlooking the beautiful waters of Lake Tekapo. Meet your host and learn the secrets of making pavlova, a much-loved New Zealand dessert with a crisp meringue shell and soft, marshmallow-like centre, topped with whipped cream and seasonal fruit. Afterwards, enjoy the freshly made pavlova while taking in the beautiful lake views.
Pavlova was named after Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, most likely in celebration of her highly successful 1926 tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Visit Church of the Good Shepherd
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, a treasured stone church overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps beyond. Built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country, the church was carefully designed to blend into its spectacular alpine setting. Take time to admire this much-loved local landmark while remembering that it remains an active place of worship.
The church’s builders were instructed to leave the surrounding landscape undisturbed and use natural, uncut stones gathered within five miles of the site.
ExploreOptional Experiences
These optional experiences are available at an extra cost to passengers joining selected Pure Discoveries® tours.
Booked a Pure Discoveries® tour and interested in adding optional experiences? Get in touch with our team to discuss your options.
Explore optional experiences across all Pure Discoveries® tour destinations
Optional Extra
Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight
Take a 25-minute helicopter experience through the rugged high-country landscapes of the Ben Ohau Range, with views across mountains, glaciers and ancient glacier-carved valleys. Touch down in a remote alpine setting and step outside to admire the sweeping panorama, with a snow landing possible when seasonal conditions allow.
Glaciers cover around 40% of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, making it New Zealand’s premier glacier country.
Optional Extra
Glacier Explorers
This approximately three-hour adventure includes travel into the Tasman Valley and a scenic 1.5-kilometre alpine walk through Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. At Tasman Glacier Lake, board a specially designed boat for around one hour of cruising among floating icebergs while learning about New Zealand’s largest glacier and its ever-changing environment.
Some of the icebergs floating on Tasman Glacier Lake contain glacier ice that has been compressed for hundreds of years.
Where You'll Stay in Mt Cook & Mackenzie
1 night
Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
Instantly recognisable by its classic stonework exterior, Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel reflects the dramatic landscapes of the Aoraki Mt Cook and Mackenzie Region. Set within spacious gardens and framed by iconic mountain views, it's just a short walk from Twizel town centre. The on-site restaurant and bar serve authentic New Zealand cuisine.
- Remote location
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Private balconies or patios
- Courtyard & gardens
On Tour in Mt Cook & Mackenzie
See how this destination features on our small-group tours.
How Pure Discoveries® Visits
Travel through the sweeping Mackenzie Basin, where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon, before you journey alongside Lake Pukaki towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Explore Mt. Cook Village at your own pace, surrounded by crisp alpine air and soaring mountain peaks.
At an extra cost, you can enhance your visit with the optional Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight or Glacier Explorers experience. The following morning, learn pavlova making at a local home beside Lake Tekapo, enjoying warm Kiwi hospitality and beautiful lake views. Afterwards, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Southern Alps.
Tours That Explore Mt Cook & Mackenzie
These Pure Discoveries® tours include Mt Cook & Mackenzie in their itinerary.
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Days 21-22 here
A 23-day guided journey across both islands, designed as the full New Zealand experience. A seamless adventure for travellers who want the complete story.
Featured Experience: Discover the beauty of the Bay of Islands, shaped by its sparkling coastlines
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20Days
Days 18-19 here
A 20-day guided journey across both islands, designed for travellers who want the classic two-island experience with a deeper South Island ending.
Featured Experience: Journey through native forest on the Driving Creek Railway
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14Days
Days 12-13 here
A 14-day guided journey through the South Island, designed for travellers who want the complete South Island story in one beautifully paced experience.
Featured Experience: Indulge in Marlborough wine country with a tasting at a world-class vineyard
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12Days
Days 10-11 here
A 12-day guided journey across both islands, perfect for those wanting the cultural and geothermal highlights of the North before a fuller South Island adventure.
Featured Experience: Walk elevated forest pathways on the Redwoods Treewalk in Rotorua
South Island
10Days
Days 8-9 here
A 10-day guided journey through the South Island, designed for travellers who want a compact adventure that still delivers the big scenic moments.
Featured Experience: Glide along the Avon River on a classic punting experience in Christchurch
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