Top Things to do in Mackenzie District
Top Hotels in Mackenzie District
10 Sights & Landmarks in Mackenzie District That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Mackenzie District, New Zealand including Gem Alpaca Stud, SkyScape, The Church of the Good Shepherd, Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon Shop, Mount John University Observatory, Morelea Farm, Peter's Lookout, High Country Salmon, Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue, New Zealand Alpine Lavender Farm.
Restaurants in Mackenzie District
1. Gem Alpaca Stud
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 144 reviews
Gem Alpaca Stud is situated on the main highway from Christchurch to Queenstown - perfectly placed for your stop over. Come on in and feed, touch and meet our Alpaca, Llama & sheep. Get your up close photos with our beautiful animals. Large covered veranda and outdoor seating with our farm shop open 7 days featuring a huge range of alpaca products. We also now have refreshments, ice creams, coffee and cold drinks. Farm Visits daily 11am, 1pm and 3pm $25.00 per adult, $15 per child, children 5 and under are FREE. PLEASE NOTE: No public toilets on site. please use facilities in the township just 1 minutes drive away.
Reviewed By taniat358
This farm + tour was amaze-balls!! We highly highly recommend this place. Lovely staff, lovely shop selling souvenirs and alpaca related goodies. The tour was amazing, the guide was very informative walking us through the different Alpaca sections, giving us food we can feed them. She knew the name of every Alpaca, and they were all so friendly and super cute. You got up right close to them all. Loved our experience. You even get wellies to wear so your own shoes stay clean. Towards the end of the tour, the guide also gave us top tips of what to see and do during our South Island road trip! We did this tour in Jan 2020, we got there for the last tour (think about 4pm), and we were lucky enough to be the only ones in the group, so felt like we had a private tour. Loved it. THX U, we had a great time!!!
2. SkyScape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
This distinctive accommodation is designed to maximise the extraordinary views of the Mackenzie Country both day and night, with a bedroom built predominantly of glass. This unique building comprises a glass-roofed bedroom, as well as a grass roofed kitchenette and bathroom and is located on a farm, within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Reviewed By Travellingtom2021
Bevan and Bridget have created a wee slice of paradise in the middle of Mackenzie Country. Fantastic accommodation, so well presented and thoughtful, with the eco-friendly design of the room. Peaceful and isolated, it was the perfect place to relax and unwind with views looking out over the the land and of course, billions of stars once the sun sets, either from the outdoor bath or the comfort of the roomy bed. The magical sight of seeing stars drifting across the glass ceiling as you lay in bed is an experience like no other. I will definitely be back and highly recommend Skyscape for anyone looking to experience something special.
3. The Church of the Good Shepherd
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,077 reviews
The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains. The Church of the Good Shepherd was built to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. "Somehow the setting and the church combine to speak of God to those who enter and pause in the midst of their busy lives." - Peter Hurricks NO PHOTOS INSIDE Please do not use cameras, cellphones or tablets inside the church so that others may enjoy as is a place of prayer and reflection. PLEASE REMOVE YOUR WASTE There are no toilet or rubbish collection facilities in the area around the church so we kindly ask that visitors remove their waste and respect the natural environment around the church.
Reviewed By happi1944 - Jupiter, United States
We visited the Church of the Good Shepherd overlooking Lake Tekapo in New Zealand last February while on an extensive (4 weeks) Collette tour of Australia and New Zealand. We had just spent an overnight at the lodge overlooking Mt. Cook and were on our way to Christchurch. This delightful church had a most knowledgeable docent who told us the history of both the church and the area. However, the best experience I had was to be allowed to play the little pump organ at the back of the church. When I asked if I could, the docent first said "no". However, when I told him I was a church organist in my hometown, he very kindly said "yes". He even searched through the pile of music to find more things for me to play. Before very long, there were lots of tourists standing around singing hymns. What a lovely experience for me. When you visit, be sure to take a walk down to Lake Tekapo (behind the church). There is quite a beautiful view of Mt. Cook.
4. Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
Located on the edge of Mt Cook National Park our shop is stocked with Freshwater King Salmon -raised in the cool glacial water of New Zealand's Southern Alps. We have a great selection of sashimi, fillets, whole salmon and smoked salmon for you to enjoy, as well as a picnic area with the world famous view of Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook. Visit our shop for: - Sashimi - Fillets and whole Salmon - Smoked Salmon - Picnic Area with view of Mt Cook. Currently open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm
Reviewed By Scottraveller2018 - Nelson, New Zealand
Great fresh salmon sashimi on the banks of the lake looking across to Mount Cook Incredible views and wonderful salmon!
5. Mount John University Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 713 reviews
Reviewed By P2112WFkevinh - Auckland, New Zealand
We had another lovely sunny day so took on the walk up to Mt John and then the loop around the lake side. It was a superb walk and nowhere near the 3 hours as advertised. We are in our early fifties and it took us 2.5 hours, including a decent break at the top. Recommended.
6. Morelea Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Naina-Damani - London, United Kingdom
We visited Morelea Farm in a group with AATKings and we all really enjoyed our fantastic barbecue lunch, all freshly prepared by Angie and Stan Taylor. We had a perfect pavlova made with fresh strawberries, kiwis and passion fruit. Glorious farm house with amazing views. We also had an insight on farming in New Zealand.
7. Peter's Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By pd7 - London, United Kingdom
We stopped en route to Aoraki/Mt Cook just to take photos but many people were picnicking. Amazing scenery from Oamaru all the way along River Waitiki & Lakes Waitaki, Aviemore, Benmore & of course Pukaki.
8. High Country Salmon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 365 reviews
Drop in for a rest stop on your travels and look over a working salmon farm on the glacial waters of the Mackenzie High Country -and its free to drop in and feed our beautiful salmon. Try our farm fresh sashimi and a whole range of delicious salmon cafe items at our floating shop. Or buy a fresh fish or smoked salmon packed on ice to take home and prepare yourself. We're a family run business focussed on growing the best freshwater king salmon and getting it to you fresh. Our floating cafe menu also includes sushi, chowder, curry, burgers, smoked salmon platter, grilled teriyaki salmon, hot pies, quiche, salmon eggs benedict, sandwiches, miso noodle soup and more! We look forward to seeing you. We're easy to find on the main road 3km south of Twizel.
Reviewed By melfen87
We stopped here twice for dinner and lunch and i have to say the salmon rice, sushi and sashimi are great and delicious
9. Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 474 reviews
Reviewed By Weetbix7 - Wellington, New Zealand
This cute statue of a sheep dog sits right beside the famous church of the Good Shepherd. Make sure you see them Both when you park. It is sitting in a beautiful spot with a great view of the lake. Definitely come to say hello.
10. New Zealand Alpine Lavender Farm
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26 reviews
NZ Alpine Lavender is the largest organic lavender farm in the southern hemisphere. The farm and its surroundings are beautiful and you can visit our shop where we sell our award winning oils and other lavender based products. A great place to find unique and fine quality New Zealand made gifts. Open from December 1 to March 30. GPS location Latitude S44.13490 Longitude E170.12027
Reviewed By Deven58 - Auckland, New Zealand
This is a great stop over and great photo op. Can buy lavender products and ice cream. They charge $5 to enter the farm for photos and its fun.
