The Twizel Walkways is a loop track that encircles the town of Twizel.

As a result, it is possible to start from anywhere and make your way around. A common starting point is the car park on Glen Lyon Road.

From the car park, cross Glen Lyon Road and follow the track on the other side along the Twizel River. While the river continues past the town of Twizel, you will want to rejoin Glen Lyon Road and turn right onto North West Arch St to continue along the walkway. There is a longer walk along the Twizel River.

When NW Arch St starts to curve, continue straight ahead on the outer path. This path curves on the outskirts of town until it intersects with Ohau Rd. Continue straight past Ohau Rd until you reach Ostler Rd.

Continue along Ostler Road until you reach SH8, while you will follow before turning right back onto Glen Lyon Road, thus completing the loop.

There are many variations to this walk as you can weave in and out of the town as you please.

This walk allows you to take in the alpine views along different terrains of grasslands, pine forest and the Twizel River.

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Twizel, South Island, New Zealand
  • Time needed: 2.5 hour walk
  • Distance: 9 km
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Bikes allowed: Yes
  • Route: Loop
  • Elevation: None
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: There are toilet facilities throughout Twizel.
  • Dogs: Yes, on a leash
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes, very good

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

Parts of this track offer views of Aoraki Mount Cook and the Twizel River.

Track Quality

The track is flat and is a mixture of gravelled road and grassland.

Transport

Twizel is accessible through InterCity, Newmans and the Cook Connection.

Water

Drinking water is available throughout Twizel.

Driving Instructions

The town of Twizel is located along SH8, about 11 km from Pukaki. It is a 2:30 hour drive from Queenstown and 3:45 h drive from Christchurch.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

There are shops and restaurants in Twizel.

Area & Trail History

The town of Twizel was meant to temporarily house the construction workers of the nearby Upper Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme. It was meant to be reverted back to farmland afterwards. Now Twizel is the largest town in the Mackenzie District. A lot of the town is made up of holiday homes so the population of the town nearly triples in summer months. Twizel is the perfect base to access the rest of the Mackenzie Region such as Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo.

Map Location

See more of my walks in Twizel