About Our Cottages
Both cottages have fabulous views of the mountainous & often snowy Ben Ohau Range; the mountain range that forms a magnificent backdrop to Twizel and runs the length of Lake Pukaki leading the way into Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park & the Southern Alps.
Night Sky Cottages are located right beneath the magnificent night sky of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve- "An International Dark Sky Reserve is public land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage and/or public enjoyment."
During the long dark nights of winter you may even catch sight of the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights dancing on the southern horizon.
There are also great views from both cottages of the stunning sunrises, sunsets & cloud formations the high country is famous for.
About the Area
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Walking, Cycling & Skiing
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The world famous A2O (Alps to Ocean) Cycle Track passes through Twizel, and in fact section three of the trail- Twizel to Lake Ohau- passes the cottages' front gate on its way to the lake (stay in Kahu Cottage and relax those weary bodies in our outdoor hot tub right under the stars). There are various short walks around the village & along the Twizel River and a good number of longer day & overnight tramping tracks in the nearby mountains, not to mention several ski-fields within a short drive.
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Tiny Loch Cameron, a local favourite swimming spot is just a few kilometres down Glen Lyon Road, as is the stunning turquoise blue Pukaki Canal. The Fraser Stream - another favourite swimming spot- is just a short walk from the cottages.
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Mackenzie Attractions
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Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, the Hooker Valley, the Tasman Lake & Glacier and Aoraki/ Mt Cook the tallest mountain in New Zealand are just 50 minutes drive away (Twizel is the closest village to Mt Cook). Lakes Tekapo, Alexandrina, McGregor and the Mt John Observatory are just 50 minutes drive. To the south, Lake Ohau, Omarama's Clay Cliffs, the Upper Waitaki Lakes and the Ahuriri Valley are all within easy reach by vehicle and are also less than an hours drive away. Lake Ruataniwha, the Ohau Canals & Lake Benmore are all just a few kilometres away on the outskirts of Twizel.
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Make Twizel your next destination, follow Night Sky Cottages’ Facebook page for more information on the Mackenzie High Country. Check this websites Gallery & About pages for more ideas on where to visit & what to see during your stay; the possibilities are endless.
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Mackenzie Country
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Mackenzie Country is home to some of the most spectacular scenery and unique landscapes in the New Zealand. The Mackenzie Basin is an intermontane basin which is a major reason why the landscape looks so different to the rest of New Zealand. An intermontane basin is an unique area of land that is bordered by mountain ranges on all sides.
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Mackenzie Country has the stunning Ben Ohau Mountains to the west (this is the range seen from Night Sky Cottages), Two Thumb Range to the east (Lake Tekapo backdrop), the Liebig Range to the north (beneath the Southern Alps), and the Benmore Range and the Grampian Mountains to the south (bordering Lake Benmore and also visible from the cottages).
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The Mackenzie Basin is often protected from the adverse weather systems that effect the surrounding mountains and we miss out on a lot of the bad weather. We do get westerly winds which dry out the soil and grasslands creating semi-desert-like landscapes and a unique dry-land ecosystem.