Alps 2 Ocean
The Alps 2 Ocean (or A2O) cycle trail is one of the most remarkable in the country, starting at the southern alps, heading through Twizel, and finishing at Oamaru by the Pacific Ocean. The entire route is over 190 miles and can take around nine days. You can, of course, ride as much of the trail as you’d like — no matter how long you ride, the trail offers some incredible South Island scenery.
Glacier Flight
For an incomparable view of the New Zealand Glaciers, consider taking a flight from Twizel Airport. Several operators run private excursions, taking in the nearby Glenmary Glacier, Tasman Glacier, and the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. The classic planes come fully equipped with leather flying jackets, goggles, and warm blankets. And of course, a pilot to show you all the sights.
Stargazing
Twizel and the surrounding Mackenzie region have been declared one of only 16 “dark sky reserves” in the world. Almost completely free from light pollution, the area is considered one of the best stargazing spots on earth. Novice astronomers can join a group or workshop to learn how to identify constellations. There are also photography courses for those who’d like to learn how to capture the skies.