It wasn’t long ago that New Zealanders maligned the town of Twizel, just south of Lake Pukaki. The town was built in 1968 to service construction of the nearby hydroelectric power station, and was due to be abandoned in 1984 when the construction project was completed. Now the town’s tenacious residents are having the last laugh as house prices are increasing and new lakeside subdivisions are being built to take advantage of the area’s relaxed lakes and mountains lifestyle. Mt Cook is just 63km down the road, and Twizel’s range of affordable accommodation and a few good eateries make it a good alternative to staying in more expensive Mt Cook Village. Twizel as a travellers’ nirvana. Who would have thought?
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Loveable Yuksom is historic and charming. It’s the main trailhead for the Khangchendzonga Trek, but, lacking direct views of the high mountains, has thus far been spared the rapacious development that’s overwhelming Pelling. The Community Information Centre (per hr Rs 50; 10am-1pm & 3-5pm) offers internet connection in an unlikely hut near Kathok Lake.
