Things to do in Mackenzie District

it is amazing and unforgettable helicopter ride. we have booked 3 times but all has been cancelled due to weather started from Fox glacier, Queenstown and finally at Mount Cook we made it happen. thanks Klook and it is easy to book. high recommended to those interested.

great experience and amazing view on the glacier, we hiked to an ice cave. The operator provides warm layers if needed. We felt very safe flying and hiking with them

Totally worth it. You start with about a ten-minute helicopter ride to the glacier, then hike for about two hours. The company provides hiking boots, wool socks, waterproof pants, a waterproof jacket, crampons, and hiking poles. Anyone who is normally mobile can participate.

Highly recommend the Lake Tekapo Petting Zoo experience! It's a quick 30 minutes but so worth it. Our guide, Joy, was awesome – she gave us a warm introduction to all the animals and even offered to help us take photos. A fun and memorable stop for anyone visiting Tekapo!

It’s a fantastic experience! We are so lucky to have done this on our first attempt, and on a sunny day with no strong winds. The glacier walk is stunning, providing insight into how glaciers form and how climate impacts them. The helicopter ride was exceptional, and the guide was very professional.

The tour guide thoughtfully prepared hot chocolate with marshmallows and blankets for us, so we could lie on the grassland and watch the Southern Hemisphere's starry sky. They explained the names of each star and how to find the South Celestial Pole. It was a night full of knowledge and romance ☺️. They also gave us reusable cocoa cups, and every time I see that cup, I remember the starry sky that night ☺️☺️.

My family and I attended the midnight session on the 27th of January 2026. Right away we knew this was going to be special as the night sky was completely clear for the first time in two weeks. The moon set shortly after we left Lake Tekapo on a drive up to Mt John, which took about 15 minutes. Our guides were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what we could see, and all of us came away in awe of the majesty of the night sky visible in the dark sky reserve. Definitely one of the memorable sights of our whole trip!

The stargazing program was very fun and interesting. The guide was nice and upbeat. We rode the bus to a stargazing place, and when we looked up, the sky was full of stars. It was very beautiful.

The starry sky is beautiful and the weather isn't too cold. I'd highly recommend visiting Tekapo. However, later on the clouds got a bit thick and the moon was a bit bright, which affected the stars. I suggest staying two nights, as you'll have a better chance of seeing the stars.