Mt Cook Mackenzie Region Becoming Popular Winter Destination (31-Mar-09)

Mt Cook Mackenzie, NZ, March 31, 2009 - The Mt Cook Mackenzie region is fast becoming

The Mt Cook Mackenzie region is fast becoming one of New Zealand’s most popular winter holiday destinations with its distinctive blend of affordable on and off-the-snow fun, picture-postcard scenery and high country hospitality.

Historically a scenic route between Christchurch and Queenstown, now Kiwis and visitors alike stop, stay and play in the alpine wonderland because there’s so much to do.

The range of ski options, from beginner to extreme, is ‘snow bunny’ heaven with three public ski fields – Ohau, Mt Dobson and Roundhill – as well as advanced heli, glacier and cat-skiing. A new Winter Park opening in Lake Tekapo in June will extend the range of on-snow activities with a slope dedicated entirely to tobogganing and snow tubing, and an area set aside for just frolicking about in the snow.

Off the snow there’s plenty to choose from, including luxuriating in hot pools, ice skating, curling, hiking, and breath-taking scenic flights. The more relaxed can enjoy spa treatments, sample amazing local food and wine, or just sit back and absorb the majestic surroundings.

Weather and scenery provide a visual feast, with brilliant sunny days, New Zealand’s best stargazing by night, turquoise blue lakes, emerald green valleys, the snow-capped Southern Alps and New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, towering above it all.

Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie General Manager Phil Brownie believes the diversity of what’s on offer, plus accommodation that ranges from holiday parks to top-of-the-range hotels, makes the region an appealing and unique year-round holiday destination.

“The Mackenzie is a fantastic place to come for a family holiday. It’s affordable, accessible, safe and friendly. It’s got everything - excitement, adventure, peace and quiet. 

“Noticeably more Kiwis came through for their summer holidays this year, so we’re hoping to see the same trend for winter. We’ve got some great deals for senior Gold Card holders as well so we’d love them to come and visit.

“Every day I talk to Kiwis who can’t believe they haven’t been here before. They can’t wait to come back with friends and families to share their experience.”

Last year the region experienced strong visitor growth of nearly five percent on the back of new internationally acclaimed attractions such as Aoraki Mount Cook’s Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and Lake Tekapo’s new hot springs, spa and winter park complex.

One of Mt Cook Mackenzie’s unique drawcards is the brilliantly clear night sky of the Mackenzie Basin, renowned for its lack of light pollution and consistency of stargazing. A bid is currently underway to become the world’s first World Heritage StarLight Reserve. 

For those keen to book a winter holiday in the region, Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie is offering some fantastic accommodation and adventure packages.  Be in to win a great prize package for two adults or two adults and two children by registering online at www.mackenziewinter.co.nz or by texting 'winter' to 244 (texts cost 20 cents).