(Travelling North to South)
Fairlie
The first town in the Mackenzie region you will encounter when travelling from Christchurch is Fairlie (approximately 184 kms and 2 hours, 30 minutes driving time). Fairlie has banking facilities during normal weekday hours, police station, medical centre, a supermarket, petrol, cafes, shops, and accommodation. Next on your journey is Tekapo, a further 42 kms - 30 minutes through Burkes Pass.
Check road conditions in winter.
Tekapo township
Tekapo does not have any banking facilities, but most businesses accept both eftpos and main credit cards. The town has numerous cafes, restaurants, a supermarket, police, petrol, accommodation, and some very good tourist shops. Tekapo is also the base for a multitude of outdoor activities, which can be booked in town at the information offices.
Mount Cook Village
Another 105 kms - 1 hour - and you will be in Mount Cook Village, after leaving the main road and travelling up the side of Lake Pukaki. This service area has accommodation, airport, caf, restaurant, and is the base for viewing or climbing Mount Cook National Park.
Twizel
From Tekapo direct to Twizel is 58kms - 40 minutes - travelling past the network of canals that form part of the Waitaki hydro scheme. In Twizel you will find banking facilities, petrol, restaurants, cafes, bars, accommodation, general shopping as well as many activity operators for outdoor activities. Twizel is also the nearest base for Lake Ruataniwha where many rowing and power boating events are held.
Omarama
Heading further South you arrive in Omarama, 64 kms - 45 minutes - and then you can travel through the Lindis Pass to Queenstown and Lake Wanaka. Omarama does not have any banking facilities, but eftpos and major credit cards are welcome. Services include; general shopping, petrol, caf, restaurant, bars, and accommodation. Omarama is also one of the best regions for gliding because of the ideal landscape with amazing up drafts.