Named in the 1850’s after James Mackenzie, a Scottish-origin shepherd and sheep thief, the Mackenzie District is located right in the middle of the New Zealand’s South Island and covers a vast 7,339 square km of diverse landscapes.  Around 5,000 residents live in the Mackenzie District – most in the district’s main towns of Fairlie, Tekapo, Twizel, Kimbell, Burkes Pass, Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, Albury and Cave.

The extreme forces of nature created some significant landscape features which form some of the district’s natural boundaries.

Economically the Mackenzie District is dominated by agriculture, sheep, cattle and deer farming, however its diverse landscapes are also a paradise for outdoor lovers with hiking, skiing, rock- and mountain climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and hunting for the more ambitious and fly fishing, boating, golfing, horse trekking and star gazing on the more relaxed end of the scale activities.

We are committed to ensuring that the local community can participate in the decisions that affect their lives and our environment. Let’s Talk | Kōrero mai – we’d love to hear from you.

Mackenzie District Council operates from two offices, in Fairlie and Twizel. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm.

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