Fairlie

Travel Information (approximate times)
Geraldine: 40m
Timaru: 50m
Tekapo: 30m
Aoraki Mt Cook: 1h 50m
Twizel: 1h 10m
Queenstown: 3h 40m
Discover South Canterbury
Fairlie
Fairlie is the eastern gateway to the Mackenzie District with a population of around 800 people, located just 45 minutes drive inland from Timaru at the junction of SH 8 and SH79 Inland Scenic Route (between Christchurch, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Queenstown).
The area is anchored in strong farming and agricultural roots. Today tourism and hospitality contribute to this diverse community. Lake Opuha is minutes from the town centre for boating and fishing, along with many walk and bike tracks. Mt Dobson, Fox Peak and Roundhill ski fields are all within easy driving distance.
A statue of James Mackenzie (19th century sheep rustler, after whom the District is named) stands proudly in Fairlie’s main street amongst contemporary art galleries, boutique retail and produce shops lining the main street and Bobby’s Square. Home to the Mackenzie Agricultural & Pastoral Show held each Easter Monday since 1899, attracting around 8,000 visitors from around the world to this small rural town.
Discover Fairlie
Explore the heritage museum and Joseph Binney the blacksmith’s cottage, vintage motor and horse-drawn vehicles and farm equipment. Cafes and local produce including the mouth-wateringly famous pies and delicacies at The Fairlie Bakehouse.

Lake Opuha
A 700 hectare man-made lake all day family fun, picnic areas, fishing, swimming, bike and walk trails within 10 minutes of Fairlie township.

Ski & Snow
Get to the snow – play, ski or snowboard at nearby Mt Dobson and Fox Peak ski areas, a short drive from Fairlie. Uncrowded, natural dry powder snow, trails for all abilities.

Mackenzie Highland Show
Established in 1899, one of the oldest and largest agricultural & pastural shows in New Zealand, held every Easter Monday at Mackenzie A&P showgrounds, Fairlie. Family fun day out.

Fairlie Heritage Museum & Café
Open 7 days, this fascinating museum has three memorabilia elements – rural heritage, motor heritage, and the Mackenzie District archive. It’s fourth element is a GREAT café!

Mackenzie District Council
Local government of Mackenzie District. Main office in Fairlie, service office in Twizel. Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm ph: +64 3 685-8533
Fairlie Businesses
Local government, manufacturing, engineering, farming and rural support businesses stand alongside the many tourism and hospitality businesses that make up Fairlie and the surrounding area.
Fairlie Bakehouse
74 Main Street, Fairlie
Farm Barn Café Ltd
4 Mt Michael Road, Fairlie
High Country Carpentry
1 Gall Street, Fairlie
Mackenzie District Council
Main Street, Fairlie
Mackenzie Laundries Ltd
193 Ostler Road, Twizel
Musterers Accommodation Fairlie
9 Gordon St, Fairlie
The Great Outdoors & More
85 Main Street, Fairlie
Featured Events
So much to see and do here. Find out What’s On or add your own South Canterbury event.