The Lakes Motel provides modern, newly renovated accommodation in the heart of the Mackenzie High Country in Twizel. Hosted by Warren and Fiona, the property is situated on Mackenzie Drive directly opposite the Ben Ohau Golf Course and just off State Highway 8. Its central location offers guests easy walking access to local Twizel town centre services, cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores.
Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, golden tussock landscapes, and glacial lakes, the motel serves as an ideal launchpad for exploring the wider region, including day trips to the World Heritage-listed Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park located just a 45-minute scenic drive away. It is particularly well-appointed for outdoor enthusiasts, offering dedicated amenities for cyclists tackling the Alps 2 Ocean (A2O) cycle trail.
Inside, the motel features spacious and immaculately maintained studios and units equipped with modern kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens, large contemporary bathrooms, quality bedding, and generous guest facilities including guest laundry access and bike-cleaning stations.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped Southern Alps, golden tussock landscapes, and turquoise glacial lakes, Twizel serves as one of New Zealand's premier alpine gateways. Situated on Mackenzie Drive right opposite the Ben Ohau Golf Course, The Lakes Motel provides a comfortable, impeccably maintained base for travellers, cyclists, and alpine adventurers looking to explore the Mackenzie High Country.
Operated with hands-on hospitality by hosts Warren and Fiona, The Lakes Motel offers a welcoming stay with an emphasis on practical convenience and immaculate cleanliness. While presenting a classic roadside exterior, the property surprises visitors on the inside with high-standard renovations that match modern four-star comfort.
The guest units at The Lakes Motel have been extensively renovated to deliver a warm, contemporary environment. Guests staying in the studios and units will find bright, modern interiors complete with plush bedding, tastefully coordinated decor, and expansive floor space.
Bathrooms are a standout feature of the updated rooms, highlighted by exceptionally large showers with great water pressure that are consistently praised by weary travellers. Rooms also feature modern kitchenettes or fully equipped kitchens, providing everything required for self-catering, including stovetops, microwave setups, coffee plungers, and Nespresso pod coffee machines for an easy morning brew before setting off.
Twizel is a key stop along the famed Alps 2 Ocean (A2O) cycle trail, and The Lakes Motel is tailored to cater directly to riders. The property is fully bike-friendly and equipped to accommodate both standard bicycles and e-bikes. Practical touches throughout the grounds—such as dedicated clean rags provided specifically for wiping down muddy boots and bikes after a day on the gravel trails—demonstrate a keen understanding of outdoor travellers' needs. In addition, convenient guest laundry facilities allow visitors to wash and refresh their outdoor gear easily.
Beyond cycling, the motel serves as an effortless jumping-off point for exploring the wider region. The world-renowned Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is located just a picturesque 45-minute drive away, making early morning alpine hikes and glacier boat trips straightforward to undertake while returning to a quiet, comfortable room at night.
Convenience is central to the experience at 10 Mackenzie Drive. Located just off State Highway 8, guests enjoy immediate off-street access while remaining within easy walking distance of the Twizel town centre. Although the motel does not have its own in-house restaurant, visitors are just steps away from local amenities, grocery stores, cafes, and restaurants, as well as takeaway food vans located right across the street.