This track starts at the carpark area off Pukaki Canal Road on the western outskirts of Twizel. Follow a 4WD track (marked easement) until you reach a small gate in the fence which gives you access to the wetland. This deep, natural Carex wetland is a good spot for bird-watching.

Getting there

The Mackenzie Basin is situated in the centre of New Zealand's South Island. It features mountains, lakes, rivers, beech forest remnants and rolling tussock country.

All of the walking tracks described here are easy to access from main roads and offer fantastic views of the Mackenzie high country, with the exception of Marker Bay which ends in a nestled cove beside Lake Pukaki.

Some of these walks include easements through private farmland. Please respect the landowners’ rights by keeping to the marked easements. These are well-signposted and marked by orange poles. Please ensure all public access gates for walkers are closed behind you.