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Up high in the Southern Alps, the winter's snow is beginning to melt, revealing the ancient ice of glaciers underneath. Lower down, new Merino lambs are taking their first steps and the kōwhai are blooming brilliant yellow flowers. Locals are tuning up mountain bikes and organising fishing gear.

How much have you really explored our Aoraki Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo region? The fact is, many Kiwis haven't spent a lot of time here - and that's something we're keen to change.

We want you to fall in love with the Mackenzie Country like we have. We’re challenging you to go further, explore more, and find out why they call it the Legendary Mackenzie. We're challenging you to do something new:
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Stay a week and experience the very best of the Mackenzie - the best base for all your adventures is right here at The Cairns.
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We’re smack in the middle of the Mackenzie Region (30 minutes to Fairlie, 40 minutes to Twizel and 1 hour to Aoraki Mount Cook). That means you can spend a day walking the Hooker Valley Track or kayaking the Tasman Glacier Lake, and still make it back to Tekapo for a late afternoon drink by the waterfront.
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Families love The Cairns because our resort environment is kid-friendly and convenient, with an on-site farm animal petting zoo and beautiful lawns and gardens to run and play.
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Couples and friends love getaways at The Cairns because it's private, peaceful, and offers everything you need for the perfect holiday. Our resort's golf course has incredible views and challenges you to play a style of golf that's perfectly High Country. We're on the Tekapo start of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, with great options for day rides of the most scenic sections.

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Our lodges include luxurious bathtubs for long soaks after hiking, and wood-burning fireplaces for when the nights turn cool. They've also got full kitchens for the nights when you want to enjoy a meal in, and private laundry facilities for when your outdoor adventures get a bit muddy.

Best of all, our awesome team welcomes guests as friends. It's our mission to provide everything you need to relax, forget the daily grind, and let Tekapo inspire you.

There's so much to explore here in the High Country. Stay a week at The Cairns and experience the best of the Mackenzie.