Fairlie: Local History and Good Food

Fairlie marks the beginning of Mackenzie Country. In town, local history and a range of baked goods come together. This makes Fairlie interesting for travellers who want to include culture and local food options in their travel plans.

Local History in Fairlie

The Fairlie Heritage Museum displays historic saddles and bridles, tools used by craftspeople, and household and sports equipment. The museum also includes Fairlie’s old railway station. There, visitors can see antique cameras and photographs, as well as a diorama featuring school and hospital rooms. The collection brings together objects from crafts and everyday life with photographic material and a portrayal of different aspects of life. A monument to James Mackenzie also stands in the town centre—another point of interest for anyone interested in the town’s history.

Baked Goods and Guided Experiences

The Fairlie Bakehouse makes gourmet pies and a wide range of baked goods. Where possible, it uses and celebrates local and seasonal ingredients. This combines a tangible offering with a connection to regional produce, where possible.

Two guided activities are also directly connected with Fairlie. Alpine Alpacas Fairlie offers farm tours with alpacas, llamas, sheep and horses; visitors can hand-feed the animals. Back Country Trout is based in Fairlie and offers guided sight-fishing trips for wild brown and rainbow trout. The operator picks guests up from their accommodation. For this fishing experience, the pickup point is therefore a specific part of the trip planning.

More Experiences in the Mackenzie District

The wider Mackenzie District destination offers additional historical and scenic attractions. The Church of the Good Shepherd opened in 1935, was the first church built in the Mackenzie Basin, and has Category 1 Historic Place status. Takapō Regional Park covers 165 hectares on the eastern shore of Lake Tekapo, or Takapō. It includes 24 kilometres of cycling and walking trails, as well as a dog park.

The trails in the Mackenzie District also offer different ways to plan your trip. The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passes through Twizel and is divided into nine sections. Its alternative route from Takapō, or Lake Tekapo, to Twizel crosses the Pūkaki Flats before reaching Twizel. The loop trail around Twizel is accessible year-round; the Twizel River Trail has picnic areas and swimming spots along the river. These offer a range of options: a multi-section cycling route, a loop trail accessible year-round, and a riverside trail with picnic and swimming spots.

Sailing, canoeing and windsurfing are enjoyed on Lake Ruataniwha. Its shallow water makes the lake a family favourite for swimming and relaxation. Water activities therefore complement the trails and historic attractions in the wider Mackenzie District, offering another way to spend time outdoors.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Travel Interests

You can tailor your search to the experiences that interest you most.

Discover More Destinations

Burkes Pass, Albury, Kimbell, Twizel, Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook

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