A town built to be demolished, Twizel survived to become a thriving tourist hub.
In short: Founded in 1968 as a temporary base for hydroelectric construction, Twizel was designed to be dismantled once the work finished. Instead, residents fought to save their home from demolition. Today, this former industrial outpost has transformed into a vibrant destination for stargazing, salmon fishing, and alpine adventure.
Twizel was established in 1968 by the Ministry of Works and Development specifically to house workers for the Upper Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme. The project was massive, involving 50 kilometres of canals and four powerhouses. At its peak in the 1970s, the town housed 1,900 employees, with a population reaching roughly 6,000. The town’s layout was intentionally temporary; houses were prefabricated and portable, and infrastructure like roads lacked standard kerbing to facilitate an eventual return to farmland.
As the hydroelectric project neared completion in the early 1980s, the government viewed Twizel as a financial liability and planned to demolish it. However, residents successfully campaigned to save the town. In 1984, the Mackenzie County Council took over 540 houses and community facilities, transitioning the settlement from a construction camp into a permanent residential town. By 1986, the hydroelectric project had ended, and the population had shifted toward service roles, tourism, and retirement.
Today, Twizel has evolved into a significant tourist destination. It is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, recognized for having some of the world's cleanest and darkest skies. The town also serves as a hub for outdoor activities, including the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail and world-class salmon fishing in the nearby hydroelectric canals. Despite its origins as a disposable project, the town is now experiencing growth, with a population expected to reach 3,395 by 2050.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Twizel
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