Mackenzie District is located in the central South Island. It covers approximately 7,139 square kilometres and has a population of about 5,500.

The district takes its name from James Mackenzie, a Scotsman who drove sheep through the basin in 1855. Large high-country sheep stations were developed from the mid-19th century, establishing the area’s reputation for sheep farming.

The district council is based in Fairlie. Other principal towns include Lake Tekapo and Twizel.

The economy is based on tourism, livestock farming and hydroelectric power generation. The district includes Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, and has an International Dark Sky Reserve. Stargazing, glacier hiking, skiing and alpine walking make it an important South Island tourism destination.

The current mayor is Scott Aronsen.