described by Statistics New Zealand as a small urban area, and covers and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2 (/sq mi). Twizel had a population of 1,455 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 303 people (26.3%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 414 people (39.8%) since the 2006 census. There were 609 households. There were 765 males and 687 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.11 males per female. The median age was 46.5 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 213 people (14.6%) aged under 15 years, 243 (16.7%) aged 15 to 29, 681 (46.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 318 (21.9%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 87.6% European/Pākehā, 9.1% Māori, 0.8% Pacific peoples, 8.0% Asian, and 3.5% other ethnicities (totals add to more than 100% since people could identify with multiple ethnicities). The proportion of people born overseas was 22.3%, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people objected to giving their religion, 54.2% had no religion, 34.2% were Christian, 1.4% were Hindu, 1.0% were Buddhist and 2.5% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 222 (17.9%) people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 240 (19.3%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $31,400, compared with $31,800 nationally. 171 people (13.8%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 690 (55.6%) people were employed full-time, 222 (17.9%) were part-time, and 9 (0.7%) were unemployed. Tourism and activities Twizel is now a service town for the agricultural sector and tourist town for visitors. Fishing There are many options around Twizel for fishing. These include many mountain streams, Lakes Ruataniwha, Ohau, and the hydroelectric canals from Lake Tekapo to Lake Pukaki and those from Lake Ohau on to Lake Benmore. Within the canals, salmon farms provide plenty of food for wild salmon and trout. Many large fish have been caught with trout weighing in excess of 4.5 kilograms common. A trout caught in the Ohau canal in October 2020 weighing 20.1 kg was a world record catch. Twizel also hosts an annual Twizel Salmon & Wine Festival each February. Rowing Lake Ruataniwha is used for sailing and water skiing. Several rowing events are held on the lake, including the Maadi Cup and the New Zealand Rowing Championships. The Twizel Rowing Club