catering to their needs during the development of two additional observatories in Twizel and at Mount Cook Village. Since 2012, Twizel has been a part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark-Sky Reserve, one of sixteen () such reserves in the world recognised by the International Dark-Sky Association. Climate Twizel has an oceanic climate. It is typically warm and dry over the summer, with cool and frosty winters. Snow in the winter months is not uncommon in Twizel. Twizel is often the coldest town in New Zealand during winter. Transport Road Twizel sits immediately to the west of State Highway 8 which is the main highway serving the town. Twizel is served by InterCity coaches with regular service to Christchurch and Queenstown. The Cook Connection bus service also provides connections to Mount Cook village from Twizel. Airport Twizel is served by the nearby Pukaki Airport. Governance Twizel is part of the Waitaki electorate with the current member of parliament being Jacqui Dean of the National Party. Previously, Twizel was in the Aoraki electorate. Local government is the responsibility of the Mackenzie District Council. Twizel also has representation through the Twizel Community Board, which consists of four elected members and an appointed Mackenzie District council member. Amenities Swimming pool The Twizel Community Pool is located on Market Place next to the Twizel Events Centre. The outdoor complex contains three pools, a 33-metre pool for lane swimming with a slide, a smaller children's pool and a toddler's pool. The Twizel Community Pools open in late November each year. Management of the pool was awarded to Belgravia Leisure after a report written in September 2020 for the Mackenzie District Council found health and safety issues with the way that the council was running the pool. Plans exist in 2021 to heat the pools as community feedback was almost unanimous that the pools were too cold. Golf course The Ben Ohau golf club is a nine-hole golf course in Twizel. Retail The retail sector in Twizel is concentrated around the pedestrianised Market Place. There are two Four Square supermarkets in Twizel. Twizel is also reputed to have New Zealand's smallest bookstore. Library The Twizel Community Library is located on Mount Cook Street, just off Market Place. It is open Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings. Twizel events centre The Twizel events centre was built in 2001. It is located at the Market Place in the