3 minute read
Lake Tekapō Must Do's
Tekapō Springs
Advertisement
Cradled at the base of Mt John before startling Lake Tekapō views, discover an award-winning spa complex with three outdoor hot pools. In winter, try snow-tubing and ice skating. In the summer, run and jump on the large inflatable Jumpernaut or career down the hydroslide.
The Church of the Good Shepherd
One of the country’s most photographed icons fronts Lake Tekapō. Visitors can spend time on the grounds but to look inside, group tours must be arranged. Check out the sheepdog monument too.
Tekapō Adventures & Air Safaris
Combining helicopters with 4WD, tour the country’s highest whisky hut before crossing the breath-taking landscapes through Glenmore Station, one of New Zealand’s finest Merino wool providers.
Lake Tekapō Regional Park
Here is a mecca of walks, mountain biking, picnic spots, a pump track and summer swimming. Enjoy 24km of cycling and walking trails with access from both Lake Tekapō Village and the Cowans Hill Track.
Roundhill Ski Area
On Lake Tekapō’s doorstep with jaw-dropping views of the lake, Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. The family friendly field offers a large beginners’ area with wide, gentle slopes while the more adventurous skier will love Australasia’s biggest vertical drop – an epic 783m.
Mt John Summit
For impressive views of Lake Tekapō, climb Mt John. The walk takes approximately one-and-a-half hours, or for an $8 fee, you can drive up to the summit, where there’s also a café and observatory.
Stargazing
Home to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Reserve, the Mackenzie Region has exceptional stargazing opportunities. Consider joining a Dark Sky Project Astronomy Tour.
Animal Petting Zoo
Found at The Cairns Alpine Resort, drop in for a pet, feed and selfie with sheep, alpaca, bunnies, lambs, calves and Whiskey the amiable kunekune pig. Guests staying at the resort receive complimentary entry.
Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking
Absorb the beauty of Lake Tekapō from the saddle. Trek through stunning scenery with experienced guides, from one-hour to overnight, catered for all skill levels.
Lake Tekapō Farm Tours
Get ready for a two-hour off-road farm experience across a whopping 25,000 acres. With a maximum of 11 guests, explore two amazing (and exceptionally remote) high country farms, peppered with farm animals and breath-taking views.
Alpine Recreation
The granddaddies of professional mountain guiding, these guys have been operating since 1981, offering guided mountain ascents, trekking, climbing, ski touring and snowshoeing as well as various year-round alpine treks and climbing courses.
