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Lake Tekapō Must-Do's
Lake Tekapō
This main attraction here is the namesake lake, guaranteed to leave your eyes wide and mouth ajar. The water is an amazing turquoise blue, framed by a captivating backdrop of snow in the winter.
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Roundhill Ski Area
On Lake Tekapo’s doorstep with jaw-dropping views of the lake, Aoraki/Mount 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.
The Church of the Good Shepherd
Lake Tekapō Church © Adobe Stock
One of the country's most photographed icons fronts Lake Tekapō. Visitors are welcome to spend time on the grounds but to look inside, group tours must be arranged. Open until 5pm in winter and 8pm in summer. Check out the sheepdog monument too.
Tekapō Springs
Cradled at the base of Mt John before startling Lake Tekapo 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.
Mt John Summit
For impressive views of Lake Tekapō, climb Mt John. The walk takes approximately 1.5 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 is subject to strict light pollution controls, allowing for exceptional stargazing experiences. For a full list of starry activities, check out mackenzienz.com/activities/stargazing.
Dark Sky Project Astronomy Tours
Whether you're after an introduction to stargazing or a full-blown mountaintop experience at the world-class Mt John Observatory, there's a guided galaxy tour for everyone. Located in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve – the world’s largest.
Tekapō Adventures
Jump in a Land Rover Defender and explore private high-country stations you wouldn't otherwise be able to access. The scenery is jaw-dropping and the guides are a fountain of local knowledge.
Kayak or Stand-up Paddleboard
Throughout summer, you can rent stand-up paddleboards and kayaks (both single and tandem) for paddles across Lake Tekapō's startling blue water. Beginner tuition available.
Lake Tekapo Regional Park
Made up of 165 hectares of forested land along the eastern shores of Lake Tekapo, here exists a mecca of walks, mountain biking, picnic spots, a pump track and summer swimming. Enjoy 24 kilometres of cycling and walking trails with convenient access from both Lake Tekapo Village and the Cowans Hill Track.
Alpine Recreation
The Grandaddies 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.
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 Tekapo from the saddle. Trek through spectacular scenery with experienced guides, from one-hour to overnight, catered for all skill levels.
Lake Tekapo 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.
