Lake Tekapo is an absolute must-see if you’re traveling to New Zealand’s South Island. This breathtaking spot is a popular tourist destination throughout the year — tourists come to see the stunning blue lake, snow-capped mountains, picturesque church, and fields of lupins.
Tekapo is a great getaway destination that you simply can’t afford to miss while in the country. In this guide, I’ve compiled a list of 14 epic things to do in Lake Tekapo that’ll make your trip unforgettable. Let’s go!
Last updated: 21 April 2023
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. When you purchase through links on my site, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).
Things to do in Lake Tekapo map
How to use this map: Click “View larger map” in the top right corner. From there, you can view each location and save your favorites to your own Google Maps lists!
Things to do in Lake Tekapo
Explore around the lake
One of the best things to do in Tekapo, hands down, is to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the lake.
The town center sits on the southern shores of Lake Tekapo, creating a stunning backdrop for photographs and making a great place to relax. On a day with clear skies, you can get a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains reflected onto the glassy water.
The real adventure, however, comes when you drive beyond the center of town. The farther out you go, the easier it gets to find a quiet spot to appreciate a view of the lake. Despite being a popular attraction and one of the most photographed places in the country, Lake Tekapo is actually quite remote!
Try driving down Lilybank Road around the eastern side of the lake. The terrain becomes rugged and other-worldly, while the mountain views and stunning scenery get even more incredible.
See the lupins
In the late spring and early summer, brightly colored lupins begin to bloom around the Mackenzie Country. These pink, purple, yellow, and white flowers are actually an invasive species that grows uncontrollably in the region. Despite the local council’s best efforts to remove the lupins, they seem to be here to stay.
Here are some of the best places to see lupins in Lake Tekapo:
- Near the Church of the Good Shepherd
- Behind the Sheepdog Statue
- On the lakeside drive up Godley Peaks Road
If you want to see the lupins in their fullest bloom, make sure you visit between late November and mid-December. After that, they start to turn brown and are not as nice to look at.
Church of the Good Shepherd
The Church of the Good Shepherd is the most iconic (and the most photographed) church on the South Island. Every list of Lake Tekapo activities that you encounter will mention it!
This cool little stone church was built in 1935. Located in a central location on the shores of the lake, the Church of the Good Shepherd was built to commemorate early pioneers in the region. It still holds Anglican services every Sunday morning.
The turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and some of New Zealand’s highest mountains are clearly visible in the background, making this a good place to take some photos. Come at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and fewest crowds.
Or venture out after dark to watch the night sky and try your hand at some astrophotography!
Take a scenic flight
Although expensive, scenic flights around New Zealand’s South Island are always worth it. They’re one of the top things I recommend doing while in the country!
From Lake Tekapo Airport, Air Safaris offers both airplane and helicopter flights. Flying high above the Mackenzie Region, you’ll see sweeping views of Mount Cook, Mount John summit, and the Godley Valley river delta.
Go stargazing
Lake Tekapo is part of the Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning it has very low levels of light pollution. The area around Tekapo has some of the clearest skies in the Southern Hemisphere, making it the perfect place to go stargazing!
If you’re on a budget, you can keep it simple and go stargazing on your own. Bring a blanket, wear some warm clothes, and post up on the grass near the lakeshore on a clear day to enjoy the stars.
For those wanting a more unique experience, you can book one of the many astronomy tours offered in town. These tours are the best way to see the night skies up close because they let you look through a high-powered telescope.
Tekapo Stargazing and Dark Sky Project both offer a guided tour that gives you the chance to learn about and look up at the starry sky (if weather conditions permit, of course).
Mount John Observatory
If you want magnificent views over the Southern Alps and the Mackenzie Basin, you need to visit the summit of Mt John. To get there, you can either drive up the scenic road (and pay the $8 admission fee) or hike up from the base of the Mt. John Summit Track.
At the top of the mountain, you’ll find the Mount John Observatory, run by the University of Canterbury. The observatory plays an important role in astronomical research in the area.
They offer stargazing tours with Dark Sky Project and also have an Astro Cafe where you can buy some coffees and treats. For the best view of the surrounding mountain ranges, make sure you check out the Mount John Lookout.
The Mount John Summit Circuit Track trailhead can be found right next to Tekapo Springs. Roundtrip, the hike takes between 1.5 and 2 hours to complete. From the summit, you get stunning views of the Mackenzie Basin, the surrounding bodies of water, Motuariki Island, and Aoraki Mount Cook.
Cowans Hill Walkway
Cowans Hill Walkway is another one of the best short walking tracks in Tekapo.
While the views aren’t quite as impressive as the ones you’ll get from the Mount John summit, it makes a good alternative if you want to switch things up and get a bit of exercise. Besides walking, the track is also an easy grade 2 mountain biking track.
The short walk takes between 1 and 2 hours roundtrip.
Pay homage to the Sheepdog Statue
This charming Mackenzie sheepdog statue (known as “The Sheepdog Memorial” on Google Maps) is dedicated to the hard-working border collies that helped herd the sheep on nearby farms in the 19th century. Brought over by Scottish shepherds, these dogs became vital to the success of these high-country stations.
The statue makes a nice short stop when visiting Lake Tekapo. If anything, the heart-warming bronze statue of a sheepdog is a reminder of how dogs are too pure for this world.
Tekapo Springs hot pools
Tekapo Springs is a sprawling complex of thermal pools and saunas located on the shore of Lake Tekapo.
The water used to fill the three hot pools comes from a deep underground source near Tekapo. They also offer a cooler pool and an Aqua Play Area that is great for families with younger children.
The thermal pools are open day and night, meaning you can have a soak while stargazing. With views of the forest and Mount John all around you, you’re bound to have a relaxing time in the Tekapo Springs hot tub.
In the winter months, Tekapo Springs opens its ice skating rink. They offer open skating sessions as well as hosting ice hockey and curling events. There’s also a snow tube park, which is basically like a waterslide but in the snow. Inside the complex, you’ll find a cozy cafe to fuel up after your day of fun activities.
Hit the slopes
If you’re keen to ski or snowboard this winter, look no further than Roundhill Ski Area.
Just down the road from Tekapo city center, Roundhill ski resort is family-owned and caters to both beginner and experienced skiers. They also have a rustic après-ski bar that makes a great spot for all of your hot and boozy beverage needs.
Drive down Godley Peaks Road
Running parallel to the western edge of Lake Tekapo, Godley Peaks Road is one of the most scenic drives in the area.
Fields of lupins and rolling hills eventually lead you to two other bodies of water: Lake McGregor and Lake Alexandrina. Although they’re smaller than Lake Tekapo, they still have a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty.
As some of the most beautiful places in the area, these lakes are a must on any Tekapo itinerary!
It’s easy to spend an afternoon relaxing in this peaceful area of town. If you’re up for some outdoor activities, you can also kayak, boat, swim, and fish for brown trout and salmon in Lake Alexandrina.
Best day trips from Tekapo
Twizel
I may be biased, but Twizel is definitely a very cool place to visit. Only 40 minutes away from Lake Tekapo, the small high country town offers tons of outdoor activities like hiking, salmon fishing, jet boating, and camping.
Sitting in the heart of South Island, it also makes the perfect base for all of your Mackenzie region adventures!
Lake Pukaki
Another one of New Zealand’s gloriously blue lakes, Lake Pukaki is just a quick half-hour drive away from Tekapo. Unlike Tekapo, there is no actual town next to Lake Pukaki — only a salmon shop and a few toilets. Despite the lack of facilities, the gorgeous water and views of the mountains make it worth a visit.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain (also called Aoraki Mount Cook).
With heaps of hiking and cycling trails, the park is the perfect place to take a day trip from Tekapo. On the outskirts of the park, you’ll find Mount Cook Village. There, you can explore the iconic Hermitage Hotel and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
Some popular hikes at Mt. Cook National Park include the Mueller Hut Route, the Kea Point Track, the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier Walk, and the Hooker Valley Track.
How to get to Lake Tekapo
By car
Lake Tekapo sits right on State Highway 8, about halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown. The drive from either direction is quite scenic, so you’ll want to allow yourself a bit more time for stops along the way.
Driving times from:
- Twizel: 40 minutes
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: 1 hour
- Timaru: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Christchurch: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Queenstown: 3 hours
By bus
Intercity runs buses to Tekapo from Christchurch, Queenstown, and Mt. Cook. One-way tickets cost about $45 NZD per person. The Cook Connection bus service also offers transportation between Mt. Cook Village and Tekapo. Their prices are a bit cheaper at $30 NZD per person.
Where to stay in Tekapo
- Budget: YHA Lake Tekapo
- Mid-range: The Mackenzie Apartments
- Bougie: Galaxy Boutique Hotel Lake Tekapo
Freedom camping is prohibited in Tekapo township, but there is a really nice spot on Lake Pukaki (25 minutes away).
Book a hotel in Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo FAQ
Is Lake Tekapo worth visiting?
Despite the town’s small size, Tekapo and its surroundings are definitely worth visiting. The beautiful lake and mountains that engulf the horizon are jaw-dropping to see in person. Nature is the real star of the show in Tekapo — it’s easy to find a quiet campsite and enjoy the view (both day and night). There are also plenty of hiking and cycling tracks in the area to keep you busy.
Besides its natural beauty, Tekapo also offers a handful of awesome local restaurants with international cuisines. The Greedy Cow Cafe, Ramen Tekapo, and Kohan Japanese are all great options for a feed. If you’re after some craft beer, Burkes Brewing Co also calls Tekapo home.
Why is Lake Tekapo so blue?
Lake Tekapo’s bright turquoise water is a result of millions of years of accumulated “rock flour.” Over time, nearby glaciers grind down rocks that flow in from the connecting rivers into powdery silt. This silt then settles in the lake’s water, turning it a lovely shade of baby blue!
How long should I spend in Tekapo?
I would recommend spending at least one full day in Tekapo and at least two days in the surrounding areas. Tekapo makes a great home base for exploring the rest of the Mackenzie region. Twizel, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, and Lake Pukaki are a short drive away and offer so much to do.
When is the best time to visit Tekapo?
Because of Tekapo’s natural beauty, there really is no bad time to visit — it all depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want to see the lupins in full bloom, you’ll want to visit between late November and mid-December. The summer months are also wonderful if you want the best chance of good weather.
For milder weather that’s good for hiking or cycling, try visiting in the shoulder season (the spring or autumn months). You’ll also find fewer tourists and cheaper prices on accommodation.
If you want to go ice skating or skiing at Roundhill Skifield, you’ll obviously want to visit in the winter months (between June and August).
Recommended tours in Lake Tekapo
Thanks for reading this guide to the best things to do in Lake Tekapo! Are you planning to take a stargazing tour, hit the day spa, or explore the national parks? Let me know in the comments below!
xoxo Niki
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been doing a little research on this.
And he actually bought me dinner simply because I found it for him…
lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this topic here on your website.
Love to read this every Tuesday! 💕