Lake Tekapo

Nearby

Twizel Mt Cook Christchurch Arthurs Pass Akaroa Hanmer Springs Kaikoura

Lake Tekapo: Understand

Population ~ 350,000

Almost like an oasis when first glimpsed, Lake Tekapo is a long narrow piece of light blue water which runs up and out of sight to New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps. The lake’s light blue colour is from high levels of glacial silt which reflect against the sun.

The alpine village township of Tekapo is situated at the south end of the lake and offers Cafes, Restaurants, Accommodation and glorious views up the lake to the Alps beyond.

Lake Tekapo: Getting In & Out

By plane:

To arrive by plane, it would make the most sense to fly into Christchurch and drive or bus down. See below for more details.

Renting a campervan or rental car is a great way to explore New Zealand with flexibility and freedom! It’s easiest to pick up/drop off rentals from the major airports in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. We recommend you book in advance. Check out our handy guides Travel New Zealand by Campervan or Travel New Zealand by Car.

By car:

Lake Tekapo is between a 2.5 and 3-hour drive from Christchurch, starting on State Highway 1 then turning right onto State Highway 79 before merging with State Highway 8.

Cromwell connects with Lake Tekapo on State Highway 8.

Queenstown meets up with State Highway 8 from State Highway 6.

By bus:

Take a look at the InterCity website to plan your bus journey.

Lake Tekapo: See & Do

The Church of the Good Shepherd is rumoured to have one of the longest waitlists for weddings. It is tiny, made of wood and stone and positioned right on the edge Lake Tekapo.

The Church of the Good Shephard, Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a popular ski resort in the winter with good access to the Mackenzie country and the Southern Alps. See below for more information on Roundhill Ski Area, and Lake Ohau Ski Field.

There are a number of rewarding outdoor activities ranging from a gentle stroll around the Lake to mountain biking, water and snow skiing.

Lake Tekapo has one of the purest, clear night skies in the world and because of this, Canterbury University operates an astronomical observatory on top of nearby Mt John. Earth and Sky offer all-year-round tours to view the observatory and star gaze. Along with the observatory, there is a cafe located at the top of Mt John (busy and expensive) but the panoramic alpine views are pretty spectacular.

Tekapo Springs has three landscaped Hot Pools (varying in temperature from 36 – 40 degrees celcius) set amongst native alpine vegetation, featuring superb lake and mountain views. The prices are pretty steep.

Air Safaris offer scenic flights over the Southern Alps, zooming in on Mt Cook (our highest Mountain).

Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking has half, full or multi-day guided horse treks throughout the spectacular Mackenzie country including Mt John and further in to “Glacier Country”.

1-Day Trips Near Lake Tekapo

Roundhill Ski Area is the closest ski field to Lake Tekapo (30 minute drive), with terrain suitable for beginners to advanced.

Lake Ohau is a small commercial ski field just over 1 hour from Lake Tekapo. The views and peacefulness are what make this ski field!

Lake Pukaki is 30 minutes away, the next lake heading south on State Highway 8. The colour of Pukaki gets me every time… I just don’t know how it’s possible. I mean, it’s created by glacial flour (finely ground rock particles from the glaciers), but still…

Peter’s Lookout -road leading to Lake Pukaki

Lake Tekapo: Eat & Drink

The Greedy Cow is a great cafe for breakfast or lunch. Coffee is on point, and there’s a menu as well as cabinet food.

When we’ve been in Tekapo, we’ve opted to pop into the supermarket (Four Square, but a big one!) and cook back at our holiday house.

There are a few restaurants – Kohan has good, (but expensive!) Japanese food. They’re open for lunch and dinner (closing in between).

Mackenzies has decent food and good views, open lunch and dinner.

Lake Tekapo: Sleep

Take a look at Airbnb or Tekapo Holiday Homes for a range of options.

A short walk from the town centre, the Lake Tekapo Holiday Park ($) offers everything from budget camping sites, backpackers through to tourist cabins and motels.

For quality, centrally located, self-contained accommodation there is Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort ($$).

The Godley Hotel ($$$) and Moonlight Bed & Breakfast ($$$) both offer premium quality accommodation.

Lakeview Tekapo ($$$) has modern, luxurious, self-contained accommodation boasting uninterrupted views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.

Peppers Bluewater Resort ($$$) has luxury studio, one, two and three bedroom villas as well as an onsite Restaurant – located a short walk from the shops.

Tekapo Heights ($$$) has Bed & Breakfast accommodation plus a self-contained holiday home boasting modern, spacious living and superb lake views.

Three Rivers Lodge ($$$) is Bed and breakfast accommodation boasting superb lake views, heated floors, flat screen TVs and free wireless internet.