Situated in Mackenzie Country, the stunning scenery around Lake Tekapo is a photographer's dream. All year round, this special place will take your breath away. In winter, the land is white with snow, and in summer it's golden with the tussock grass. Finely ground rock in the glacial meltwaters gives Lake Tekapo a beautifully unique turquoise colou... Show More
Discover The Best Activities, Attractions, And Experiences In Lake Tekapo
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Things to do in Lake Tekapo
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Activities and Attractions in Lake Tekapo
Christchurch to Queenstown One Way Tour, Via ...
Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shephard
from NZ $399.00
13 Hours 
Tekapo High Country Hike
The hike along Snake Ridge to Beuzenberg Peak, 2070m, highest point on Te Araroa Trail
from NZ $705.00
2 days 
from NZ $275.00
5 Hours 45 Mins 
from NZ $119.00
1 Hours 15 Mins 
from NZ $149.00
2 Hours 
Night Sky Astronomy Experience
Look through an extremely powerful 9-25 inch telescope to see the stars
from NZ $109.00
1 Hours 30 Mins 
from NZ $380.00
9 Hours Find your perfect Lake Tekapo experience
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Tekapo
Is Lake Tekapo worth seeing?
Yes, Lake Tekapo is one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations. Its vivid turquoise waters, caused by glacial rock flour, are surrounded by the Southern Alps, creating breathtaking scenery year-round. The area is also famous for the historic Church of the Good Shepherd and its stargazing opportunities, as it lies within the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and astronomy enthusiasts.
Is it allowed to swim in Lake Tekapo?
Swimming is allowed, but the lake’s glacial waters are extremely cold, often below 10°C (50°F), even in summer. Visitors often enjoy short dips or water-based activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding, but swimming for long periods is not recommended due to the temperature.
Is Lake Tekapo family-friendly?
Absolutely. Lake Tekapo offers open grassy areas, safe walking tracks, and family-friendly activities like stargazing tours, the hot pools, and short scenic hikes. The gentle lakeshore is ideal for children to explore, and many accommodations nearby cater to families.
How do I get to Lake Tekapo?
Lake Tekapo is most easily accessed by car via State Highway 8 from Christchurch, which takes around 3–3.5 hours. Guided bus tours from Queenstown, Twizel, or Christchurch are also available. The drive itself is scenic, passing through the Mackenzie Basin and other lakes, making the journey part of the experience.
Where is Lake Tekapo located?
Lake Tekapo is in the Mackenzie District on New Zealand’s South Island, nestled between the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki. It is approximately halfway between Christchurch and Mount Cook National Park, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the South Island.
How long should I spend in Lake Tekapo?
A full day allows visitors to enjoy the lakefront, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and stargazing. For a more relaxed experience, including visits to nearby hot pools, scenic walks, and photography opportunities, spending 1–2 nights is ideal. Longer stays give time to explore surrounding areas like Mount John Observatory and Tekapo Springs.
Tourist Information About Lake Tekapo
Situated in Mackenzie Country, the stunning scenery around Lake Tekapo is a photographer's dream. All year round, this special place will take your breath away. In winter, the land is white with snow, and in summer it's golden with the tussock grass. Finely ground rock in the glacial meltwaters gives Lake Tekapo a beautifully unique turquoise colour. On the shores of the lake, you'll see the beautiful stone Church of the Good Shepherd, where the altar window frames a perfect view of Mount Cook. Walk through the lupins in spring and visit Mt John Summit Track and Observatory, where you can experience stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve. A popular attraction is the hot pools and ice skating rink, and try a kayaking activity on Lake Tekapo. Lake Tekapo's geographical and central location is protected from rough coastal weather by the Southern Alps in the west and the Two Thumb Range to the east. This allows this highland location to enjoy some of New Zealand's highest sunshine hours and lowest average wind speeds.
Best Attractions and free things to do in Lake Tekapo
1. Mt Cook scenic flight
These memorable flights are all geared to provide you with the greatest possible experience! They go above and beyond to show you around this beautiful location. Based at Aoraki/Mt Cook airport, Heliworks Mt Cook offers spectacular scenic flights throughout the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.
2. Guided Wildlife Kayaking
On the Wildlife Kayaking experiences with Kaikoura Kayaks, experience the thrill of watching Fur Seals dodge, weave, and dive around your kayak.
They paddle gracefully down the coast as they swim around the Kaikoura Peninsula in search of Octopus, their favourite food. Marvel as hundreds of Pelagic (ocean-going) birds swoop in to clean up the appetising leftovers. This journey takes you around the magnificent coastal seas, where you'll see breathtaking vistas of sheer cliff faces, rugged rocks, and mountain ranges while looking for Dusky Dolphins and Blue Penguins.
3. Skydiving Kiwis Ōtautahi
Skydiving Kiwis Ōtautahi is our latest initiative in conjunction with GCH Aviation - Garden City Helicopters, and it's a one-of-a-kind adventure for thrill enthusiasts. This renowned helidive combines a breathtaking helicopter trip over the skyline of Tautahi Christchurch with a skydive from a helicopter over the Sumner Beach coastline. The one and only heli dive in New Zealand is Skydiving Kiwis tautahi. Only seven other destinations in the world offer a heli dive, including Switzerland, Hawaii, Mt. Everest, Australia, and Dubai.
4. The Church of the Good Shepherd
The Church of the Good Shepherd is one of New Zealand's favourite photo-ops. That's probably because taking a lazy shot of this charming chapel against the gorgeous backd-r-o-p of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps is nearly impossible. However, practise your people-deleting Photoshop abilities since there are a lot of people who want to snap a picture at the same moment as you!
5. Admire the Lupins
Lake Tekapo is known for its lupin-lined shoreline and riverbanks, in addition to its dazzling blue lake. During the summer season, typically from late November to February. See the lupins blossom their purple and pink flowers and take a crazy number of photos of them!
6. Mt John
Don't worry if you're visiting Lake Tekapo on a budget. There are a few hikes where you may enjoy the beautiful landscape while saving money. On the Mt John Summit Circuit, you'll go up through pine woodland and out into broad tussock fields to reach Mt John. On this 1h30mins to 3-hour hike, you'll get views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps!
7. Dog Statue
This dog is another wonderful photo opportunity on our list of the greatest things to do in Lake Tekapo. Many tourists overlook the dog memorial since it is located in the shadow of the Church of the Good Shepherd. The Mackenzie sheepdog statue honours James Mackenzie, the area's first permanent inhabitant, and his dog, Friday.
8. Quail Island
A short drive from Lake Tekapo is Quail Island. Probably one of the most overlooked Christchurch attractions. Quail Island is accessible via a NZ$25 return boat and has shipwrecks, as well as a historic leprosy colony and quarantine facility. Of course, don't forget about the beautiful beaches and bushwalks!
9. Mueller Hut Route
The Mueller Hut Route, one of the most difficult walks in the area, climbs 1,800 metres up the Sealy Range, affording magnificent panoramic vistas for those who make it all the way. The trip may be done from December to April, but even in the summer, bring some warm and waterproof gear as well as plenty of water and food. The beautiful red Mueller Hut lies at the summit, where you may stay overnight or return the same way you came!
10. Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
From the foothills of Mt Cook to the Pacific Ocean in Oamaru, the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail stretches for more than 300 kilometres! However, you are not required to complete the entire path. The east bank of the Tasman River and Lake Pukaki are part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, which is best reached from Pukaki from the south or by helicopter from the north. You can also mountain cycle at Glentanner Station if you acquire permission from the landowners.
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