30 BEST Things to Do in Lake Tekapo ✨ [2024]

1. Stargaze Day or Night with Dark Sky Project…

Yep, Lake Tekapo is literally one of the best places in the world for stargazing. It’s part of the Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve which means it is recognised on an international scale for its pristine stargazing conditions. You can enjoy the stars by simply hopping into your car, getting out of town, finding a safe place to pull over, and stargazing away from artificial lights. Alternatively, join a tour to the Mt John Observatory with Dark Sky Project where you can use state-of-the-art telescopes to see galaxies like you’ve never seen before. If you’re only visiting for the day, check out the indoor multi-media exhibitions at Dark Sky Experience. For other awesome places to stargaze in New Zealand, see the 20 Best Stargazing Sites in New Zealand.

Location: 1 Motuariki Lane.

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2. … Or Join a Small-Group Stargazing Tour

A lesser-known stargazing experience in Lake Tekapo, Chameleon Stargazing offers an immersive and more affordable small-group stargazing tour. Your passionate guide will delve into fascinating astronomy facts and tales of stars and constellations. See constellations through a powerful 9-25 inch telescope and take home a memorable photo beneath the starry expanse as a keepsake of your celestial adventure. Afterwards, you’ll gather around for a delightful marshmallow toasting session on the fire bowl.

Location: 70 Andrew Don Drive.

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3. Get an Obligatory Photo with the Church of the Good Shepherd

Next on our list of the best things to do in Tekapo is a photo-op. The Church of the Good Shepherd is one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand. That’s likely because it’s impossible to take a bad photo of this quaint church with the stunning backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Work on your people-deleting Photoshop skills though, because there’s a whole bunch of people wanting to take a photo at the same time as you! For more photo ops, check out 10 Token Tourist Photos You Have to Take in the South Island.

Location: On Pioneer Drive on the eastern side of the road bridge.

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4. Frolic in Fields of Lupins

Apart from stargazing and its brilliant blue lake, Lake Tekapo is also famous for its shores and riverbanks of lupins. See the lupins bloom their purple and pink flowers during the summer season (usually late November to February) and get a ridiculous amount of photos of them! Wise up on your lupin knowledge using our guide, Where to Find Lupins in New Zealand.

Location: Along the shores of Lake Tekapo (we like just outside of the holiday park on Lakeside Drive).

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5. Take a Scenic Flight Over the Southern Alps

That’s right, from Lake Tekapo Airport you can take scenic flights not only over Lake Tekapo itself but all the way to the Southern Alps. Fly around New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook, and see a whole lot of glaciers, glacier lakes, braided rivers and generally mind-blowing scenery; a favourite amongst all the Lake Tekapo activities. Tours are available with Air Safaris. See more like this in the 10 Best Scenic Flights in New Zealand.

Location: Lake Tekapo Airport, approximately 3 km (1.8 mi) from Tekapo township.

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6. Hike Up Mt John

If you’re visiting Lake Tekapo on the cheap, then don’t worry! There are a few walks to catch some great scenery while saving the cents. Walk up to Mt John on the Mt John Summit Circuit, where you’ll venture up through pine forest and out onto the open tussock fields. You’ll capture views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps on this 1 hr 30 mins to 3 hr walk.

Location: Start the walk from next to Tekapo Springs, Lakeside Drive, approximately 3 km (1.8 mi) from Tekapo township.

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7. Soak (and Stargaze) at Tekapo Springs

Unwind at the Tekapo Springs hot pool complex with three large hot pools varying in temperatures and overlooking Lake Tekapo. In winter, the complex also features ice skating, while the summertime means jumping on the giant water slide! The latter makes it one of the most popular Lake Tekapo activities in summer so book early. What’s more, you can combine your stargazing with hot pools on the Tekapo Springs Stargazing Tour. See how these hot springs compare to the 10 Best Hot Pools in New Zealand.

Location: Lakeside Drive, approximately 3 km (1.8 mi) from Tekapo township.

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8. Give the Dog Statue Some Attention

Another great photo-op on our list of the best things to do in Lake Tekapo is a dog! Standing in the shadow of the Church of the Good Shepherd, many tourists forget to give the dog monument the attention it craves. The Mackenzie sheepdog statue is a monument to the first permanent settler of the area, James Mackenzie and his dog, Friday.

Location: Next to the Church of the Good Shepherd on Pioneer Drive.

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9. Hike or Cycle the Cowans Hill Walkway

If you can’t get enough of those Tekapo views, then here’s another one to lap it all up. Take the Cowans Hill Walkway through exotic forest and up to tussock-covered hills. There are a few wetland areas to watch the birds. You can either hike or bike this trail which takes about 1 hr 30 mins on foot and 1 hr by bike to complete one way. For bikers, it’s a grade 2 trail.

Location: The track is well signposted near the Tekapo road bridge, just outside Tekapo township.

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10. Explore the Tekapo Backcountry on a 4WD Tour

Embark on an off-road adventure with Tekapo Adventures, exploring the rugged beauty of Mackenzie Country. Drive over hills in a four-wheel-drive jeep to discover exclusive back-country stations, offering dramatic views of Lake Pukaki, Mt Tasman and Aoraki Mt Cook. Learn about high-country farming life from your guide and make furry friends at a Mackenzie Basin farm. This family-friendly half-day tour includes morning and afternoon options, perfect for a unique exploration of Lake Tekapo’s stunning landscapes.

Location: Tours start from Aotea Gifts, Lake Tekapo town centre.

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11. Take a Day Trip to Aoraki Mt Cook

If you’re in Lake Tekapo without a car, you don’t have to miss out on New Zealand’s highest mountain and the alpine paradise of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Shuttles back and forth to Mt Cook Village are available with Cheeky Kiwi Travel and Tekapo Shuttle, giving you two spectacular options for making the best of two of New Zealand’s most scenic destinations! What will you do once you get there? We’ve got you covered with the 20 Best Things to Do in Aoraki Mt Cook.

Location: Cheeky Kiwi Travel – Departs Dark Sky Project, 1 Motuariki Lane. Tekapo Shuttle – Departs Four Square Tekapo, 22 Rapuwai Lane.

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12. Go Skiing or Snowboarding

One of the best things to do in Lake Tekapo is to hit the slopes. Lake Tekapo is home to not one but two ski fields! During the winter months (June to August) the Roundhill Ski Area and Mt Dobson Ski Fields crank on the tow bars and become a skiers’ paradise. Find out more about both ski fields in The 24 Ski Fields in New Zealand.

Location: Roundhill is 32 km (20 mi) from Tekapo on the eastern side of the lake. Mt Dobson is 43 km (27 mi) from Tekapo with the alpine access road starting 18 km (11 mi) east of Tekapo.

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13. Take On the Richmond Trail

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tekapo on the Richmond Trail, offering stunning views and a rewarding outdoor adventure. Whether you choose the 4-5 hour walk or the 2-3 hour mountain bike ride, you’ll traverse an old glacial terrace through tussocks and native vegetation. On a clear day, enjoy sweeping vistas of Lake Tekapo and the majestic surrounding mountains. The trail culminates in a steep descent above Boundary Stream, where you’ll need to arrange transport to get back to the trailhead.

Location: Roundhill Ski Area Road off Lilybank Road (gravel road), approximately 22 km (13.6 mi) northeast of Lake Tekapo township. Up the Roundhill Ski Area Road, there is a car park at the locked gate. You’ll need to walk to the start of the trail from here, approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) further until you reach the Richmond Trail sign.

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14. Sample the Te Araroa Trail on the Camp Stream Hut Track

The Camp Stream Hut Track offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, forming part of the renowned Te Araroa Trail, New Zealand’s iconic thru trail that starts at Cape Reinga in the north and ends at Bluff in the south. Popular among hikers in summer and ski tourers in winter, the Camp Stream Hut Track is approximately a 3-4 hour one-way mission. At the end of the trail awaits Camp Stream Hut, providing a basic yet available option for an overnight stay.

Location: Roundhill Ski Area Road off Lilybank Road (gravel road), approximately 22 km (13.6 mi) northeast of Lake Tekapo township. Up the Roundhill Ski Area Road, there is a car park at the locked gate. You’ll need to walk to the start of the trail from here, approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) further until you reach a poled route through Coal River and towards Camp Stream Hut.

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15. Soak in the Scenery of Lake Pukaki

If the vibrant blue waters of Lake Tekapo weren’t enough, travel a little further down the road to Lake Pukaki for more! There are many parking areas alongside State Highway 8 to park up and soak up the view of Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mt Cook in the distance, as well as a well-formed walking trail that follows the lakeshore.

Location: State Highway 8, approximately 40 km (24.5 mi) southwest of Lake Tekapo township.

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16. Spend More Time at Lake Pukaki on the Pukaki Kettle Hole Track

Embark on a scenic adventure along the Pukaki Kettle Hole Track, offering breathtaking views of Lake Pukaki and the surrounding mountains. This 1-hour return walk takes you through moraine hummocks and around a distinct kettle hole formed from melting glacial ice. On a clear day, the 360-degree views from this track are nothing short of spectacular, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Location: Signposted up a gravel road along State Highway 8, approximately 47 km (29 mi) southwest of Lake Tekapo township.

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17. Experience Lake Tekapo’s Culinary Scene

For a small town, Lake Tekapo sure has plenty of eateries to indulge in! Enjoy good-ol’ Kiwi cafe cuisine at Jack Rabbit while gazing at the Church of the Good Shepherd, get epic views from the Astro Cafe @ Mt John Summit, or head to Blue Lake Eatery & Bar for contemporary New Zealand cuisine combined with craft beer and speciality cocktails – just to name a few.

Location: Jack Rabbit – Neil Anderson Way. Astro Cafe @ Mt John Summit – Godley Peaks Road. Blue Lake Eatery & Bar – Main Road.

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18. Tee Off (and Pet Animals) at The Cairns Alpine Resort

Experience golfing amidst stunning landscapes at The Cairns Alpine Resort Golf Course, featuring a links-designed 9-hole layout with two tee blocks per green for a full 18-hole round. The Cairns provides all necessary golf equipment, including clubs, gear, golf carts and trundlers, ensuring a hassle-free day on the course. Additionally, at the heart of The Cairns Alpine Resort lies a beloved family attraction – the farm animal petting zoo! Interact with and feed a variety of animals including sheep, alpacas, bunnies, lambs, calves and their friendly kunekune pig.

Location: 48 D’Archiac Drive.

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19. Check Out the Local Art Galleries

Just outside of Lake Tekapo on your way to Fairlie, don’t miss the outstanding art galleries. The Garage Gallery displays a huge range (with some huge paintings) of sublime New Zealand landscapes. If you’re visiting Lake Tekapo in summer, don’t miss the Lake Tekapo Sculpture Walk on the waterfront coordinated by ArtSpace Tekapo.

Location: Garage Gallery – 785 Fairlie-Tekapo Road, Fairlie. Lake Tekapo Sculpture Walk (December and January yearly), Lake Tekapo town waterfront.

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20. Indulge in a Spa Day

Hit the pause button and do some of the more relaxing things to do in Lake Tekapo, like indulging in a spa day. Lake Tekapo’s luxury lodges like Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat and Lakestone Lodge can help you out there, offering relaxing treatments where incorporating the view of the brilliantly blue Lake Pukaki is a core part of the experience. Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat offers wellness programs, as well as a private day spa complete with a cedar hot tub, sauna, massage and fitness rooms.

Location: Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat – 86 Mt Cook Road, Lake Pukaki, approximately 50 km (31 mi) from Lake Tekapo. Lakestone Lodge – 4589 Tekapo-Twizel Road, Lake Pukaki, approximately 44.5 km (30 mi) from Lake Tekapo.

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10 More Things to Do in Lake Tekapo

If that wasn’t enough, how about 10 more things to do in Lake Tekapo?

21. Snowshoeing – Join Alpine Recreation for an array of outdoor adventures, including climbing, skiing and snowshoeing – Edelweiss Lodge, 8 Erebus Place.
22. Horseriding – Enjoy a trek through spectacular Lake Tekapo scenery with Mackenzie Alpine Horses – Godley Peaks Road.
23. Kayaking and paddle boarding – Cruise Lake Tekapo at a natural pace by renting a kayak or SUP board with Paddle Tekapo – Lakeside Drive.
24. Braemar Road to Landslip Creek – Hike or cycle between the mountains and shores of Lake Pukaki – Braemar Road, Lake Pukaki.
25. Helicopter tours – See Lake Tekapo from new heights on a bespoke experience with Mackenzie Helicopters – Location arranged with the operator.
26. Hunting – Experience high country hunting with Mid Southern Tracks Ltd targeting tahr, chamois, red deer and more – 14 Pioneer Drive.
27. Photography – Take a photography workshop in one of the most photogenic places on Earth with Tekapo Photo – Meeting point arranged with the operator.
28. Yoga – Practice yoga or join a wellness class among sublime scenery with Tekapo Wellness – Meeting point arranged with the operator.
29. Billy the Bard – Listen to stories, poetry and songs on the lakefront at dusk with this quirky character – Lake Tekapo Solar Circle.
30. Burkes Pass – Potter around the tiny historical settlement of Burkes Pass with vintage stores and pioneer architecture – SH8, halfway between Lake Tekapo and Fairlie.

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