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Trip Planner :  South Pacific  /  New Zealand  /  South Island  /  Canterbury Region  /  Mackenzie District  /  Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo

4.3
Bodies of Water · Churches · Nightlife
Located in a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo offers evenings of stargazing and days of long walks. The small township on the banks of the huge, misty-blue lake is surrounded by stunning scenery, including the Southern Alps and the dazzling night sky. Popular Lake Tekapo itineraries include trekking along well-established paths in the Mackenzie Basin and scenic flights above the hills and valleys. The Maori name "Tekapo," when deconstructed, translates as "sleeping mat" (taka) and "night" (po). Make Lake Tekapo central to your New Zealand travel plans using our New Zealand online itinerary planner.
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    Top Lake Tekapo tours

    FROM $218 BOOK WITH VIATOR Lord of the Rings - Journey to Edoras from Christchurch
    4.6
    Duration: 9 hours
    Tours from $218 »
    FROM $1,507 BOOK WITH VIATOR 5-Day South Island Tour from Christchurch
    4.4
    Duration: 5 days
    Tours from $1,507 »
    FROM $277 BOOK WITH VIATOR Explore Mount Cook from Christchurch
    4.1
    Duration: 12 hours
    Tours from $277 »

    Popular things to do in Lake Tekapo

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    Lake Tekapo
    Water Body
    Lake Tekapo
    4.7
    Duration: 2 hours
    The Church of the Good Shepherd ©
    Church
    The Church of the Good Shepherd
    4.3
    Duration: 2 hours
    Tekapo Springs ©
    Thermal Spa
    Tekapo Springs
    3.8
    Duration: 2 hours
    Mount John University Observatory ©
    Observation Deck
    Mount John University Observatory
    4.5
    Duration: 2 hours

    Side trips from Lake Tekapo

    Hooker Valley Track ©
    Hiking Trail
    Hooker Valley Track
    Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
    4.8
    Duration: 3h 30 min
    Aoraki/Mt. Cook ©
    Outdoor Activity
    Aoraki/Mt. Cook
    Mt. Cook Village
    4.9
    Duration: 2 hours
    Lake Pukaki ©
    Water Body
    Lake Pukaki
    Canterbury Region
    4.8
    Duration: 2 hours
    Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre ©
    Observatory
    Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
    Mt. Cook Village
    3.2
    Duration: 2h 30 min

    Hidden gems in Lake Tekapo

    Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue
    Monument
    Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue
    2.9
    Duration: 2 hours
    ©
    Off-Road Tour
    Off-Road Tours
    5.0
    Duration: 2 hours
    Mount John Summit Circuit Track
    Hiking Trail
    Mount John Summit Circuit Track
    4.8
    Duration: 2h 30 min
    AquaNorts
    Outdoor Activity
    AquaNorts
    5.0
    Duration: 2 hours

    Winter Sports in Lake Tekapo

    Roundhill Ski Area
    Ski Area
    Roundhill Ski Area
    4.6
    Duration: 8 hours

    Nature in Lake Tekapo

    Lake Alexandrina ©
    Water Body
    Lake Alexandrina
    4.4
    Duration: 2h 30 min

    Trails in Lake Tekapo

    Peninsula Walkway
    Hiking Trail
    Peninsula Walkway
    3.8
    Duration: 2 hours

    Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

    Where to stay in Lake Tekapo

    Lake Tekapo
    Because of its humble size, the small town of Lake Tekapo has a limited amount of accommodations. That said, among the available lodgings you'll find a good variety of options, from scenic resorts and cottages to youth hostels and budget accommodations. Motels provide a good option along the side of the roads leading to and from the town.
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    Places to visit with Lake Tekapo

    QueenstownTrip planner BEST FOR: Entertainment Center, Water Sport, Spa Te AnauTrip planner BEST FOR: World heritage site, Water Body, Cave Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)Trip planner BEST FOR: World heritage site, Hiking Trail, Observatory ChristchurchTrip planner BEST FOR: Garden, Specialty Museum, History Museum Fox GlacierTrip planner BEST FOR: World heritage site, Hiking Trail, Scenic Walking Area

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    Recently planned trips to Lake Tekapo

    7 days in South Island BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA Lake Tekapo Arrowtown Queenstown 15 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA Christchurch Akaroa Dunedin 8 days in South Island BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Christchurch Lake Tekapo Wanaka 10 days in South Island BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Te Anau Cromwell Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) 21 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Westport Blenheim Kaikoura 11 days in South Island BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Blenheim Kaikoura Hanmer Springs 18 days in South Island BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Christchurch Lake Tekapo Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) 10 days in South Island BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Geraldine Lake Tekapo Wanaka 9 days in South Island BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Christchurch Lake Tekapo Greymouth 10 days in South Island BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Christchurch Rakaia Lake Tekapo 43 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Auckland Paihia Waiheke Island 43 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Auckland Paihia Waiheke Island
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