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Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo

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#1 of 14 in Things to do in Lake Tekapo
Water Body Nature / Park
For some outdoor adventure, head to Lake Tekapo, where the dark blue water and snow-capped peaks provide an ideal setting for a range of nature activities. Hike, horseback ride, or mountain bike along trails around the lake and through the surrounding mountains. The mountains also provide great skiing, heli-skiing, and rock climbing. In warmer weather, swimmers, windsurfers, and boaters flock to the lake's calm waters. Visit the bronze sheepdog statue for a glimpse into the local history and the importance of sheep farming to the community. Put Lake Tekapo into our Lake Tekapo vacation route planner and find out what's close by, where to stay, and where to head next.
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  • It was one of the most beautiful place we have ever been to. With the chapel of the Good Sheppard at a slightly elevated position on the side to give it a sense of scale, you can simply just sit there...  more »
  • This lake is such a beautiful lake with the church of the good shepherdand the Mackenzie shep dog statue right next to it.  more »
  • Great to walk around. The water is clean and beautiful. Some parts it is even turquoise in colour. Recommend you walk near the church of the good shepherd bridge to see how nice the water is. Good pho...  more »
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Best things to do in Lake Tekapo

Popular
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Tekapo Springs
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
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Church of the Good Shepherd
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 1​h
Earth and Sky
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Side Trips
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Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier
Visit for: 4​h
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Aoraki/Mt. Cook
Mt. Cook Village
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
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Hooker Valley Track
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
Hidden Gems
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Helicopter Tours
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 1​h
Roundhill Ski Area
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 8​h
Nature & Wildlife Tours
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
Sightseeing
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Mount John University Observatory
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 1​h
Golf
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The Cairns Golf Course
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
Nearby
Air Safaris
Lake Tekapo
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
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Where to stay in 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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10 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA September, popular PREFERENCES: September ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 43 days in South Island BY A USER FROM SAUDI ARABIA September, outdoors, popular PREFERENCES: September, outdoors ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 60 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM August, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: August, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 22 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM ROMANIA November, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, fast-paced, popular PREFERENCES: November, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Fast-paced 27 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM January, popular PREFERENCES: January ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 31 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES January, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: January, outdoors, relaxing, beaches ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 50 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM October, hidden gems PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 7 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM THAILAND October, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Medium 15 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA December, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping, popular & hidden gems PREFERENCES: December, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular & hidden gems PACE: Medium 31 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, shopping, hidden gems PREFERENCES: September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, beaches, historic sites, shopping ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Medium 60 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM CANADA September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums, fast-paced, hidden gems PREFERENCES: September, culture, outdoors, relaxing, beaches, historic sites, museums ATTRACTION STYLE: Hidden gems PACE: Fast-paced 18 days in Auckland & South Island BY A USER FROM TAIWAN October, slow & easy, popular PREFERENCES: October ATTRACTION STYLE: Popular PACE: Slow & easy
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