Tekapo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Even though it was a bit cloudy it was quite impressive to see the sunset light effects on the changing landscape from the Astro Cafe in the Mt John Observatory.
Even though it was a bit cloudy it was quite impressive to see the sunset light effects on the changing landscape from the Astro Cafe in the Mt John Observatory.
Sunset stone skipping #springfun
Just after you've passed through Tekapo, or just before you get to Tekapo depending on what way you're driving, you'll have the opportunity to turn down a road that leads you here. This is the view from the Astro Cafe set at the top of Mount John with stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. It does cost $8 to drive up to the observatory, but when you're presented with views like this, then it becomes a bit of a no brainer.
Part of the South Island Hydro Electricity scheme these canals are a great place to fish for salmon and trout. It runs between Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki and if you can't catch a fish you can go to the local fish farm and buy one.

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Haka House Lake Tekapo

Haka House Lake Tekapo

5 out of 5
5 Motuariki Lane Lake Tekapo Canterbury
The price is AU$277 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$277
31 Mar - 1 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Maclaren Footbridge and Cowans Hill Walkway are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (407 reviews)
Beautiful view from kitchen but everything else was awful. Never been so hot in a dorm. Why air conditioning in the whole hostel but not the rooms? No towel included. And one of the 2 fridges was out so groceries stuffed in one fridge. Super expensive.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Haka House Lake Tekapo
Peppers Bluewater Resort

Peppers Bluewater Resort

4.5 out of 5
State Highway 8 Lake Tekapo
The price is AU$307 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
AU$307
8 Apr - 9 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,293 reviews)
Good location, comfy bed, bit noisy.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Peppers Bluewater Resort
Lakes Edge Holiday Park

Lakes Edge Holiday Park

2 out of 5
2 Lakeside Dr Lake Tekapo Canterbury
The price is AU$241 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$241
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions The ...
9/10 Wonderful! (390 reviews)
Great close parking to room. Laundry conveniently located. Room ok but older especially bathroom.

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Lakes Edge Holiday Park
See all 489 properties in Tekapo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Peppers Bluewater Resort

Peppers Bluewater Resort

4.5 out of 5
State Highway 8 Lake Tekapo
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,293 reviews)
Good location, comfy bed, bit noisy.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Peppers Bluewater Resort
Skyrim Lodge

Skyrim Lodge

3 out of 5
11 Jimmys Lane Lake Tekapo
Stay at this holiday home in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (318 reviews)
A good base to stay in Lake Tekapo. On arrival our room smelt and could had been dealt better by the host - I would had expect this to be dealt with before we arrived.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Skyrim Lodge
Mantra Lake Tekapo

Mantra Lake Tekapo

4 out of 5
1 Beauchamp Place Lake Tekapo
Stay at this aparthotel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Cowans Hill Walkway and Sheepdog Statue are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (699 reviews)
Really comfortable lodgings. Clean and quiet. I would highly recommend!

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

Mantra Lake Tekapo
See all properties in Tekapo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Mount John Observatory showing landscape views, a river or creek and tranquil scenes

Mount John Observatory

Take an evening tour to see the wonders of the night sky or visit during the day to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains.

Mount John Observatory
Roundhill Ski Area showing mountains and snow

Roundhill Ski Area

Spend the day discovering this ski field above Lake Tekapo, which provides beginner-friendly runs alongside the steepest vertical drop in the country.

Roundhill Ski Area

Lake Tekapō Regional Park

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Tekapō Regional Park, a lovely green space in Tekapo.

Lake Tekapō Regional Park

Activities

Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

AU$325
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing
Fox Glacier & Mount Cook Helicopter Flight

Fox Glacier & Mount Cook Helicopter Flight

AU$409
per adult
Fox Glacier & Mount Cook Helicopter Flight
Picture 1 for Activity Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience

Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience

AU$160
per adult
Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience
See all activities in Tekapo

Cities near Tekapo

Adobe

Mount Cook

Lake Tekapo featuring mountains, a lake or waterhole and wild flowers

Lake Tekapo

Lake Pukaki featuring snow, mountains and a lake or waterhole

Pukaki

In the mountains of New Zealand, it's just breath-taking!

Peel Forest