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.
Peppers Bluewater Resort

Peppers Bluewater Resort

4.5 out of 5
State Highway 8 Lake Tekapo
The price is AU$429 per night from 24 Jan to 25 Jan
AU$429
24 Jan - 25 Jan
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,265 reviews)
Great location.

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Peppers Bluewater Resort
The Godley Hotel

The Godley Hotel

3 out of 5
2 Rapuwai Lane Lake Tekapo Canterbury
The price is AU$236 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
AU$236
3 Feb - 4 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (640 reviews)
Close location to town centre with wonderful view

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

The Godley Hotel
Haka House Lake Tekapo

Haka House Lake Tekapo

5 out of 5
5 Motuariki Lane Lake Tekapo Canterbury
The price is AU$359 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
AU$359
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Tekapo Springs and Maclaren Footbridge are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (382 reviews)
The staff were excellent

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Haka House Lake Tekapo
See all 463 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,265 reviews)
Great location.

Reviewed on 22 Jan 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! (304 reviews)
Room was super clean, location was great only about a 15 minute walk down to the lake and restaurants. The AC was strong and we slept very well as the beds were super comfortable. Would highly recommend!

Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026

Skyrim Lodge
Pinewood Motels

Pinewood Motels

3 out of 5
25 Mount Cook Road Fairlie South Canterbury
Stay at this aparthotel in Fairlie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (459 reviews)
Very nice place Clean

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Pinewood Motels
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

Mount John Lookout

You can learn about the history of Tekapo with a stop at Mount John Lookout. Stroll along the lakeside in this quaint area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Mount John Lookout

Activities

Picture 1 for Activity Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience

Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience

AU$163
per adult
Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience
25-Minute Helicopter flight including an alpine landing

25-Minute Helicopter flight including an alpine landing

AU$339
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
25-Minute Helicopter flight including an alpine landing
Stunning Scenery

Day Tours from Mount Cook

AU$171
per adult
Day Tours from Mount Cook
45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook

45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook

AU$580
per adult
45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook
Witness a sheep shearing demostration by a skilled farmer

Mt. Hay Farm Experience Genuine Country Farming(Carbon Positive)

AU$86
per adult
Mt. Hay Farm Experience Genuine Country Farming(Carbon Positive)
Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

AU$331
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing
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