The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Lake Tekapo, South Island

This premier Aoraki / Mount Cook flightseeing experience, 'The Grand Traverse' encompasses two World Heritage National Parks in a tour of 200kms amongst New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers. From the golden tussock lands, turquoise glacier lakes and huge glacial valleys of the Mackenzie Basin around Aoraki Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and the Tasman Glacier to the coastal plains of Westland and the dramatic icefalls of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Every passenger has a window seat and all aircraft have wings-above to ensure optimum viewing below. Pilots provide a full and informative commentary with multi language commentary brochures supplied. We also offer exciting helicopter flights from Tekapo with alpine landing and an incredible Combo Flightseeing Experience featuring the MacKenzie Explorer heli-flight plus Grand Traverse fixed wing. The best of both worlds!

Enjoy a fabulous horse trek in the Mackenzie with views of the Southern Alps, lakes and high country sheep stations. Suitable for beginners, choose from our beautiful 1,2 or 3.5 hr treks

Without question, Tekapo Jet is the most spectacular way to view the captivating beauty of Lake Tekapo. Your magical journey with us starts from Pines Beach on the southern shores of the lake. From there, you will head up the lake and around Motuariki Island. You will be treated to gorgeous views of ancient glacial valleys and remote high country sheep stations in the distance.

Escape the crowds, Tekapo Adventures offers Scenic 4WD Tours through some of New Zealand's most impressive High Country Wilderness surrounding Lake Tekapo and The Mackenzie Country. Our breathtaking tours offer guests the opportunity to experience The Outstanding Natural Landscapes of The Mackenzie Basin, an impressive region in the South Island of New Zealand. Private access to some of NZ's most impressive High Country Stations, offers beautiful natural scenery of towering glaciated mountains, pristine rivers and views across the southern alps and remote tussock grasslands of the unique Mackenzie Basin, which is the largest intermontane basin in New Zealand. Our memorable tours educate guests on the unique ecology and Outstanding Natural Landscapes that are found within this magical part of NZ, as you travel in style in our comfortable Land Rover Defenders. Tour range from 1.5 hours to 3 hours- full day excursions. Private charter is also available.

Established in 2018 by a long-standing local family, Lake Tekapo Farm Tours focuses on providing an authentic Kiwi experience in the heart of the Mackenzie Region. Tours operate on wide open spaces of 25,000 acres (10,117 hectares) over two high country farms, the historic Mt. John & Balmoral Stations. With breathtaking views and real animal encounters, this is a tour the entire family will love.

Chameleon Stargazing offers tailor made stargazing tours for the whole family. You can either share the experience with other travellers in our location with almost zero light pollution, or ask for a private tour only for your family or group of friends. You will be able to use a 9.25" telescope with an experienced guide under a breathtaking starry sky, you can ask to see any object in the sky and we can help you to take some photos to have a good memory of this unforgettable experience.

Ski or Snowboard in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand. Roundhill is a fantastic family ski field with breathtaking views of Aoraki Mt Cook, the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo. Roundhill is a place that friends and family meet to enjoy a relaxing day on the slopes. Learners and little ones can head to our massive beginners area featuring a platter lift and 2 beginners rope tows for a fun and gentle way to find your feet in the snow. Our 2 T-Bars give access to loads of super wide, perfectly groomed intermediate trails with lots of natural dips and curves making for fun and interesting skiing and riding. For the more adventurous, head up the world’s (yes that’s right!) longest and steepest rope tow and see what Australasia’s biggest vertical drop (783m) is all about. Offering super long natural half pipes, chutes this is skiing and riding at its best. 2020 Operating Season June 27th-September 13th.

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

We are currently closed for the winter. We will reopen in the spring. For outdoor sports, visit Roundhill Ski Area in Tekapo