Top Things to do in Lake Tekapo
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Top 10 Things to do in Lake Tekapo, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand including Air Safaris, Lake Alexandrina, Lake Tekapo, Roundhill Ski Area, The Church of the Good Shepherd, Mount John University Observatory, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Mount John Summit Circuit Track, Peninsula Walkway, Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue.
Restaurants in Lake Tekapo
1. Air Safaris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 329 reviews
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!
2. Lake Alexandrina
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By mebates00 - Belfast, United Kingdom
This is a beautiful lake in the Mackenzie district of S Island New Zealand. The autumn colours were spectacular! The lake is a severe location far from the ‘real world’ in terms of stillness solitude and calm. Visit if you can...just a short drive from Lake Tekapo!
3. Lake Tekapo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,629 reviews
Reviewed By Travelove58
Lake Tekapo is very similar to the many other lakes we have seen in South Island- they are all amazingly beautiful, so tranquil & so stunning. The lakes here are usually a part of the just as awesome mountains. An added attraction here is an old antiquated nice church. The feeling is just great, strolling along the beach & admiring the awesome views in front. In the morning, the sun rising from the back of the mountains shines against towards the sea & creates a stunning blanket of white rays.
4. Roundhill Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
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.
5. The Church of the Good Shepherd
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,077 reviews
The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains. The Church of the Good Shepherd was built to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. "Somehow the setting and the church combine to speak of God to those who enter and pause in the midst of their busy lives." - Peter Hurricks NO PHOTOS INSIDE Please do not use cameras, cellphones or tablets inside the church so that others may enjoy as is a place of prayer and reflection. PLEASE REMOVE YOUR WASTE There are no toilet or rubbish collection facilities in the area around the church so we kindly ask that visitors remove their waste and respect the natural environment around the church.
Reviewed By happi1944 - Jupiter, United States
We visited the Church of the Good Shepherd overlooking Lake Tekapo in New Zealand last February while on an extensive (4 weeks) Collette tour of Australia and New Zealand. We had just spent an overnight at the lodge overlooking Mt. Cook and were on our way to Christchurch. This delightful church had a most knowledgeable docent who told us the history of both the church and the area. However, the best experience I had was to be allowed to play the little pump organ at the back of the church. When I asked if I could, the docent first said "no". However, when I told him I was a church organist in my hometown, he very kindly said "yes". He even searched through the pile of music to find more things for me to play. Before very long, there were lots of tourists standing around singing hymns. What a lovely experience for me. When you visit, be sure to take a walk down to Lake Tekapo (behind the church). There is quite a beautiful view of Mt. Cook.
6. Mount John University Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 713 reviews
Reviewed By P2112WFkevinh - Auckland, New Zealand
We had another lovely sunny day so took on the walk up to Mt John and then the loop around the lake side. It was a superb walk and nowhere near the 3 hours as advertised. We are in our early fifties and it took us 2.5 hours, including a decent break at the top. Recommended.
7. Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Dark Sky Reserve is an Astro Tourism business which is dedicated to the richness in astronomy and science. We are firm believers that astronomy above and surounding areas within the Mackenzie country is for everyone forever.
Reviewed By SteveM999_12 - St Helens, United Kingdom
Amazing night sky. Shame the moon was almost full as caused some light pollution. Shame we can't do anything about that!! Anyway, did manage to see the Milky Way for the first time. Just can't see it at home because of light pollution so was magical to see it.
8. Mount John Summit Circuit Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By NickyM421 - Hamilton, New Zealand
After finding the road was closed i was told about the track. Walked up on my own in the late afternoon, and so pleased I did ... amazing views I wouldn't have seen otherwise. Worth getting the heart rate up, need a general level of fitness to do this comfortably
9. Peninsula Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By cathotateweg - Kaitangata, New Zealand
A lovely walk for us with our 3yr old. Approx. 4kms return and beautiful views. Easy terrain across farmland out to the peninsula with sweeping views around. Very nice.
10. Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 474 reviews
Reviewed By Weetbix7 - Wellington, New Zealand
This cute statue of a sheep dog sits right beside the famous church of the Good Shepherd. Make sure you see them Both when you park. It is sitting in a beautiful spot with a great view of the lake. Definitely come to say hello.
