Top Things to do in Lake Tekapo
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What to do and see in Lake Tekapo, South Island: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Discover the best top things to do in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand including Air Safaris, Tekapo Jet, Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking, Tekapo Adventures, Lake Tekapo, The Church of the Good Shepherd, Silver River Stargazing, Roundhill Ski Area, Mount John University Observatory, Mount John Summit Circuit Track.
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. Tekapo Jet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
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.
3. Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 148 reviews
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
Reviewed By Jareda_0496
Had an awesome time riding with my partner with an awesome guide we did the 1 hour trek and was a great track to ride from awesome views up high along the hills right down to a splash in the lake 100% recommend will definitely be back
4. Tekapo Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Silver River Stargazing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Silver River™ Stargazing is Tekapo’s leading small group 360° stargazing tour. Are you ready to have your mind blown? Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Come and discover the wonders of the night sky on our 1.5-hour experience; including 60 mins under the stars with one of our epic guides!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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
