With the Southern Alps as a backdrop reflecting onto the deep turquoise waters, the picturesque views at Lake Tekapo New Zealand are exceptional. Add to that the aurora australis (southern lights) dancing in skies so clear they are recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve. Lake Tekapo is one of the most spectacular places in New Zealand.
Whether it is a quick Lake Tekapo photo stop between Queenstown and Christchurch, or a destination of its own, you will not regret your stop here. There is plenty to keep nature lovers and stargazers busy. Below are our suggested things to do in Lake Tekapo.
Daytime things to do in Lake Tekapo
Capture Lake Tekapo photos
For photographers, just standing on the Lake Tekapo shore is the start of a great day. We last visited in springtime, when the snowcapped Southern Alps created an impressive backdrop to the reflective water.
Visit the Church of the Good Shepard and the sheepdog monument
Standing at the lake’s edge since 1935, the Church of the Good Shepard is a stone structure against a backdrop of azure water and snowcapped mountains. One of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand, it is an active church with frequent weddings and services.
Nearby, the bronze sheepdog memorial statue stands in tribute to the dogs that helped shaped the surrounding farming communities. Scottish immigrants originally brought sheepdogs to New Zealand.
Lake Tekapo walks and hikes
However you explore the area, if you are visiting in summer (November to February) you will enjoy the colourful lupins growing around the lake. At sunset, they complete the colour palette.
Photo credit: Sandra Vallaure. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution.
Some of the popular Lake Tekapo walks include:
- Lake Tekapo Walkway: A one-hour easy (mostly flat) walk along the waterfront passing the church and hydro-electric outlet.
- Cowans Hill Walkway: A 1-2 hour easy hike to the top of Cowans Hill for panoramic views of Lake Tekapo.
- Mt John Summit Circuit Track: A 90-minute steep and challenging hike through exotic forest and tussock hills. Stunning views await those who make the trek. (If you don’t want the hike, you can drive to the top.)
- Check out this list of short walks in Lake Tekapo for more options.
Enjoy Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook, and Fox Glacier from the air
At 3,754 metres, Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain. On the other side is the country’s longest glacier. A 50-minute flight will let you enjoy it all, plus turquoise glacial lakes, unique rivers, and three massive glaciers (Fox, Franz Josef, and Tasmin). Commentary will help you identify the sights.
⇒ Check price on this 50-Minute Mount Cook and Beyond Scenic Flight from Lake Tekapo
Evening things to do in Lake Tekapo
Relax at Tekapo Springs
Lake Tekapo hot pools, filled with glacial waters, are the perfect solution to sore muscles. Alternatively, take an active approach on the water slides or in a cool pool. Stunning views add to the fun any time of day. We recommend heading there late in the day. After a daylight soak, enjoy the colourful sunset before the stars fill the dark sky.
⇒ Get an all-day pass for the hot pools.
Take in a sunset
Whether from the waters of Tekapo Springs, from up a hill, or from the lakeside, be sure to stop and take notice of the sunset.
Stargazing tops any list of things to do in Lake Tekapo at night
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve includes Lake Tekapo. It has been recognized as an area of exceptional starry nights with limited light pollution by the International Dark-Sky Association. Needless to say, it is an ideal place for stargazing.
Tip: Regardless of the season, bring a jacket. It can get cold at night.
Image by Ira Gorelick from Pixabay.
University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory
Impressive starry skies reward visitors all year. Or, head here during the day for dramatic views or a great cup of coffee. The aurora australis is natures light show, painting the sky with colour between April and September. Similar to the Northern Lights, the Southern Lights can be equally as exciting.
A 2-hour Lake Tekapo stargazing tour gives you a closer look at the stars through New Zealand’s largest telescope. Despite the open roof, you will be warm as the tour provides US Antarctic Expedition jackets and hot chocolate. You will also learn about the research that is done here.
⇒ Check price and availability of the 2-hour stargazing tour
Another option is the new 45-minute stargazing and astronomy guided tour that blends science, tatai aroraki (Maori astronomy), and captivating multimedia installations together. This is an indoor experience in a purpose-built area.
⇒ Check price and availability of the Immersive Stargazing and Astronomy Experience
Photo credit: Wasabi Kiwi. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution.
More about Lake Tekapo
- Lake Tekapo is one of four lakes in the Mackenzie Basin on the South Island. The other three are Lakes Ohau, Lake Pukaki, and Lake Alexandrina.
- It’s about halfway between the Christchurch and Queenstown Airports, making it an ideal stop to break up the six-hour drive, or a destination on its own. We have also added it as a side trip when driving along the South Island’s east coast.
- Māori were the original settlers. However, the region gets its name from a Scottish shepherd and alleged sheep thief, James Mackenzie. The area was intermittently inhabited by Māori and, in 1857, it was split into ranching stations.
- Water from the lake is used in the generation of hydroelectricity.
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Quebrada de las Conchas: Best of Salta to Cafayate
dee
July 19, 2019 at 12:28 pmSo, so, so beautiful — the lake and it’s environs.
And the church looks so cute. 🙂
Kara
July 17, 2019 at 10:18 amWow! What a beautiful place!
Emma Turi
May 29, 2018 at 6:29 amThe photos are amazing, I am coming to NZ in July/August wondered if there a tour one can do from Timaru to visit this lake? Thanks in advance
Rhonda Albom
May 29, 2018 at 10:30 pmNone of the companies I work with have tours from Timaru, but there are plenty of South Island tours that go to Lake Tekapo. You can check them all out here: Tours with Lake Tekapo
Annabella Dean
September 9, 2015 at 7:15 pmHi Rhonda, your photos of Lake Tekapo bring back a lot of happy memories. In particular, I love the colours and subject matter in your first image. Keep up the great photography, I look forward to following more of your adventures 🙂
Anne
May 22, 2015 at 5:37 pmThe colour of the water is what most impressed me and the quaint little church just made me want to get married!
Travelera
May 22, 2015 at 6:00 amYou made really beautiful pictures, stunning views!! I have never been in New Zealand. I would love to see it one day.
Answering the question if we allow time to stop in a trip, I love stopping and view small villages and the nature, it is my boyfriend who likes to get as soon as possible from A to B. But if we are traveling by bike, he stops more often so I can take pictures on the way 🙂
http://www.travelera.es
Rhonda Albom
May 24, 2015 at 12:01 amI would think on bike you are going so much slower than via car, you would automatically get to enjoy more.
Emilyann
May 21, 2015 at 5:33 pmThe photos are beautiful. I find gardens inspiring. Love the Japanese garden photo 🙂
Alissa Apel
May 21, 2015 at 4:41 amWhat a pretty spot! There’s a beautiful mountain scape, water and a cute church! What’s not to love? 🙂
Lisa Wood
May 20, 2015 at 5:02 pmI have always wanted to visit New Zealand, after seeing your pictures of Lake Tekapo…wow stunning! Would love to stop and take the time to sit and enjoy such a magical place!
Anda
May 20, 2015 at 2:46 pmWanaka looks really beautiful and the pictures are absolutely stunning.
gerald
May 20, 2015 at 12:14 amWe stayed overnight at Lake Tekapo in 2001 – had a lovely sail on the lake and also visited the observatory – not sure if the observatory is still there.
Amanda Zeisset
May 19, 2015 at 1:09 pmBeautiful shots Rhonda. They made me want to go back to NZ right now!
Amy
May 19, 2015 at 12:35 pmwe truly live in a beautiful country. This is one of my favourite places to visit, I’ve been to the Otago area twice now, Queenstown to be exact – just awesome!
Rhonda Albom
May 19, 2015 at 1:22 pmWe spent almost 5 full winters in Wanaka, and did some touring in the surrounding areas. It is stunning.
Sean @ His and Her Hobbies
May 19, 2015 at 11:48 amWe drove by Lake Tekapo and stayed in Wanaka back in 1993. Your photos are much better than the ones I have. That area is so stunning that no picture can ever do it full justice and is a place you must visit in person. We did a 10 day tour of the South Island and one day I will make it back. We try to stop along the way on our travels and that is usually when we end up finding the coolest places by accident.
Sean at His and Her Hobbies
noel
May 19, 2015 at 2:12 amWow, fantastic places to explore, I definitely would love to drive through most of these beautiful countryside and see those majestic mountains.
Jen
May 18, 2015 at 9:33 pmThe South Island is so beautiful
I remember visiting with fond memories 🙂
Constance - Foreign Sanctuary
May 18, 2015 at 1:49 pmYour pictures are absolutely amazing!! I love the little church and the beautiful natural scenery featured in this post!
Rhonda Albom
May 19, 2015 at 12:42 pmI love that little stone church too. I was surprised it wasn’t older than it is.
samiya selim
May 18, 2015 at 1:25 pmThis is on our list now of the many beautiful places we want to see and experience in New Zealand the remaining 10 months we are here! Finding the whole country so very beautiful 🙂
Rhonda Albom
May 19, 2015 at 12:41 pmGo Slow. New Zealand is spectacular around every turn. Let me know if you head out towards Shakespear Park.
Katie
May 18, 2015 at 9:22 amThe Southern Alps are just stunning … thanks for these pics!
Shere
May 18, 2015 at 7:52 amLake tekapo is one of my favorite places in NZ!! We spent the night there and the stars were incredible. Well, we also bring a “souvenir” called Liam from there 😛
Molly
May 18, 2015 at 4:34 amAnd you captured images that took my breath my away as well. Bravo!
mollyxxx
stevebethere
May 17, 2015 at 11:33 pmNow those are beautiful photos Rhonda so vivid and clear all that lovely contrasting blue too 🙂
Have a laketastic day Rhonda 🙂
Lisa Ross
May 17, 2015 at 8:16 amI still haven’t been to Lake Tekapo 🙁 or much of the South Island. Dumb huh
Alex J. Cavanaugh
May 17, 2015 at 4:02 amThe snow covered mountains are amazing. So majestic. And that church just rocks. Literally!
Paul F. Pietrangelo
May 17, 2015 at 2:30 amWhat a stunning photo. I wish I lived in an area with beautiful mountains. All I have is flat terrain. Thanks for showing us such beauty. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Joyce
May 17, 2015 at 1:05 amI love snow capped mountains.
Corinne
May 17, 2015 at 12:19 amOh, Rhonda, it looks like a stunning place. I would love to go and photograph Lake Tekapo with you someday! Cheers to the Weekend Travel Inspiration Gang!
Anabel
May 16, 2015 at 10:38 pmAbsolutely gorgeous! Beautiful blues, I especially like the second picture.