Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo’s stellar scenery is best visible from the Mount John University Observatory. Look skyward to see the Southern Cross, Milky Way, Magellanic Clouds, and southern lights (aurora australis). The area is not just for stargazers: The nearby stone-built Church of the Good Shepherd is also stunning, views of Mount John and the fields of purple lupines are lovely, and outdoor activities abound. If it gets too chilly, warm up at Tekapo Springs and enjoy fantastic views of land and sky while you soak.

Many small-group and private Mount Cook day tours from Christchurch include Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd, lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

• Lake Tekapo is a must for outdoors lovers and stargazers.

• If walking or hiking the popular Summit Circuit Trek, wear sturdy shoes. And wear warm clothes in all seasons—it can get very cold at night.

• Bring your swimsuit for a soak at Tekapo Springs.

• Don’t forget your camera!

Lake Tekapo is a 3-hour drive from Christchurch, Dunedin, or Queenstown. Buses and shuttles regularly travel past the lake from several South Island locations.

Lake Tekapo’s personality changes seasonally. In summer (December to February/March), days are longer and average highs are around 68°F (20°C). In winter (May/June to August), the trees have shed their leaves and the surrounding mountains have snow; average nighttime lows are below 36°F (2°C). Skiing, ice skating, and alpine trekking happen until around mid-spring.

There is a huge array of activities available around the lake. In addition to stargazing tours and hikes, there’s everything on offer from horse treks, kayaking, and biking in summer to skiing, snowboarding, and mountain trekking in winter. Don’t miss the geothermal Tekapo Springs, hot pools, and spas—especially when the temperature drops.

Yes, Lake Tekapo is worth visiting, especially if you’re driving between Christchurch and Queenstown. It’s a beautiful lake with mountains behind it and a pretty little stone church–the Church of the Good Shepherd–on the southern shore. In spring and summer, the lakeshore is beautiful with colorful wildflowers.

Two days is an ideal amount of time to spend at Lake Tekapo. You can visit the relaxing Tekapo Springs, stargaze at night, and go hiking, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding, among other active adventures. Lake Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, so it’s worth waiting for a clear night.

The main attraction between Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/ Mount Cook is Lake Pukaki. State Highway 8 passes along its southern shore, where there’s a scenic viewpoint. Then, State Highway 80 runs north up the western coast of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/ Mount Cook Village. There are more viewpoints along the way.

Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo are beautiful places, but Lake Pukaki might have the edge. Lake Tekapo has a small town on its southern shore, but Lake Pukaki is less developed. And while the highway just skirts the south shore of Lake Tekapo, the road to Aoraki/ Mount Cook travels the length of its western shore.

There are good reasons to stay at both Lake Tekapo and Twizel. Lake Tekapo offers more accommodation and dining options, as well as activities and beautiful views directly from the small town. Twizel is further from any lake, so it is less scenic but more convenient if traveling to or from Queenstown without going via Aoraki.

The best seasons to visit Lake Tekapo are late spring and early summer (November–December). The weather may be a little wet, but temperatures will be mild, and colorful wildflowers, especially lupines, will be in bloom. Midsummer is warm but busier with tourists, autumn is generally pleasant, and winter is beautiful but cold.