A little bit of information about Lake Tekapo
Food Scene
Kohan Restaurant
6 Rapuwai LaneThey serve fresh, local salmon
Ramen Tekapo
Rapuwai LaneGreat for Thai and Ramen
Mackenzies Cafe Bar & Grill
State Highway 8Stone grill dining
Michael, Kim and the team offer coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hours can vary.
Reflections Cafe & Restaurant
State Highway 8Michael, Kim and the team offer coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Hours can vary.
Dark Sky Diner
Jack Rabbit
Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo
State Highway 8
Blue Lake Eatery & Bar
State Highway 8
TLV Restaurant & Bar
Astro Cafe
Godley Peaks Road
Four Square Tekapo
Tekapo-Twizel RoadThe only supermarket in town
Dolce Pizza
Parks & Nature
Lake Tekapo
It's amazing!
Pines Beach
The track is 13 kilometres one-way (approximately four hours) and part of the Te Araroa trail – you can walk or bike it (grade 4) and it offers unbeatable views!
The trail follows an old glacial terrace through tussocks and patches of native vegetation. On a fine day, you get sweeping views of Lake Tekapo, the Godley Valley and surrounding mountains. While the track is graded easy, there are a few steeps climbs (or descents, depending on which way you walk it) above Boundary Stream on the way back to Lilybank Road.
This trail starts and finishes in different places – halfway up the Roundhill access road, or just past the Boundary Creek bridge. Two vehicles are required or arrange a pick-up if you don’t want to walk the road back to your car.
Richmond Trail
The track is 13 kilometres one-way (approximately four hours) and part of the Te Araroa trail – you can walk or bike it (grade 4) and it offers unbeatable views!
The trail follows an old glacial terrace through tussocks and patches of native vegetation. On a fine day, you get sweeping views of Lake Tekapo, the Godley Valley and surrounding mountains. While the track is graded easy, there are a few steeps climbs (or descents, depending on which way you walk it) above Boundary Stream on the way back to Lilybank Road.
This trail starts and finishes in different places – halfway up the Roundhill access road, or just past the Boundary Creek bridge. Two vehicles are required or arrange a pick-up if you don’t want to walk the road back to your car.
Mount John
A must do, there is also a cafe with the world most amazing view :)
Cowans Hill Walkway
Lake Alexandrina
Entertainment & Activities
Tekapo Springs
300 Lakeside DrSoak in the Hot Springs while taking in the view of the lake
Family friendly ski area with stunning views. If you're not into snow sports, its still worthy of a visit to the cafe.
14 locals recommend
Roundhill Ski Area
2544 Lilybank RdFamily friendly ski area with stunning views. If you're not into snow sports, its still worthy of a visit to the cafe.
Dark Sky offer stargazing tours to Mt John and Cohans Observatory
21 locals recommend
Dark Sky Project
1 Motuariki LnDark Sky offer stargazing tours to Mt John and Cohans Observatory
BeSpoke Bike Tours NZ
Tekapo Star Gazing
Lakeside Drive
Mackenze Alpine Horse Trekking
108 Godley Peaks RdTraveler advice
Don't miss
Incredible views
A day trip to the top of Mt John is worth the hike up (or the $8 fee to drive up). The top is at 1000m elevation and has incredible 360 degree views over the lakes and Mackenzie Basin.
What to pack
Sunshine and cool nights!
Lake Tekapo boasts an abundance of sunshine hours and exceptionally clear night skies, making it a haven for both its exceptional climate and awe-inspiring stargazing opportunities. However, it's important to take precautions considering the intense New Zealand sun during the day and the chilly temperatures after dark. To fully enjoy the celestial wonders, be sure to protect yourself from the strong sun and dress warmly for the cold nights, even in the summer, when embarking on your stargazing adventures.