Guidebook for Lake Tekapo
Everything Else
For Breakfast & coffee: Pure Food Cafe (pop up) on Bealey Ave. The Vic Cafe, Victoria St or The Addingtion Coffee co op on Lincoln Rd.
35 locals recommend
Christchurch
For Breakfast & coffee: Pure Food Cafe (pop up) on Bealey Ave. The Vic Cafe, Victoria St or The Addingtion Coffee co op on Lincoln Rd.
Take inland road SHW 73, turn left at Darfield ( coffee shop and ice-cream!) onto SHW77. Drive towards Rakaia River, stop to look at one of our braided rivers from the Alps. Straight ahead on SWH 72.
6 locals recommend
Darfield
Take inland road SHW 73, turn left at Darfield ( coffee shop and ice-cream!) onto SHW77. Drive towards Rakaia River, stop to look at one of our braided rivers from the Alps. Straight ahead on SWH 72.
Really good cafe here. Access to bush, DOC hut tickets. Easy to drive past, it is on the right just off the main road.
Staveley
Really good cafe here. Access to bush, DOC hut tickets. Easy to drive past, it is on the right just off the main road.
Mayfield
The big 2nd Hand shop may be open, vintage clothing and everything you can think of.
MacAtamney Art Gallery upstairs in Old Post Office. Iconic kiwi outdoor clothing downstairs. Verde Cafe behind it. Talbot Forest Cheese. Take SHW79 towards Fairlie (1/2 hour)
9 locals recommend
Geraldine
MacAtamney Art Gallery upstairs in Old Post Office. Iconic kiwi outdoor clothing downstairs. Verde Cafe behind it. Talbot Forest Cheese. Take SHW79 towards Fairlie (1/2 hour)
Eat Cafe very good. The Bakehouse (famous delicious pies)
James Mackenzie Statue opposite 4 Square shop. Vintage Museum ($5 gold coins admission) on way out of town. Take SHW 8 To Tekapo (1/2 hour)
9 locals recommend
Fairlie
Eat Cafe very good. The Bakehouse (famous delicious pies)
James Mackenzie Statue opposite 4 Square shop. Vintage Museum ($5 gold coins admission) on way out of town. Take SHW 8 To Tekapo (1/2 hour)
Kimbell
Couple of Art Galleries. Funny old pub
Burkes Pass
Art Gallery, Craft Shop, coffee caravan, cute old church, cemetery.
Shawties Cafe. Swimming Lake Ruataniwha, New 4square small supermarket, Chemist, Doctor. On Cycle Trail. Black Stilt viewing.Rowing Facility on lake. Salmon to buy at High Country Salmon farm.
15 locals recommend
Twizel
Shawties Cafe. Swimming Lake Ruataniwha, New 4square small supermarket, Chemist, Doctor. On Cycle Trail. Black Stilt viewing.Rowing Facility on lake. Salmon to buy at High Country Salmon farm.
Food Scene
The food is always fresh and good. The staff are very kind. Great views even if it looks like a bus station!! I recommend you book and am happy to make a reservation. Kitchen closes about 8.30 -9pm
52 locals recommend
Lake Tekapo
The food is always fresh and good. The staff are very kind. Great views even if it looks like a bus station!! I recommend you book and am happy to make a reservation. Kitchen closes about 8.30 -9pm
Usually make a good coffee. Good simple breakfast, lunch or dinner.
YHA Lake Tekapo [OLD SITE - see new location Motuariki Lane]
5 Motuariki LaneUsually make a good coffee. Good simple breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Pizzas and range of food. The bar is the best looking bar for a relaxing drink with outside area as well. Kitchen often open later than others but check. Make a reservation at busy times of the year.
7 locals recommend
Tekapo
Pizzas and range of food. The bar is the best looking bar for a relaxing drink with outside area as well. Kitchen often open later than others but check. Make a reservation at busy times of the year.
Sightseeing
There is a trek for everyone from a 1/2 hour to 4 hours. Wonderful views and nice horses. My own horse works there! Good value and a fun way to connect with our beautiful countryside. Godley Peaks Rd.
Lake Tekapo Lodge
24 Aorangi CresThere is a trek for everyone from a 1/2 hour to 4 hours. Wonderful views and nice horses. My own horse works there! Good value and a fun way to connect with our beautiful countryside. Godley Peaks Rd.
There is a great walk up to the top where there is a cafe with the BEST view in the Mackenzie (even NZ!) It takes about 40 minutes. Start near the hot springs.
8 locals recommend
Mount John
There is a great walk up to the top where there is a cafe with the BEST view in the Mackenzie (even NZ!) It takes about 40 minutes. Start near the hot springs.
I went on the night tour a few years ago and thought it was great. Check their weather cancelation policy. In our busy season book before you arrive in Tekapo.
21 locals recommend
Dark Sky Project
1 Motuariki LnI went on the night tour a few years ago and thought it was great. Check their weather cancelation policy. In our busy season book before you arrive in Tekapo.
You can rent clubs and a golf cart. Its a new course but I like it, Great views and only a few houses behind us.
The Cairns Golf Course
You can rent clubs and a golf cart. Its a new course but I like it, Great views and only a few houses behind us.
Lovely warm lake good for swimming and picnics. Two entry points. One just before turnoff to Mt John and the second about 4 kms further on. Good birdlife and peaceful.
Lake Alexandrina
157 Lake Alexandrina RdLovely warm lake good for swimming and picnics. Two entry points. One just before turnoff to Mt John and the second about 4 kms further on. Good birdlife and peaceful.
Just over one hours drive from lake Tekapo. Wonderful walks and food either at The Hermitage or The Mountaineer Cafe. Walk up the Hooker Valley or drive up Tasman Valley and walk to Tasman lake.
Mount Cook National Park
Just over one hours drive from lake Tekapo. Wonderful walks and food either at The Hermitage or The Mountaineer Cafe. Walk up the Hooker Valley or drive up Tasman Valley and walk to Tasman lake.