There are lakes, and then there are LAKES. New Zealand lakes are those kind of LAKES. The kind that deserves to stand out in all caps and italicized letters. Lake Tekapo is the intoxicating combination of turquoise water, towering Pines, rugged mountain peaks and the summer blooms of brightly colored wild lupins. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore the great outdoors, we’re here to share the best things to do at Lake Tekapo.
8 Things to do at Lake Tekapo
Table of Contents
- 1. Enjoy Downhill Tubing Year Round
- 2. Soak in a Thermal Pool
- 3. Let the Kids Splash in the Play Pool
- 4. Hit the Ice-Skating Rink
- 5. Raft out to the floating dock
- 6. Snap a Photo of the Church of the Good Shepherd
- 7. Take A Star Tour
- 8. Enjoy a Nature Hike
1. Enjoy Downhill Tubing Year Round
Downhill tubing is so much fun for all ages. The best part about the Tubing Park at Tekapo Springs is that it is open for both winter snow tubing and summer tubing down a slick synthetic track.
There is a conveyor belt that takes you to the top of the hill where you can ride the track down.
All the fun without all the effort! Combo deals are available for entrance to the tubing park and hot pools.
2. Soak in a Thermal Pool
There is no better way to relax than soaking in a thermal pool while overlooking the dramatic landscape surrounding Lake Tekapo.
Tekapo Springs consists of three-tiered Hot Pools. Each pool is in the shape of one of the regional lakes of Ohau, Pukaki, and Tekapo. The temperature of the pools varies from 98-102 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Let the Kids Splash in the Play Pool
The Macaulay Kid’s Aquatic Play Area and Godley Pool are cooler pools (temperatures range from 82-91 F). They are perfect for families during the summer months.
There is also a shallow beach access pool and aquatic play area with fun water features for younger kids.
Older kids, and adults as well, will enjoy the Macaulay pool that is a little deeper and perfect for swimming laps or doing some cannonballs!
The entrance fee includes access to the hot pools as well as the cool pools.
4. Hit the Ice-Skating Rink
This is the perfect winter activity, ice skating outdoors while overlooking the magical winter wonderland!
This international-sized Ice Skating Rink boasts to be the most scenic skating rink in all of New Zealand.
Admission covers skating all day long so you can take a break to warm up in the hot pools in between skating sessions.
5. Raft out to the floating dock
New Zealand is not an inexpensive place to live, however, every once in a while you’ll come across a great deal. We purchased this raft and oar set at Kmart in Christchurch for only $15 NZD! It provided hours of entertainment.
The water is freezing cold, but the kids didn’t mind. They had fun daring each other and earned extra scoops of ice cream for whoever could go in the farthest.
There are plenty of Kmart locations around the South Island, it’s worth a stop for this raft if you’re near one.
6. Snap a Photo of the Church of the Good Shepherd
This quaint and absolutely charming little Church of the Good Shepherd sits on the shores of Lake Tekapo.
It is arguably the most visited and photographed church in all of New Zealand.
The view from the windows inside would make a daydreamer out of any devout member of the congregation.
It is an active place of worship, no photography inside and please be respectful, particularly if services are in progress.
There is usually a guide available during visiting hours to answer questions and share the history of this beloved landmark.
You’ll also find a bronze sheepdog monument nearby. This was erected in honor of the sheepdogs that helped the farmers in the area as they grazed their sheep.
7. Take A Star Tour
No, I’m not talking about a Hollywood Star Tour. I’m referring to a tour of the magnificent night sky.
The Mackenzie Basin is known as one of the best places in the world to observe the stars and outer space. In fact, the area has been declared as the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
The light pollution is strictly controlled in the area and the night sky is lit up with millions of stars.
For an unforgettable experience, book one of the star tours at the Mount John Observatory.
They offer both day and night tours. If you’re there during the day be sure to walk around the Summit Circuit track and enjoy the view over Lake Tekapo and Lake Alexandria.
Then grab a fresh toasted sandwich and bowl of soup from the Astro-Cafe to savor while enjoying the views on the outdoor patio.
8. Enjoy a Nature Hike
There are several Hiking Trails in the area. Each is met with stunning and awe-inspiring scenery. The wild lupins are in bloom from September to February so if you visit then you’re in for a special treat!
Hiking trails at Lake Tekapo:
Lake Tekapo Shoreline Walkway
The Lake Tekapo Shoreline Walkway is a lakeshore trail that starts near the Church of the Good Shepherd.
You’ll cross the footbridge over the beautiful Tekapo River then continue along the shores of Pine Beach until you reach the hot pools. Plan for about an hour to complete.
Mount John Summit Track
This trail starts at the end of the Shoreline trail at the hot pools complex. It leads up through the forest to open rolling tussock hills until you reach the top of Mount John.
The path is well-marked and easy to navigate. The first part of the trail through the forest is the steepest part.
Plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes up and back. Once you reach the summit, take in the breath-taking view.
There is a viewing platform with a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding mountains, lakes and Mackenzie Basin flats. Be sure to visit the Mt John Observatory and cafe at the top.
Mount John Circuit Track
If you’re looking for a shorter alternative to the summit track but still want to take in the views, then I would recommend the Circuit Track.
Drive to the top of Mt John and park near the observatory and cafe, then take the Summit Circuit track through open meadows and wildflower fields.
The trail is great for all ages, it is easy and relatively flat. Plan for about 30 – 45 min to complete.
Peninsula Walkway
This hike is not as well-known, so you’ll most likely have it all to yourselves. Expect about 1 hour 30 minutes to complete the loop trail.
The trail is through open grassy meadows without shade, so keep that in mind when visiting in the summer.
The parking lot is located on Godley Peaks Road just past the road that takes you up to the Mount John Observatory.
The trail offers stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding scenery. You can also take a short jaunt to explore the beautiful White Bluffs.
Whatever you choose to do at Lake Tekapo, it is a guarantee that you will fall in love with this stunning area!
Lake Tekapo is one of our favorite stops on a 10-Day South Island Road Trip, click the link for the full itinerary.
Be sure to check out our other New Zealand Guides for great tips and suggestions while visiting New Zealand!
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We’ve just been and done snow tubing but I had no idea they kept it around in the summer as well!
It’s so fun! My kids loved being able to tube without getting cold!
This article is cold 😉