Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a breathtaking destination in the heart of Aotearoa’s South Island. With its stunning turquoise waters framed by snow-capped peaks, it’s a place that feels both peaceful and powerful. The small village of Tekapo, home to just over 600 locals, carries a charm that’s easy to fall for. From the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on the lakeshore to world-class stargazing under the Dark Sky Reserve, Tekapo is a place of magic. Slow down, breathe in the alpine air, and you’ll see why travellers fall in love here. Conveniently close to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and Lake Pūkaki, Tekapo also makes the perfect base for exploring the wider Mackenzie region. But trust us — there’s more than enough here to keep you inspired.

1. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd & Explore the Lakeshore

Sitting on the edge of Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd is one of Aotearoa’s most photographed landmarks and for good reason. Built in 1935 as a tribute to the early settlers of the Mackenzie Basin, the stone church frames the lake and mountains through its altar window. The view feels almost otherworldly.

Highlights to enjoy:

• 📸 Capture sunrise or sunset — the soft light over the church and lake is unforgettable.
• 🚶 Stroll the lakeshore path — wander at your own pace, dip your toes, or sit and watch the colours change.
• 🌄 Catch the morning glow — early risers are rewarded with calm reflections and golden light on the water.
• 🌸 Spot the lupins — in late spring and early summer the lakeside bursts into colour, making it a dream for photographers.

2. Stargazing & Dark Sky Reserve

When night falls in Tekapo, the stars truly steal the show. The region sits within the Aoraki / Mount Cook International Dark Sky Reserve, recognised as one of the best places on earth to gaze into the heavens. At the heart of it all is the Mount John Observatory, perched high above the lake and home to some of the most powerful telescopes in the Southern Hemisphere. Guided tours here blend science with storytelling, offering both modern astronomy and insights into Māori star lore. In addition, with minimal light pollution, the sky opens in dazzling clarity. The Milky Way stretches across the horizon, and constellations shine brighter than you’ve ever seen. On rare nights, the Southern Lights (aurora australis) may even ripple through the sky, adding even more magic to the experience.

Highlights to enjoy:

• 🌌 Visit Mount John Observatory — join a guided stargazing tour with world-class telescopes.
• ✨ See the Milky Way and constellations — visible to the naked eye thanks to Tekapo’s alpine clarity.
• 🌠 Watch for auroras or shooting stars — rare but unforgettable when they appear.
• 📷 Bring a camera and tripod — or rent gear locally if you’d like to capture the stars.

3. Scenic Spots & Panoramas

Beyond the village itself, Tekapo offers some of the most rewarding viewpoints in the Mackenzie Basin. Each spot gives you a different angle of the lake’s turquoise waters, the rolling tussock hills and the towering Southern Alps in the distance. Whether you’re an early riser chasing sunrise, a sunset seeker or just love pulling over for those “wow” moments, there are plenty of lookouts that make the journey unforgettable.

Highlights to enjoy:

• 👣 Cowans Hill Lookout — a short, easy track leading to sweeping views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. Perfect if you want big scenery without a big hike.
• 🌄 Kirk’s Lookout — a quieter spot that feels tucked away, ideal for catching the first light of day or watching the colours shift at sunset.
• 🚗 Lake Pūkaki Drive — only a short trip from Tekapo, this drive opens up iconic views of Aoraki / Mount Cook across the blue waters of Lake Pūkaki. A side trip well worth taking.

4. Scenic Flights

One of the most unforgettable ways to experience Lake Tekapo is from above. Scenic flights give you a bird’s-eye view of the turquoise lake, the sweeping Mackenzie Basin, and the snow-cloaked Southern Alps stretching into the horizon. Air Safaris, based right here in Tekapo, is one of the most trusted local operators, offering flights that take you over Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier, and neighbouring lakes like Pūkaki and Ōhau. The perspective from the sky reveals just how vast and dramatic this alpine region is, and it’s a highlight worth the splurge.

Highlights to enjoy:

• ✈️ Air Safaris scenic flights — panoramic views over Aoraki / Mount Cook, glaciers, and the Mackenzie lakes.
• 📸 Incredible photography opportunities — capture the turquoise waters of Tekapo from a new angle.
• 🌄 Unique perspective — see the sheer scale of the Southern Alps and the untouched wilderness around them.

5. Tekapo Springs

When it’s time to slow down, there’s no better place than Tekapo Springs. Set on the hillside with views across the lake, the complex is more than just hot pools — it’s a full wellness and fun destination. Slip into steaming mineral-rich water, book a massage, or enjoy the playful side with the ice rink and tubing park in winter. At night, the pools even become a base for stargazing, where you can float under the stars in soothing warmth.

Highlights to enjoy:

• ♨️ Hot pools with lake views — soak and let the alpine air work its magic.
• 💆 Spa and wellness treatments — massages, facials, and relaxation packages for the ultimate unwind.
• ❄️ Seasonal fun — an ice rink and tubing park in winter for family-friendly activities.
• 🌌 Starlight soak sessions — relax in the pools while gazing up at the Dark Sky Reserve.

Final Thoughts

Lake Tekapo is more than its famous views. It’s a place where every season and every turn offers something different. From soaking in the warmth of the Tekapo Springs to wandering among the seasonal lupins, every moment here feels special. You might join a local festival or simply enjoy a quiet coffee with the lake in view. This alpine village has a way of slowing you down and reminding you to appreciate the present. Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation or just to stargaze under some of the clearest skies on earth, Tekapo will stay with you long after you’ve moved on to your next destination.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.