Lake Tekapo offers a wide range of world-class recreational pursuits and a unique mix of activities throughout the year. It’s all here, whether it’s tramping, mountain biking, climbing, horse trekking, fishing, hunting, boating, kayaking, scenic flights, star-gazing, skiing, heli-skiing, ski touring, cross-country skiing, ice skating, water-skiing, windsurfing or simply soaking up the spectacular vistas.
Several artists work at Tekapo, testifying to the scenic splendours of the area. The evening light on bare hills, revealing interesting contours and shades, makes for a painter’s or photographer’s paradise. Several mountain bike trails are available, and walking tracks of all difficulty abound, offering truly breathtaking vistas along the way. One of the most popular trails leads to the summit and restaurant on Mt John. The 360 degree panoramic views are breathtaking. The south-eastern corner of Lake Tekapo has been designated a ‘passive area’, where quiet forms of water recreation are encouraged. This area is popular for swimming and young families coming to grips with boating skills. The new Regional Park encloses the water front and offers wonderful running and cycling opportunities.
activities in lake tekapo
Air Safaris
8 Rapuwai Lane, Village Centre Lake Tekapo Airport – SH8, 3km to the West of the township
Air Safaris offer a range of scenic flights showcasing the local area, Mount Cook and the glaciers of the Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland national Parks.
The ‘Grand Traverse’ is the premier scenic flight option. Operated by fixed wing aircraft the flight is over 200km and 50 minutes of pure NZ scenery covering the golden tussocks and turquoise lakes of the Mackenzie and New Zealand’s highest peaks and largest glaciers including the Franz Josef and Fox in the National Parks. Every passenger is guaranteed their own window to be able to sit back and enjoy the stunning vistas on offer.
Air Safaris also have helicopter flights available and specialise in flights for small groups. With three options to choose from and year round landings available there is bound to be something to suit your needs.
t: +64 3 680 6880 / 0800 806 880
Alpine Recreation
30 Murray Place, Lake Tekapo
Alpine Recreation is all about outdoor adventures, specifically trekking, climbing, skiing & snowshoeing - plan your next adventure with us!
Based in Lake Tekapo, we offer a range of guided hikes, alpine treks and ascents in the Lake Tekapo area as well as in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Our professional mountain guides are very popular for courses teaching you mountaineering, rock climbing or backcountry skiing skills. Our two private huts and provision of gear make it easy to plan a memorable mountain holiday. Trek, climb, ski with professionals!
t: +64 3 680 6736 / 0800 006 096
BeSpoke Bike Tours NZ
16 Murray Place
New to Tekapo this 2018-19 season, we are a bespoke bike tour company offering you the opportunity to avail of anything from two hour bike hire through to the Alps 2 Ocean multi-day journey from Tekapo to Oamaru. The A2O journey is only one of the jewels in the Mackenzie Region crown. We also provide luggage transfers, shuttle service, half and full day rides, and two day local tours. Our tour options are either independent or accompanied. We also provide bike servicing. Explore the spectacular region by bike. Please check out the website for comprehensive details.
t: +64 021 151 3742
Bike Hire Tekapo
11 Aorangi Crescent, Lake Tekapo
Late model, comfortable bicycles available for hire by the hour, 1/2 day or day.
Two is easier than one! Tandem bicycles also available.
t: +64 3 680 6700
Cairns Golf Course
Sibbald Drive, Lake Tekapo
The Cairns Golf Course is designed to be a fun golf course, with strategy being a key objective whilst taking in some stunning views of the Mackenzie Basin and Tekapo area. The design concept is similar to many of the old Scottish courses. The greens were “discovered“ where there is some shelter and good grass was already established. From there we worked backwards to find the teeing area. No soil has been moved, except to level the tees. This is golf at its purest, reminiscent of Golf in Scotland where the game has its origins. What you have on this course was always here. All we did was cut the grass to define the fairways. We have tried to preserve what has been here for a long time, including the 70 year old post distance markers on the 9th hole.
t: +64 21 329 885
Tekapo Jet
Lake Tekapo
Tekapo's unique jetboat experience gives you the opportunity to connect with New Zealand’s most beautiful lake
Earth & Sky
Village Centre, Lake Tekapo (opposite the Challenge Petrol Station)
During the day come up for a coffee or refreshments at the AstroCafé, situated on the summit, with pristine panoramic views of Lake Tekapo and New Zealand’s stunning Southern Alps.
By day you can hike up the walkway or to drive up the road to the summit (with a small road user fee). The walkways begin from Tekapo Springs.
By night, bookings are essential as the Observatory is closed to the public after AstroCafé open hours. Earth & Sky offer guided Mt John Night Observatory Tours. Use powerful telescopes to navigate the Southern Night Sky, see amazing sights and learn about neighboring night sky objects.
t: +64 3 680 6960
w: earthandsky.co.nz
Fishing
Kiwi Treasures
Fishing Licenses can be purchased at Kiwi Treasures, in the middle of the village.
Fishing rods can be hired from Tailor Made Tekapo Backpackers Hostel.
t: +64 3 680 6686
Ice Skating & Snow Tubing
Tekapo Springs, Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo
Tekapo Springs operates one of New Zealand's most scenic skating rinks. The outdoor international-sized ice rink is open from April - September.
Looking for an adrenaline filled ride for all of the family? Our Snow Tube is a 150 meter snow-filled slope where you can ride down with a small group of friends or tackle the downhill park by yourself!
t: +64 3 680 6825 / 0800 2353 8283
Kayaking
Lake Tekapo & Tekapo River
Both white water and lake kayaking are available. The lake shore offer miles of kayaking possibilities, and kayaks can be rented from the Lake Shore Backpackers in the camping ground area.
The kayak course maintained by the Tekapo White Water Trust has release dates regularly on the very exciting man made stretch of white water just south of the village, between the Tekapo River and Lake George.
Lake Tekapo Regional Park
Lilybank Road
The Park can be accessed by car from Lilybank Road or by foot and bicycle from the Lake Tekapo Township along the lake edge or from Cowans Hill.
Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Tekapo and with a backdrop of the Two Thumb Range, the Lake Tekapo Regional Park offers an array of recreation and leisure opportunities.
Lake Tekapo Squash Club
Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo
Up for a game or two? Racket and key hire available from the reception of Tailor Made Tekapo Backpackers Hostel between 9am-7pm every day.
t: +64 3 680 6739
Tennis
Aorangi Crescent
Two full size artificial grass courts available year round.
Racket and ball hire available from the reception of Tailor Made Tekapo Backpackers Hostel between 9am-7pm every day.
Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking
Godley Peaks Road, Lake Tekapo
Enjoy a horseback ride through the tussock grasslands, glacial lakes & forests of the Mackenzie Country. Choose from a 1,2 or 3.5 hour full day or overnight trek. Experience breathtaking views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps.
t: 021 134 1105 / 0800 628 269
w: maht.co.nz
Mackenzie Golf Club
Balmoral Golf Course, State Highway 8, Lake Tekapo
The Mackenzie Golf Club operates at the Balmoral Golf Course,situated 4km from Lake Tekapo. It boasts spectacular scenery being surrounded by snow capped mountains including Mt Cook. It is the highest 9 hole course golf course in New Zealand at 2,608 ft above sea level. Come and take the challenge!
t: +64 3 680 6830
Mid Southern Tracks Ltd
14 Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo
Free range and fair chase hunting for Tahr, Chamois, Red Deer and small game. Many years of experience and exclusive hunting areas ensure a very high success rate! Nature tours with a difference into remote valleys of the Mount Cook region.
t: +64 3 680 6774
w: 44south.com
Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon Shop & Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre
Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre, State Highway 8 (SH8), Tekapo – Twizel, Lake Pukaki
The Tekapo Canal is renowned as the source of some of the best quality farmed salmon in the world. Visit the Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon shop at the Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre, on the state highway between Tekapo and Twizel and lunch on the award-winning Alpine Salmon. Enjoy Fresh Whole Salmon, Fresh Salmon Fillets, Hot Smoked Salmon, and Sashimi Trays. It’s a great spot for a picnic, midst the scenic views of Mt. Cook. Hours: 7 days; 8.30am – Sunset.
t: +64 3 435 0427 / +64 21 370 038
Mt. Dobson Skifield
1274 Fairlie – Tekapo Road, Lake Tekapo
Ski and ride at Mt Dobson for natural dry powder snow, trails for all abilities and a huge learners area with all day sun and wide open uncrowded runs. On the mountain there is a full range of facilities. With a cafe, equipment and clothing rental and a Snow School with a team of international instructors who are passionate about skiing and boarding, you have everything you need on the mountain.
t: +64 3 281 5509
Round Hill Skifield
1858 Lilybank Road, Lake Tekapo
Roundhill is the perfect family Ski Area! It’s a scenic, lakeside 32km drive from the Tekapo Village to
our ski field base lodge where you’ll find slope side parking, stunning views and all day sun.
We have one of the best beginner’s areas in NZ and our Snow sports School Instructors specialise in
teaching kids of all ages and ability levels in a safe and fun environment.
We have a huge range of skis and snowboards available for hire as well as 2 licensed cafes offering
ample indoor and outdoor seating.
Our season runs from early July until mid-September. We look forward to seeing you!
t: +64 3 680 6977
Tekapo Adventures
Departs form Village Centre, Lake Tekapo
" Experience The Outstanding Natural Landscapes Of The Mackenzie Country"
Explore Tekapo's backcountry wilderness on a Scenic 4WD Tour. Travel in style and comfort in our World Class 4WD vehicles offering you access to private and remote High Country wilderness you wouldn't otherwise be able to experience.
Our Scenic 4WD Tours journey through some of The World’s most beautiful scenery within New Zealand's most beautiful private High Country Stations exclusive to our guests.
Discover the impressive natural beauty beyond Tekapo lakefront for unique photography opportunities, an escape from the crowds and an experience of the real Mackenzie High Country wilderness.
Choose from a range of 3 Hour, 4 Hour and Private Charter tours which include interpretation of the unique landscapes and ecology that make up The Mackenzie Basin, homemade snacks and refreshments and remote access into the heart of The Mackenzie backcountry.
Some scenic highlights of our tours include stunning vistas of Mt Cook, Mt Tasman, Lake Pukaki, The Ben Ohau Ranges, The Gammack Ranges and the remote The Cass Valley Wilds.
Come join us for an inspiring day tour and experience the Mackenzie's beauty by day.
t: +64 020 4156 4900
Tekapo Helicopters
Village Centre, Lake Tekapo
The stunning Mount Cook region is one of New Zealand's top attractions. Tekapo Helicopters specializes in scenic flights over spectacular alpine scenery including Fox Glacier and Franz Joseph Glacier. Standard tours with a choice of five different paths from the Mackenzie Basin into Mount Cook region and the West Coast glaciers (from 20 minutes to 60 minutes). Experienced pilots provide informative commentary plus a mountain-top landing.
t: 0800 359 835
Tekapo Springs and Day Spa
Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo
Soak up the hot pools or enjoy the relaxing spa facilities at the Tekapo Springs and Spa. Open 7 days – 10am to 9pm.
t: +64 3 680 6825 / 0800 2353 8283
The Cook Connection – Mt Cook Day Trips
Lake Tekapo
Daily service from Lake Tekapo & Twizel to Mount Cook & return. We offer a relaxed, professional transport service with informative commentary, photo opportunities and sight-seeing stops. Plenty of free time in Mt Cook for walks, tours or activities.
t: 0800 266 526
e: travel@cookconnect.co.nz
Walkways
Lake Tekapo