Itineraries

With plenty to see and do, Lake Tekapo is an excellent choice for a holiday. Located halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown, it is easily accessible for everyone to enjoy. With a wide range of accommodation options, you will be able to find the perfect spot to meet your needs.

Our itineraries have been designed to ensure your visit is filled with unforgettable experiences to treasure long after your holiday has come to an end.

Option 1: Peaks, Pools, and Planets

Morning - A Sky-High Start

Fuel your day with breakfast at The Greedy Cow. Then, spend the morning taking in the region from above with a spectacular scenic flight over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris or a bespoke helicopter flight with Mackenzie Helicopters.

Late Morning – Summit Views & Coffee

Drive (or hike) up to the Mount John Observatory. Stop at the Astro Café for coffee and unparalleled views of the Mackenzie Basin.

Lunch – Lakeside Dining

Head back to the village for lunch at Mackenzies Bar & Grill, enjoying the friendly town setting.

Afternoon – Wellness & Water

Spend the afternoon unwinding at Tekapo Springs. Indulge in the hot pools, or elevate your experience with a treatment at the Tekapo Springs Day Spa.

Evening – Dinner & Retail

Spend the rest of the afternoon browsing high-quality New Zealand goods at Aotea Gifts and Merino Story, followed by dinner with a view at Rakinui Restaurant & Bar.

Night – Soak in the Stars

Experience Tekapo’s unique hot pool stargazing tour, Tekapo Star Gazing, where you view the night sky from the warmth of the pools.

Option 2: Adventure, Farm, and Foodie Favourites

Morning – Farm to Table

Grab a quick, hearty breakfast at Jack Rabbit Cafe. Afterwards, drive just out of the village for an authentic high-country experience with Go Tekapo and their Lake Tekapo Farm Tours at Mt Hay Station.

Midday – Adrenaline & Lunch

While you’re there, get your pulse racing with a high-country 4WD tour with Go Tekapo. Return to the village for a tasty burger from 25 Degrees Burger Bar.

Afternoon – Action & Prep

Gear up for more action and hire discs from Outside Sports for a round of frisbee golf in the Regional Park. Make sure you’ve got enough snacks for your adventures by stopping at Tekapo Four Square for all your food supplies.

Evening – Global Flavours

Choose an international dining experience: try delicious Nepalese/Indian food at Fishtail Authentic Indian & Nepalese or exquisite Japanese cuisine at Kohan Restaurant.

Night – Personal Stargazing & Astrphotography

Choose a personal, expert-led tour with Alpha CruX - Stargazing & Astrophotography , Astro Tekapo, or Tekapo Photo to capture the stars or learn the constellations.

Option 3: Trails, Treasures, and Trekking

Morning – Breakfast & Bikes

Enjoy a warm breakfast at The Greedy Cow. Rent a bike from Bespoke Bike Tours and explore the local trails on two wheels.

Midday – Horse Trekking

Fuel up with lunch at a delicious lunch while taking in the breathtaking views at T.L.V. Restaurant & Bar. Afterwards, explore the stunning local landscape on horseback with Mackenzie Alpine Horses..

Afternoon – Wellness Break

Wander the village, browse the eclectic collection at Petronella’s Bookstore, and look at local crafts at Merino Story.

Evening – Takeaway Gourmet Dinner

Indulge in an authentic Italian pizza from Dolce Pizza or try a a kiwi classic with fish and chips from Better Batter.

Night – The Bard & The Dark

Spend the evening at the Dark Sky Diner before joining Billy the Bard’s storytelling at the Tekapo Solar Circle for a low-cost, unique dark sky experience.

Option 4: The Adventurer’s Challenge

Morning – Ready for Action

Grab a quick breakfast at Jack Rabbit. Check your gear at Outside Sports before heading out to the mountains.

Day – Winter Thrills

Hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding at Mt Dobson Ski Area or Roundhill Ski Area. Alternatively (Seasonal), for experienced adventurers, book a guided skiing trip with Alpine Recreation.

Lunch – Mountain Fuel

Have a casual lunch at Tekapo Springs - Altitude 720 Cafe to enjoy the views and recharge.

Afternoon – Specialised Tours

Choose an adventure: learn to fish with Fish Tekapo, or experience world-class fly fishing and big game hunting with Glendeer Guides. Or plan a high-country hunt with Mid Southern Tracks.

Evening – Local Brews

Refresh after a big day of adventure with a local craft beer and delicious food from Blue Lake Eatery & Bar.

Night – Unmissable Stars

Choose Chameleon Stargazing or Silver River Star Gazing for a memorable tour that focuses on deep sky viewing.

Option 5: Sports, Scenery, and Dinner

Morning – Tee Time & Trails

Start with an early round of golf at The Cairns Alpine Resort - golf course. After your game, stock up on drinks/snacks at Tekapo Four Square.

Midday – Classic Tekapo

Enjoy a wander around the village, including a walk across the MacLaren Footbridge to view the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Afternoon on the Lake

For hands-on fun, hire a paddleboard or kayak from Paddle Tekapo on the lake (Summer months only).

Evening – Communal Dining

Choose between Jade Palace for Chinese cuisine or Mackenzies Bar & Grill for classic NZ comfort food.

Night – Final View

End the night with a final gaze at the stars, with Zen Stargazing.

Options Galore ...

Lake Tekapo is a great starting point before your next adventure. Four Square Tekapo has all the supplies you need to keep you fuelled along the way.

Start the iconic Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail in Tekapo with BeSpoke Bikes.
Check out the schedule for Merrell Race Tekapo Scenic Sports, and the annual The Mackenzie Mtn Bike Race events.
Seeking adventure in the rugged Mackenzie High Country? Drive into the mountains with Tekapo Adventures as they take you up beautiful valleys around the Mackenzie region.
Head into the mountains with Alpine Recreation and try trekking, climbing, skiing and snowshoeing with experienced guides.
Head off piste with Cass Valley Ski Touring. Book one of their fabulous huts and enjoy the best private backcountry ski touring around.
Looking for private catering for a group - make sure to contact Braai with Sy, who brings an authentic food experience directly to you.
If you require transportation around the village or to local attractions, reliable services are available through Tekapo Shuttle and Tekapo Taxis.