Walkways & Bike Tracks
1. Tekapo Lakeshore
Main Road bridge - Tekapo Springs
1/2 hour / 2.8 km one way
Walk/run or MTB (Grade 1-2)
This easy walk starts near the riverside end of the Godley Hotel and follows a poled route close to the gravel road and lakeshore. Past the hydro outlet, the walkway continues towards the campground and Tekapo Springs.
2. Mt John Summit
Tekapo Springs - Mt John Summit - Tekapo Springs
1-1.5 hours / 1.5 km one way | Walk/run
Dogs not allowed
Near Tekapo Springs, the track climbs steadily through larch forest to open tussock grassland. From an observation point above the larches, a loop track continues around the mountain below the Observatory with an extension up the Astro Cafe lookout. A reference panel at the northern end shows a profile view of the surrounding Mountains. The track then joins the original track back down Mt John.
3. Mt John Summit & Lakeshore
Mt John Summit - Lakeshore - Tekapo Springs
1.5-2 hours / 6.3 km | Walk/run only
Dogs not allowed
Carrying on from the Mt John Summit, walk north from the reference panel following the poled route to a hitching post for horses. The track then zigzags down the eastern face of Mt John to the Lakeshore joining a gravel track back to Tekapo Springs.
4. Lake Alexandrina and Lake McGregor
Lake Alexandrina - Lake McGregor one way
1.5 hours / 4.7 km one way | Walk/run or MTB
Dogs not allowed
From the southern end of Lake Alexandra follow the eastern shore line to Lake McGregor and return along the same route.
5. Peninsula
Godley Peaks Road loop track
1.5 hours / 5.6 km | Walk/run or MTB (Grade 2-3)
Closed for lambing mid-Oct to mid-Dec.
Dogs not allowed
From the carpark on Godley Peaks Road, just north of Mt John, this undulating triangular loop track skirts the peninsula opposite Motuariki Island, with great views of the northern half of Lake Tekapo and surrounding mountains. The walkway is very exposed so weather protection is advised.
6. Lake George Scott
Andrew Don Drive – Lake George Scott - Andrew Don Drive
1 hours / 4 km loop | Walk/run or MTB
Starting at the gravel on Andrew Don Drive, head east up along the ridgeline towards the Tekapo river. Staying high, follow the edge of the river past the Whitewater Kayak Course until you reach the road. Lake George Scott and the Tekapo Power Station are on your left. Follow the gravel road back up to the beginning of the track.
7. Cowans Hill Trail
Tekapo Road Bridge – Tekapo Regional Park - Tekapo Road Bridge
1.5-2 hours / 6.1 km loop | Walk/run or MTB (3 x stiles)
Dogs are allowed on a lead only
A very popular and easy walk or MTB taking in some of the best views of the Mackenzie Basin with only 71 metres elevation. A mixture of pines and open grassland will take you past ponds where you may spot the black stilt, the Cowans Hill Observatory domes, crossing SH8 into the Regional Park and along the Tekapo Lakeshore. Stop at the seat at the highest point of the trail and take in 360 degrees of amazing landscapes.
8. Lagoon Trail
Tekapo Regional Park - Sawdon Station - Tekapo Regional Park
2-2.5 hours / 8.5 km loop | Walk/run or MTB
Closed for lambing mid-Oct to mid-Dec.
Dogs not allowed
The trailhead for the Lagoon trail is at the southeast corner of the Lake Tekapo Regional Park. It is a loop track on Sawdon Station. A dual-purpose circuit trail for walkers and mountain bikers with magnificent 360-degree views from this iconic high-country station. Featuring a large erratic rock from the glacial period, you’ll find a small Lagoon at the halfway turnaround to enjoy a picnic and interesting rock formations along the way. This track is a work in progress, so Grade 3 for bikers due to a rocky surface along the top terraces. E-bikes welcome.
9. Lake Tekapo Regional Park
Carpark located on Lilybank Road (1.5km from SH8)
Unlimited time | Walk/run or MTB
Dogs are allowed on a lead only
Predominantly a coniferous forest, the Lake Tekapo Regional Park is also used for various recreational activities including walking and mountain bike tracks, a disc golf course, a pump park and plenty of picnic spots. A looped walking track links the park with the township along the lake’s southern shore and from crossing on SH8 at Cowans Hill. The Regional Park also has a fully enclosed dog park.
10. Pines Beach
Tekapo Township - Pines Beach
45min - 1 hour / 3.2 km | Walk/run or MTB
This easy, flat and gravelled trail follows the Tekapo lakeshore from the Township, past the Church of the Good Shepherd to Pines Beach where it is safe to swim and boat.
11. Willow Trail
Regional Park Boundary - Willow Bay
20 mins / 1.2 km one way – Walk/run or MTB (Grade 1), off-road wheelchairs/trikes
Dogs are allowed on a lead only
This easy, amazingly scenic trail starts at the cattle stop on the lakeshore at the northern end of the Regional Park. It can also be accessed from the Homestead Carpark off Lilybank Road. Safe to swim at Willow Bay.
12. Sam’s Trail
Cairns Avenue - Canal Road
15mins / 1km one way – Walk/run or MTB (Grade 1), off-road wheelchairs/trikes
Easy gravelled, wide trail which completes the Lake George Scott Trail by way of canal and sealed Powerhouse Rd, to form a loop back into Tekapo Village. Beautiful views along the way. Sit on this trail to take in the Tekapo Lake views.
13. Recreation Zone - Tekapo Forest
Two entrances: Cemetery Carpark off Hall Lane and Resource Recovery Park Entrance – see map.
Unlimited time. MTB/Walk/Run. Multi-Trail Network Grades 1 – 3
Dogs allowed
A network of 4WD tracks and formed single tracks suitable for all. Trails are short, sheltered, and connected, so there's scope for a good half-day of walking or riding. Adjacent to Cowans Hill. Maps are marked at both entrances and along the trails. Beautiful views in many directions. Cell phone coverage.