Lake TekapoBest free attractions
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The 12 best free attractions in Lake Tekapo
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedOct 4, 2025
Updated • updatedOct 4, 2025
Many of us love traveling on the Wanderlog team, so naturally we’re always on the hunt to find the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. With favorites like The Church of the Good Shepherd, Mt John Summit Circuit Track, and Silver River Stargazing and more, get ready to experience the best places in Lake Tekapo.
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Other best of categories in Lake Tekapo
Restaurants
Attractions
Cafes
Cheap eats
Family restaurants
Bars
Kid-friendly attractions
Hiking
Free attractions
Sights & Landmarks
Church
Churches & Cathedrals
The Church of the Good Shepherd is a charming stone church that overlooks Lake Tekapo and hosts interdenominational services. Built in 1935, it was intended for the families of the Mackenzie District. Adjacent to the church stands a bronze statue honoring the history of sheepdogs brought by Scottish settlers to aid in herding sheep across New Zealand's mountainous terrain. The church offers a rustic beauty, with its picture window behind the altar providing a stunning view of the lake and mountains.
Simply Stunning. Definately worth going to, yet be mindful it gets very busy with loads of tourists. So the earlier the better if you wish to take clear photos without alot of tourists in them.
Kaleena B — Google review
Church of the Good Shepherd – BREATHTAKING.. Simply Stunning!
Absolutely stunning and surreal views — a must-visit in Lake Tekapo! The turquoise lake and mountain backdrop are just breathtaking. The car park is easy to find and conveniently close to a restaurant.
It was quite windy and chilly when we visited (late October, springtime), so bring a jacket if you’re planning to take photos by the lake. It does get busy with tourists, but with a little creativity and patience, you can still capture that perfect shot. Totally worth the stop!
Small rustic church facing the magnificent lake tekapo. Would have loved to attend the Sunday sermons here if given the time and opportunity. Come early or later into the day where there are less crowds fo better photos.
Beautiful Church that was built by Anglicans but is used by different sects for worship. Plenty of parking but the church closes at 5pm for tourists. It is important for tourists to remember that it is a sacred place, I think the church should do more to ensure that people outside do not talk too loud. Otherwise, a beautiful location and cosy architecture.
Lovely little church on the edge of Lake Tekapo. Famous for just being a stone church is a beautiful location. We entered during a service so no internal photos but outside it is very picturesque. If you want a photo with no one around then I suggest an early morning visit as popular with the tourist coaches.
I remember visiting as an 11 year old. My Mum took an amazing photo of the lake through the picture window. We went there specifically so I could repeat the photo but unfortunately you can no longer go inside. The lake and surrounding area is beautiful. We took photos of that instead along with the obligatory selfies with the church in the background. Still glad we stopped.
I have seen this place in a Tamil song from the movie engeyum kaadhal and always wanted to visit and finally I did. This place is something you can never forget in your life. The lake and mountains behind it makes it even more scenic.
Went in first wk October, stayed 3 nights at TEKAPO. We visited this church few times at different timing. Many people usually so got to snap quick Is a must visit and cannot missed place at Tekapo.
Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand•
Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
Embark on the Mt John Summit Circuit Track, a loop hiking trail that winds around a grassy peak featuring an observatory and a cafe at the summit. The trail begins near Lake Tekapo in New Zealand's Mackenzie Region, offering stunning views of the vibrant blue lake and the distant Southern Alps. It is conveniently located close to Lake Tekapo Holiday Park, making it an ideal afternoon activity for campers.
We didn’t opt for the quick route nor did we complete the longer loop since it was rather late when we reached, and decided to just trail the waterfront and admire the views along the way 🗻
It was almost too windy and as a result cold in Late September, even with a down jacket. But very well worth the slow walk along the lake to enjoy the blue waters and snow capped mountains 🏔️
Definitely a must do if you have the time, just need to consider which route to take depending on your physicality.
YY — Google review
We hiked up the track to the mountain to watch sunset and stargaze. It was a nice and quiet place to be at that time. It was a bit of a moderate slog up the mountain, but well worth it. There is a gravel parking lot at the start. Just watch out for horse excrement while making your way up the trail.
The road is a bit slippery with snow, have to be careful and wear a proper shoes. I have spend 1.5-2 hr to reach the hill, please don’t wear too many jackets, super hot to climb up the mountain.
The view on the summit is amazing. We walked up one day after snow, and the view along the track is also fantastic
Easy track up with mostly flat trails and some steps. 3.8km return track with 273m accent. Finished in 43 minutes (I am a regular jogger with good fitness).
Nice walk once you get past Tekapo Springs at the bottom and brilliant views from the summit. The track flattens out after you exit the tree line and go up the stairs. Nice cafe at the top if you need somewhere to rest before heading back down.
Amazing views on the lake and the dessert-like surrounding 🥰 would recommend to do the loop anti clock wise (first along the lake, then up to the observatory and then down through the forest - cause that last part are just steep serpentines and I was glad I could walk them down and not up 😅)
This was my very first hike and our tween first hike. It was quite hard for unfit person but well worth the hike. It was great nice outing for family. Free activities. For fit people probably only take 4hours. For me took 5 hours cos stop a lot.
There are heaps of resting area. Best part for photos. Good internet reception. I did video call oversea to show the summit and signal was great.
Top of the summit, there is a Cafe. Pls see my review on Cafe at Their pages.
Please note: you can drive up to summit but It is more fun to hiking up. Recommended! If unfit person like me can conquer the summit. You can! 😘
Unnamed Road, Canterbury 7999, 7999, New Zealand•
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Silver River Stargazing, located in Tekapo within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, offers 1.5-hour stargazing tours with knowledgeable guides using laser pointers and powerful telescopes. Established in 2018, this community-minded business provides affordable and comfortable experiences for all visitors. The tours include digital photos under the stars and opportunities to learn astrophotography using telescopes and digital cameras.
Highly recommend this company for their super professional and highly informative stargazing experience. Unfortunately our stargazing experience ended just twenty minutes after it began due to bad weather. As we were around Lake Tekapo for a couple of days but there was constant rain. We rang up the company during the evening and they informed us that the weather changes quickly and if possible they will run the tour. They also sent us an email and informed us on the phone around 11 PM that the tour will take place. We checked in at 11:45 Pm, got our warm jackets from the check in store, and the entire group was organized into three sub groups. We were taken on a short 10 minutes drive to the nearby mountain. Once we reached the telescope we were given clear instructions on how to view and not to turn on any lights on our devices. We had a nice patch of empty sky, however, during the first viewing of Jupiter the clouds started to cover up the sky. During the wait time our guide kept on sharing information on the stars and galaxies. Unfortunately the cloud cover became consistent so our tour got cancelled. The next morning their company sent an email providing us 100% refund on our booking.
There was an option to rebook but we had to move on due to our itinerary. Highly recommend this company and would advise on purchasing tickets in advance.
Avais S — Google review
This stargazing experience honestly left me speechless and it far surpassed any other stargazing tour we’ve done before.
I obviously knew the night sky would be beautiful, but I truthfully expected the educational side to be a little “boring” (based on past experience) - I couldn’t have been more wrong. Simon, our guide, made it engaging, fun, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Additional things I loved: 🥰
The tour is held on private land, so you’re not sharing the skies with a heap of other groups. It feels intimate, personal, and truly special.
The tour is just 75 minutes – which wasn’t too long for our son. He stayed engaged the whole time!
Digital photos you can download are included in the price.
They have free coats to keep you warm (just arrive early to make sure you can get one as the amount of coats they have is limited)!
Amazing night under the stars
We had such a great time with Jojo, our guide. It was a chilly night (around 4°C), but the sky was clear, which made for an incredible view of the stars. The team was really friendly and kept us well-informed before and during the experience, which I really appreciated.
The service was great too – we were served a tasty cold platter and some hot drinks that definitely helped with the cold. Jojo also gave small tips on how to shoot the stars better with our iPhone/camera. Attached photos are what we took ourselves!
Overall, it was a really special and memorable night. Would totally recommend it if you're into stargazing or just want a unique outdoor experience!
I had a fantastic time with Silver River Stargazing last month. I went on the Ultimate Stargazing Experience with JoJo, who was a fantastic and informative guide. She was able to answer all my questions and helped us see several different star clusters through the telescope - and Saturn! It was so cool to see Saturn! The tour also included cozy blankets and jackets, along with snacks and hot drinks, so even though it was frigid outside, we were all able to enjoy the tour. Thank you for a great activity!
It was a memorable and awesome experience, seeing the stars almost up close and touchable. The pick-up and drop-off at the acommodation was smooth and fast, and we were thankful that the sky cleared in time for our chosen slot. Wilson the guide explained things in an easy and intereseting manner, making it a fun experience even for someone like me who has zero knowledge and just wanted to see the stars - it was quite different from seeing a sky full of stars on the ground. We also saw two shooting stars and (through the telescope) Jupiter with its ring.
This was very interesting. Different times of the evening there are different things to see. We dressed warmly and still borrowed the warm coats they had available which made the evening very cozy. There’s about a 10 minute drive to the viewing spot and we had plenty of time to look through the telescope. It’s very dark, no light, hard to see where you walk but do not walk far, once you are there. The sky is brilliant and we learned a lot. Informative.
The stargazing tour was an unforgettable experience. Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, and the provided down jackets kept us perfectly warm throughout the night. The short bus ride to the viewing site was convenient, and we had ample time on the telescope to admire stars and planets. Excellent value for money.
I joined their stargazing tour and had an amazing experience! I was in Group C with our tour guide, Wilson, who was incredibly patient and explained everything clearly. The starry sky was breathtaking, and the entire tour was truly worthwhile. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves astronomy or simply wants to enjoy a magical night under the stars !
12 Rapuwai Lane, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand•
Hiking area
Observatory
Cowans Hill Walkway is a short, easy hike located near Lake Tekapo Village in New Zealand. The trail offers a mix of gravel and forest paths that are well-maintained, making it suitable for all skill levels. Along the way, hikers can enjoy diverse landscapes including open tussock land, young pine forest, and stunning views of Tekapo River. This walk provides an opportunity to learn about the area's rich history and geology while taking in panoramic views of Lake Tekapo.
Lovely walk if you're not wanting to go too far, with some stunning views at the top. A bit less scenic on the way from the hill down to the road, but overall an excellent afternoon walk.
Kat B — Google review
I went there on february and all lupins were fell off so I couldn't see the lake view with lupins but it was easy walk and could definely see the whole lake.
Great views ! Not too challenging... Well maintained walk
We walked here from a neighborhood. It was about a 1.2km walk. The view of the night sky was amazing!
Fairly easy walk, a little climbing but well-defined track. Great views.
We did this on our bikes and it was quite tough for younger ones on their bikes. A couple of uphill climbs and some with loose gravel/rocks. We started the track near the bridge on the state highway. The views are brilliant and there’s a nice rest point at the lions seat. The track from the lions seat is mostly downhill to the main state highway. There is a short part of this track which involves cycling on the road so just be mindful with younger kids.
The walk sets off along the river bank before heading into the forest plantation behind the houses. The track climbs gently through the trees before emerging out into the open country behind. This follows the 4WD track to a high point before descending to cross a firebreak out on the open tussock lands of the Lake Tekapo Scientific Reserve. From here, it is an easy walk back to the Cowan’s Hill car park, where you can continue on to the Pines Beach Walk. This section has lovely views of Lake Tekapo, Motuariki Island and surrounding mountains.
Lovely little hike ☺️ about a 4 mile loop if you follow the yellow arrows
State Highway 8, Tekapo 7999, New Zealand•
Nature preserve
Takapō Regional Park, located on the eastern shore of Lake Tekapo, offers a variety of mountain bike tracks suitable for all skill levels. The park is dog-friendly but requires pets to be leashed and under control at all times. Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of nature and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Additionally, the park features a disc golf course and provides a picturesque setting for special moments like proposals or simply unwinding amidst stunning scenery.
Loved it currently covered in snow and path to icy to walk but being in the woods was amazing
Nathanial F — Google review
Very poor signage made finding the bike trailhead difficult, so I got lost several times and missed all the fun blue tracks.
Logging down at the bottom made for a pretty rough track at the start - I wouldn't recommend novice riders try that part of the Perimeter Loop unless they are confident on rough/unstable ground.
We are parked up at this NZMCA park was just going to be 1 night but the veiw of the lake the cycle track is fantastic . A clean toilet with a flush system in place. Dog friendly must be on a leash, got a area to let the dog off the leash but must be under control at all times and pick up after him.
A perfect spot for a wee little proposal by the lake. Such a lovely area and worth visiting. We stayed two nights. Sunset was beautiful.
This is a beautiful lovely n quite place. Everytime i visited, i felt the sense of calmness while sitting at river shore. Views are hypnotic 😍
A stunning spot, beautiful clear views of the lake. Stayed in the NZMCA camp very popular.
It’s a quiet and silent beauty of nature. They say - a picture speaks a thousand words. But if you pass through this place - you will realise- picture didn’t said it all .
Family 9 Disc golf is by far one of our top 5 disc golfs to play in the south island. The scenery is breath taking and incredible.
Love it.
Lilybank Road, Tekapo 7999, New Zealand•
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Playground
Located on Domain Drive and overlooking Lake Tekapo, the Tekapo Playground is a spacious and popular spot for kids. The playground features a giant slide, swings, and a flying fox that children love. There are two main areas with different play equipment, including covered benches for parents to relax. It's conveniently situated near parking, public toilets, and a supermarket. Visitors enjoy the stunning lake views while kids have fun on the playground equipment.
Excellent playground next to the four square supermarket. Huge flying fox and slide and other swings etc. the park overlooks lake Tekapo and is an idyllic place to stop. The kids loved it! Particularly the flying fox!
Andrew S — Google review
One of the best playgrounds I've seen so far in NZ. Both for small and bigger kids great playground equipment.
What stands out are the big slide and the cable ride which is pretty rare from what I have seen!
Also the location is both convenient close to public toilet and supermarket + beautifully located on the lake side! We had a lot of fun!
Lovely simple playground with flying fox which adults can also play with, and a nice view of Lake Tekapo. Parking is easy, next to the playground and shared with Four Square which is the biggest grocery store in Tekapo.
Pretty amazing view with giant slide, swings and flying fox. Right next to the Four Square and behind main street of Tekapo.
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The playground is located by the lakefront and is fairly large. It is located behind the four square so parking around there would be the best option. There are two main areas, One with the swings and the other with the flying fox. It was nice that there are seats available nearby, including a set of covered benches.
I was there early morning in winter so it wasn't busy but I'd guess it gets busier when the weather warms up.
Kids love the flying fox!
Wish they had these types of playgrounds more often in the USA without people messing it up. Besides the well maintained swing and flying fox, folks were orderly letting other children get a turn
Unnamed Road, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand•
Motel
Lake Tekapo Village Motel is a relaxed accommodation in Lake Tekapo, offering bright rooms with balconies and lake views. The motel provides free parking and Wi-Fi, along with amenities such as a garden, tour/ticket assistance, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. It's conveniently located near Dark Sky Project and Cowans Hill Walkway.
Convenient location, central of town so everything is walking distance. Parking is a bit of an issue at times as they don’t have designated parking for each room but plenty of parks around, just need to walk.
Rooms were clean and the spa bath was nice! Bed is a wee bit hard but definitely will be back when I come to Tekapo again
Mentrixx — Google review
We’ve stayed at motel for 2 nights. The room with lakefront views which are really great, everything is ok. Only the motel room interior decor is quite old and simple. Cooperative breakfasts are good and there are so many restaurants around motel /lake Tekapo . Four square supermarkets is just next door. You can feel every breath of lake Tekapo even when you stay in room.
Nice clean motel in central Tekapo.
Great view from upstairs room 3.
Nice staff at checking in.
Some noise from local pub and while they offer laundry facilities it is only open from 9 am and 7pm. With a check out at 10am this is not enough time to wash my clothes.
Great location. But that's about it.
Stayed in the upstairs lakeview studio for 3 nights. Room was old and dim. Both the bed and sofa bed were uncomfortable and the bed had a sag in the middle. Room has a good view of the lake and a balcony. Restaurants located very close made it noisy and exhaust from the restaurants filled the room as soon as the door is opened.
Included breakfast is from the adjacent Doughboys Noodle Cafe and was very basic and didn't taste very good. Cant recommend unfortunately.
Very disappointed with our stay at Lake Tekapo Village Motel. The room was cold, dirty, and completely worn out. There were tiny portable heaters, but not enough to actually warm the space and not enough power sockets to plug them all in. The TV didn’t work either. I noticed a dried toothpaste stain in the bathroom from the previous guests - I asked the staff to clean it but they didn't' see it even the second time - and honestly, if that wasn’t cleaned, I don’t want to imagine what else was overlooked.
The staff were trying to help, and I genuinely appreciated the effort – but it just wasn’t enough to make up for how uncomfortable the stay was. The only real positive is the location. The breakfast voucher was for a nearby café with very poor food. For the high price we paid, it felt like a huge letdown. Would not recommend.
The room itself had an okay structure and was comfortable enough for a short stay. However, I was quite disappointed with the so-called Lake View room. The room was actually facing the mountain, and you could only catch a tiny glimpse of the lake from the corner, nothing like what the name or pictures suggested. In my opinion, it’s not worth paying extra for the Lake View option.
Overall, the motel is a decent stopover in Lake Tekapo, but I wouldn’t recommend spending more for a view you won’t really get.
The staff is so kind! We had a great stay. Excellent location, superb customer service, bonus spa bath in our room. Thank you so much to the lovely staff.
My family and I stayed in the penthouse apartment for 2 nights and were really disappointed. We sent this feedback to the motel back in January but never got a reply.
The mattresses were old and uncomfortable with springs sticking out, and the duvets didn’t have sheets over them, which felt unhygienic. There was black mould in the bathroom, dead flies and dust on the windowsills, and the whole place just felt shabby and dirty. The balcony was filthy too, with broken drainpipes causing water to pool, and the carpet inside was damp.
On top of that, the room is right above a café that bakes all night, so it was super noisy and we barely slept. For the price we paid, it was really disappointing — definitely the worst place we stayed on our trip.
14 Rapuwai Lane, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand•
Lake Tekapo, also known as Takapo Scenic, offers a variety of experiences for travelers. The Tailormade Backpackers Lake Tekapo Hostel provides budget-friendly accommodation with private ensuite rooms and an opportunity to interact with friendly bunnies in the garden. The area features diverse walking trails such as the Tekapo Peninsula Walkway and Cowans Hill Walkway, offering scenic views and opportunities to spot native flora and fauna.
Lake Tekapo is simply magical in December, surrounded by vibrant lupin flowers in full bloom. The brilliant pops of pink, purple, and blue against the turquoise waters of the lake create an unforgettable, postcard-perfect scene. The backdrop of snow-capped mountains adds to the breathtaking beauty.
Strolling along the lake’s edge is a peaceful experience, and the combination of the flowers, water, and mountain views is truly captivating. Whether you’re a photographer or just a lover of nature, this spot will leave you in awe. Visiting during this time of year is an absolute must (even though it’s peak season, if you can visit early in the morning to beat the crowds) —it’s a natural wonder you won’t forget!
Heaven S — Google review
It was my first time visiting New Zealand, and I was blessed to witness and capture the pink aurora.
Such a magical moment in a country I've already fallen in love with.
Fantastic views of Mt Cook, along with the Lupines alongside the lake. Flooded with tourists all the time so come early if possible.
The whole Lake area is gorgeous. Everywhere you are surrounded by mountains and the lake's water is crystal clear and even drinkable. Awesome 👌 👏 👍
Not a lot of parking, you either park before or after passing the church, once you’ve found a spot it’s all good, you spend the rest of your time walking around dirt trails and rocks exploring the area and enjoying the spectacular view of Lake Tekapo. Some spots are pretty popular so you’ll be jostling for position if you want to take a photo. Probably not worth the hassle since there should be a lot of photogenic places. If you see a bus or two, expect lots of folks.
Wow! was the first thing I exclaimed when I first saw the lake, utterly pristine and magnificent! There is lots of food choices, though, in my opinion can be rather pricey. I see new developments sprouting up, so I reckon this would be the place to go to in the future. Worth the stay or visit. Town feels clean and the air fresh!
If you’re planing to take photos of the night sky after dark, make sure the moon isn’t too bright that evening and also there’s no cloud cover in the forecast. Also a camera able to keep the shutter open for more than 3-4 seconds is needed to capture the full details of the night sky. Car parks are available throughout the area and bring a small torch to move around once the sun sets.
Situated just further down beside of The church of Good Shepherd, plenty of Lupin flowers around during spring time. 💐💐💐
Water are so crystal clear coupled with snowy mountains at the back. Definitely will make a good photos wallpapers.
Plenty of free street parking around.
Highly recommended to stop by on the way to Mount Cook from Burkes Pass.
Scenic spot
Lake Tekapo Lookout is a breathtaking destination that offers an array of activities for every type of traveler. Nestled amidst the stunning Southern Alps, this picturesque spot features the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, which are particularly enchanting during sunrise and sunset when they reflect vibrant hues across the surface. The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with walking and cycling trails that meander along the shoreline, allowing visitors to soak in views of pebble beaches and wetlands framed by snow-capped peaks.
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The most stunning and expensive view! Really life@LIVE experience!
Must spents more time for photo shoot, as everything here is expensive, including foods & stay.
If you dont have appointment to stargazing@watch star, can skip staying here.
J-Ho C — Google review
What a beauty! We experienced both a cloudy and rainy evening and a bright sunny morning. Oh my lord it’s such a beautiful location. Calm and nice. Could spend entire day here. Would love to visit again. A must stop if visiting south island.
Scenic lake surrounded by, in spring, snow capped mountains. Very picturesque and a popular stop off point for a number of tours. A few restaurants, a grocery store and some hotels but the real star is the lake itself and its famed dark sky status. Unfortunately cloudy the night we stayed so no star gazing for us.
It was an amazing place the lake is so beautiful! We were able to walk around seeing the incredible views of the lake along with the snow-capped mountains in the background. There was a very strong tranquility and it was incredible. If you are looking for peace and tranquility this is your place surrounded by nature.
A good spot to relax and enjoy the reflection of the snow mountains.
Lake Tekapo is stunning with its turquoise waters, snow-capped mountains, and peaceful vibe. The Church of the Good Shepherd and stargazing at night make it unforgettable — truly a must-visit in New Zealand!
A very pleasant place to view the lake from. You can just park your car there and take in the view. There are some benches as well to sit on and relax. Also offers a great view of the surrounding mountains. This allows for some stunning views that can quite surreal.
Very nice spot for views of the lake!
Scenic spot
Cowans Hill, located at the northern end of Lake Tekapo, offers a 3.2-kilometer trail with stunning glacial features and tarns. The easy to intermediate trail is suitable for both walkers and hikers. It's also a hidden gem for stargazing, providing a magical experience under the starry sky. While it's known for its outstanding views, visitors should be aware of the potential presence of Australian Magpies in the area.
Hidden Gem for Stargazing - Cowans Hill!
Cowans Hill at Lake Tekapo is a true hidden gem! We discovered this spot during the day, scoping out the area for our nighttime stargazing adventure.
Returning at 10 pm for stargazing was magical. The whole place to ourselves under the starry sky was breathtaking. However, it got a bit spooky in the pitch-black darkness with no one around.
While the isolation added to the mystique, we hope more people discover this gem, especially at night. It's an amazing spot for stargazing, but a few more friendly faces would make the experience even better. Highly recommend Cowans Hill for a unique stargazing escapade!
Alan L — Google review
Our favorite track 👣
We love the view of the lake from up the hill 😍
Good place for free stargazing. It’s a bit of shame that the moon is too bright and it’s a bit of cloudy tonight.
Exceptionally beautiful spot to see the sunset.
Nice little walk. Recommend making a loop into the pine forest to the west. Good views over the lake - the highest and best view from this southern end. 👌
4~5 km walkway, very scenic. Takes about 1-2 hours.
Outstanding views, night and day. A must visit but hidden gem of Lake Tekapo.
It's a nice walk that takes you up the hills behind town. Some nice views of the lake!
Unfortunately, it looses a star as this is the spot where I was swooped and attacked by an Australian Magpie... This experience traumatised me as the bird swooped me down three times. I now have PTSD... don't let this deter you from the walk, just be ready to run I guess 🙃
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Mentioned on
Lake
Lake George Scott offers a picturesque and leisurely 5.6 km walk that takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The easy terrain makes it accessible to all levels of hikers, providing unique views along the Lake Tekapo Peninsula. It's important to note that this walk is closed from mid-October to mid-December due to certain reasons.
4.5
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4.6
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Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
A much better way to experience Lake Tekapo instead of the Church of Good Shepherd viewpoint in my opinion! Relatively easy walk with some slopes. Stunning views on a good day!
Muhammad K — Google review
Easy track if you have an hour or two to kill. Farm/road side can be a bit dull but view is spectacular on lake side. About 5.4km with 132m elevation. Took me 1hr20m. No loo here so do your business before coming
Nice and easy walk to have another view from the lake.
Definitely recommend it to experience the lake without bunch of tourists
Amazing walk among the sheeps! The views from the peninsula are great. It's a loop and the path can be found on AllTrails. Takes about 1h-2h, mostly flat. It is very exposed to the sun and the wind.
The carpark is small, maybe 5-7 cars. There are lupine flowers at the carpark.
Might be closed before summer due to lambing season.
About a 5 km walk. Path was unclear, we lost it at some point. Dead animals were on the side of the path, and the route was quite boring. Since there are so many other amazing and beautiful hikes in NZ, I would recommend to choose another one! :)
Loved it. Track well worn so cant get lost, ample parking although I wouldn't recommend taking a low vehicle into the car park
Wonderful and easy walk, with beautiful views in good weather. You can go off the track for a refreshing swim, we felt like we were alone there at 5pm.
Easy walk with a beautiful view of the lake! Would not recommend going mid day as it gets hot
Godley Peaks Road, Tekapo 7999, New Zealand•
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Popular road trips from Lake Tekapo
What's the weather like in Lake Tekapo?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Lake Tekapo for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.
- Weather in Lake Tekapo in January
- Weather in Lake Tekapo in February
- Weather in Lake Tekapo in March
- Weather in Lake Tekapo in April
- Weather in Lake Tekapo in May
- Weather in Lake Tekapo in June
- Weather in Lake Tekapo in July
- Weather in Lake Tekapo in August
- Weather in Lake Tekapo in September
- Weather in Lake Tekapo in October
- Weather in Lake Tekapo in November
- Weather in Lake Tekapo in December
All road trips from Lake Tekapo
- Lake Tekapo to Christchurch drive
- Lake Tekapo to Dunedin drive
- Lake Tekapo to Queenstown drive
- Lake Tekapo to Wellington drive
- Lake Tekapo to Auckland drive
- Lake Tekapo to Wanaka drive
- Lake Tekapo to Rotorua drive
- Lake Tekapo to Fiordland National Park drive
- Lake Tekapo to Oamaru drive
- Lake Tekapo to Milford Sound drive
- Lake Tekapo to Mt. Cook Village drive
- Lake Tekapo to Taupo drive
- Lake Tekapo to Waitomo Caves drive
- Lake Tekapo to Hokitika drive
- Lake Tekapo to Nelson drive
- Lake Tekapo to Kaikoura drive
- Lake Tekapo to Hinuera drive
- Lake Tekapo to Napier drive
- Lake Tekapo to Te Anau drive
- Lake Tekapo to Invercargill drive
- Lake Tekapo to Blenheim drive
- Lake Tekapo to Tauranga drive
- Lake Tekapo to Akaroa drive
- Lake Tekapo to Punakaiki drive
- Lake Tekapo to New Plymouth drive
- Lake Tekapo to Hamilton drive
- Lake Tekapo to Paihia drive
- Lake Tekapo to Tongariro National Park drive
- Lake Tekapo to Timaru drive
- Lake Tekapo to Ashburton drive
Explore nearby places
- Lake Tekapo
- Twizel
- Mt. Cook Village
- Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
- Geraldine
- Omarama
- Fox Glacier
- Franz Josef
- Timaru
- Ashburton
- Haast
- Oamaru
- Wanaka
- Hokitika
- Arthur's Pass National Park
- Cardrona
- Cromwell
- Clyde
- Arrowtown
- Middlemarch
- Christchurch
- Greymouth
- Queenstown
- Glenorchy
- Akaroa
- Dunedin
- Milford Sound
- Punakaiki
- Hanmer Springs
- Westport
- Te Anau
All related maps of Lake Tekapo
- Map of Lake Tekapo
- Map of Twizel
- Map of Mt. Cook Village
- Map of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
- Map of Geraldine
- Map of Omarama
- Map of Fox Glacier
- Map of Franz Josef
- Map of Timaru
- Map of Ashburton
- Map of Haast
- Map of Oamaru
- Map of Wanaka
- Map of Hokitika
- Map of Arthur's Pass National Park
- Map of Cardrona
- Map of Cromwell
- Map of Clyde
- Map of Arrowtown
- Map of Middlemarch
- Map of Christchurch
- Map of Greymouth
- Map of Queenstown
- Map of Glenorchy
- Map of Akaroa
- Map of Dunedin
- Map of Milford Sound
- Map of Punakaiki
- Map of Hanmer Springs
- Map of Westport
- Map of Te Anau
Lake Tekapo throughout the year
Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Lake Tekapo?
Get inspired for your trip to Lake Tekapo with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:
Best free attractions in nearby cities
- The best free attractions in Auckland
- The best free attractions in Christchurch
- The best free attractions in Wellington
- The best free attractions in Queenstown
- The best free attractions in Dunedin
- The best free attractions in Wanaka
- The best free attractions in Akaroa
- The best free attractions in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Best attractions in nearby cities
- Top things to do and attractions in Auckland
- Top things to do and attractions in Christchurch
- Top things to do and attractions in Wellington
- Top things to do and attractions in Queenstown
- Top things to do and attractions in Dunedin
- Top things to do and attractions in Wanaka
- Top things to do and attractions in Fiordland National Park
- Top things to do and attractions in Te Anau
- Top things to do and attractions in Cromwell
- Top things to do and attractions in Akaroa
- Top things to do and attractions in Oamaru
- Top things to do and attractions in Hokitika
- Top things to do and attractions in Franz Josef
- Top things to do and attractions in Arrowtown
- Top things to do and attractions in Greymouth
- Top things to do and attractions in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
- Top things to do and attractions in Timaru
- Top things to do and attractions in Geraldine
- Top things to do and attractions in Milford Sound
- Top things to do and attractions in Glenorchy
- Top things to do and attractions in Ashburton
- Top things to do and attractions in Arthur's Pass National Park
Best restaurants in nearby cities
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Auckland
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Christchurch
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Wellington
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Queenstown
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Dunedin
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Wanaka
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Fiordland National Park
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Te Anau
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Cromwell
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Akaroa
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Oamaru
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Hokitika
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Franz Josef
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Arrowtown
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Greymouth
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Timaru
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Geraldine
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Ashburton
Planning a trip to Lake Tekapo?
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