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.

Ordered the Alpine Salmon Fillet Sharing plate for 2. The grilled Salmon was good in its own without adding sauce. Awesome 😎 Had olive oil Pistachio Gelato. Yummy 😋 Nice Alpine Restaurant with rock music.

Upon arriving mid-week, the establishment was relatively quiet. However, the service was exceptional, with the staff being both courteous and engaging, sharing recommendations as they went. The menu is relatively limited, but the quality of the dishes is outstanding, regardless of the choice made. We opted for the lamb and beef cheeks, which were presented beautifully and served in generous portions. We also indulged in several cocktails, which were expertly crafted by the bar staff. The dessert menu arrived, and we naturally sampled it as well. The establishment offers ample parking, which was unnecessary for us as we opted to stay in town and walk to the restaurant. After dinner, we moved to the bar, where the fire and bar staff continued to be friendly and accommodating. Overall, this establishment is an excellent choice for both food and drinks.

Best meal I ever had since landing in NZ! We had the cauliflower and the baby octopus, the cauliflower was just divine. And I mean it when I say I wasn’t always a fan of cauliflower. But the chef just make this cauliflower so so good!!! The affogato was also supreme! The dishes really balanced the different nuances and layers of flavor! Just so great! And also a shoutout to our server, James! He was so friendly and helpful! Best dining experience I’ve had in NZ! Will definitely recommend to friends and will be back if I’m ever in the area again!

We arrived in Tekapo this afternoon looking for somewhere nice to eat, and the Blue Lake Eatery & Bar immediately caught our eye. The menu looked inviting, and the Mt Cook Salmon Fillet for Two sounded promising — but what we experienced was far beyond “promising.” It was outstanding. The salmon was perfectly cooked — tender, rich, and so fresh it simply melted in our mouths. The accompanying greens and sliced potatoes were beautifully balanced, and the side of carrots, dressed with an exquisite topping, lifted the entire dish to another level. Every bite was a delight — elegant, vibrant, and full of flavour without being heavy. The atmosphere was relaxed yet refined, and the staff were genuinely warm and attentive, making the experience even more enjoyable. We came expecting a pleasant meal — instead, we found one of those memorable dining experiences that stays with you. If you’re anywhere near Lake Tekapo, do yourself a favour and try the Mt Cook Salmon. Absolutely fantastic — 10/10.

I had an amazing experience at your restaurant today! I tried the shawarma, steak, and dessert, and everything was incredibly delicious – the flavors were truly outstanding. I’d like to thank the entire team: the front staff for their warm and friendly service, and the kitchen staff for preparing every dish so perfectly and with great presentation. Thank you for the excellent service and the lovely atmosphere. I’ll definitely be coming back and recommending your place to all my friends! 🌟

Amazing experience at Blue Lake Restaurant! Beautiful place, super friendly staff, and outstanding food. The gelato with olive oil was a brilliant idea, the shawarma had a tasty Arabic touch, and the seafood soup was incredible. The steak was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Highly recommend — the chefs are truly creative! 🍽️✨

We had steak sharing platter and the crunchist triple cooked potatoes ever. Best chocolate pudding plate too. Canned beers bit pricey but worth a try for special treat Lovely meal, great service too

Honestly this place was really disappointing for me. I was really excited to treat myself to brunch here based on the reviews, so disappointed to be writing this review. I’ll start by saying the cafe environment is nice enough, and the staff were nice. And my coffee was also good, albeit a little more expensive than elsewhere in NZ. The food however was pretty bad. I went for the vegetarian breakfast, and it arrived absolutely swimming in oil, to the point I used about 10 napkins trying to soak the oil of the plate and food. Spinach and mushrooms do not require an oil bath. Even the scrambled eggs were oily! The mushrooms were also insanely salty (saying this as someone who loves salt) and the beans were incredibly sweet, they’re almost a dessert. This place is not cheap so I really expected a higher standard of food, and a fresh cafe breakfast, no cheap greasy spoon vibe. In hindsight I wish I had sent it back, instead of being polite and making do. It was also incredibly cold in the cafe. Everyone was sat with their hats and coats on, not the environment you want when you come for a brunch, and also meant I ended up eating cold food as it cooled down so quickly.

Initially deterred by the long queue and crowded space, we decided to wait it out and eventually got ourselves a table when a group left. We would have asked to share a table, which was common practice among diners here, as we observed different groups sharing tables throughout the cafe. ☕ got a large flat white to share instead of 2 drinks since we just needed a little bit of caffeine, and to see if their coffee were good - and thought it was an alright drink, one that my wife found too bitter once again, and i didn’t taste much fragrance from the beans 🥑 the avocado toast was slightly cold, but a very good portion and was delicious 🥬 the vegetarian greedy breakfast was a good option as well, a very good serving which kept me full till dinner. The tofu was especially special, for how fried it was but still had a good flavour to it - definitely a good coat of seasoning attached to it. It would have been a full 100 score if not for it being slightly over salted across some dishes like the spinach and mushrooms, which i still thoroughly enjoyed. One not to be missed, the crowd says it all 😊

Driving for hours from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo with the hope of having one of the best breakfasts in New Zealand was absolutely worth it! When I arrived, my expectations were completely blown away the food was simply outstanding, a true culinary masterpiece with a unique touch of flavour and elegance. The desserts were breathtaking, and the service was nothing short of exceptional. Even if I’m more than 300 kilometres away, I wouldn’t think twice about coming back for another experience like this. Brilliant job, team truly top-notch!

I returned to this café for breakfast, and I’m glad to say both the food and service are still just as good as before. The dishes were fresh, well-prepared, and satisfying, while the staff remained attentive and friendly, creating a welcoming start to the day. It’s reassuring to see that the consistency hasn’t slipped over time, making this spot a reliable choice for a quality breakfast.

The best bacon I’ve had while visiting NZ. It was quite crispy which is the way I love it but might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The pancakes were so soft and tasty with a good amount of whipped cream and it was great that they had a gluten feee option. The eggs on toast with sausage and bacon were cooked well, the sausage was really nice. However the eggs Benedict weren’t as good. It was nothing special, the sauce was fine. Definitely the more flavourless option from the dishes we got. The hot chocolate was good, love it when they include marshmallows. However, the tap water had a weird colour. It wasn’t clear, it had some white colour mixed in and even some bubbles. There were also too many people waiting to order in line and not enough tables to go around. That’s probably due to the holiday season but they should still probably ask people to wait outside while tables clear inside.

The food is delicious, but I think the beef pot or cream stew rice will sell out very early, so I recommend going early. There are also many people now, so you have to wait for a while to get a seat, or choose to share a table with others.

Stopped in here for a quick coffee and a bite to eat and ended up having the best sausage roll I've ever eaten! I'm hoping the owner reads this and is willing to sell me their recipe as I'm not sure when we'll be back in NZ again and can't wait that long! Do you do international delivery?? Also, coffee was excellent!

25 April 2025 - I had dinner at Dark Sky Diner with my kiddo, which is located inside the Dark Sky Project in Lake Tekapo. The restaurant has a nice environment, and the customer service was very good. The staff were friendly and helpful. I ordered BBQ pork ribs and grilled salmon. The pork ribs came in a large portion, but the taste was just average. The grilled salmon had a small portion, and the skin was not crispy like I prefer. The flavor was okay, but nothing special. Overall, the place is good for its service and atmosphere, but the food could be better for the price. It's a nice spot if you're visiting the Dark Sky Project and want a decent meal.

I had an unforgettable experience at Dark Sky Dining in Lake Tekapo. The restaurant itself was truly magical, combining breathtaking views with delicious food and warm hospitality. What impressed me the most, however, was the outstanding customer service. I had accidentally left behind my sunglasses, and the team went above and beyond to help me. Not only did they locate them, but they also mailed them back to me with such kindness and care. This level of service is rare and truly exceptional. Dark Sky Dining is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience filled with beauty, wonder, and genuine heart. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone visiting Lake Tekapo. They are truly amazing. 🌟

We were visiting Lake Tekapo and had low expectations of this restaurant as it was in a tourist precinct. The pizza was not nice but everything else exceeded our expectations. The serving sizes were quite big, especially the lamb shank. The seafood chowder had alot of seafood including prawns, calamari and mussels. The side of wedges was very generous too. Would recommend if you want to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the view.

The food itself was delicious. The pasta had a gf option which is good but not many more things were gf. The sauce was really nice and smooth but it needed some salt. The lamb shank was cooked to perfection. The salmon was alright, somehow the asparagus it came with was so much better, it was the highlight of the dish. The steak was juicy. The dinner was pretty expensive though. I’m assuming you pay for the view you get of the lake except we went to dine at 7 and it was pitch black outside so there’s that. We also ordered 2 gin and tonics but were given the wrong gin, making the drink incredibly sweet and not as enjoyable.

A good restaurant and coffee spot! The food and coffee were good, and the place has a beautiful atmosphere near the lake. It was the perfect stop during my bus trip from Queenstown to Christchurch — relaxing, scenic, and peaceful. A lovely place to take a break and enjoy the view.

Great location, excellent view. However, I ordered a seafood chowder , never ever had a chowder with carrot in it, and the flour was not mixed well. 5 star for the view, 3 star for food.

Had high hopes when made the reservation to dine at this place but it turned out to be quite an disaster. We have to ask to place order after 15 mins when no one came to ask to take order after sitting us down with only a few diners in the restaurant. Ordered a bottle of wine but it was only served when we request for it. Many items were already sold out among the limited items in the menu. In the end had to order seafood chowder, bbq ribs and salmon. Told them to serve the chowder first then the mains but the chowder and bbq ribs were served together, had to send the ribs back. After finishing the soup, they asked if the mains can be served, we said yes but they were not served and another waitress asked again if they are to be served. And when finally served, only the bbq ribs was but not the salmon. They didn't prepare it. The bbq ribs was not bbq but boiled with bbq sauce poured over it. We had to cancel the order of the salmon as we were frustrated with the service and food standards. We had already been in the restaurant for more than an hour and the salmon was not prepared! We also heard the table next to us making complains to the restaurant manager and they also told us of their ordeal. In the end, the manager recognised our disastrous encounters, he didn't charge us the bbq ribs. It was a disappointed dining experience in the beautiful Lake Tekapo which we were initially so looking forward to. Was so unpleasant that I didn't bother to take pic which I usually do.... only had pic of the seafood chowder

Overall, Haka House Lake Tekapo is a fantastic place to stay if you want to enjoy the lake and the surrounding beauty in comfort. The views alone are worth it, combined with cleanliness, good facilities, and friendly staff, it’s a place I’d gladly return to. Highly recommended for travelers seeking both a social atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. Thank you Haka House, I’ll definitely come back ✌️

Really love this place as is located near the lake without any other building blocking the view. Shared kitchen is well equipped with enough appliances and bowls/plates. Room is quite spacious. Room and toilet have heater. Room heater seems to be off automatically after some time. Warm shower and tap water provided in the toilet. Enjoy the lounge and kitchen with nice view. Lift and laundry are available. Only 2 washing machine and 2 dryers. Can be still quite pricey probably due to being a touristy area. FYI, no lupin in mid Oct.

This hotel/hostel was very standard but for the price it was disappointing. If you were a backpacker it would be great as the value of a room was decent. We had a ensuite room and it was pokey and not very comfortable. We didn't have much of a view and the bathroom was clean but again very basic.

When inquiring about paying a fee to use a shower, was told they don’t accommodate this due to policy, which is completely fine. But when I mentioned another HH location had been able to (implying it didn’t seem to be a HH wide policy), the front desk pressed to ask which one to “let management know” which is a bummer. He could have just left it at “sorry, we can’t accommodate” instead of looking to rat out a different location for doing something nice. The whole later part felt unecessary.

If you're looking for a hostel, then this is a very modern and well equipped facility. However, nowhere on the Booking.com listing did it say it was a hostel - just "Haka House Lake Tekapo". It was only on arrival that we saw hostel blazoned on all of the exterior signage. We paid $440 for a twin room for one night in Oct-25, making it one of the most expensive hostels in the world, and for that price we were still asked on check-in to strip our bed sheets before departure - a first for me in over 20 years of travelling the globe. The iron was missing from the laundry room and the staff were clueless as to where it was, so we had to do without, and the car park is nothing more than a puddled and potholed gravel pit. The location is excellent, but as you'll see in the photo, the view from the narrow window of our room was over a service yard. Whilst the beds were comfortable, the stainless steel shower base unit would look more at home in a vetinery surgery. For the price we paid we felt ripped off - a Hilton earlier in our stay was cheaper.

Amazing view from the kitchen, the dinning area and the lounge. Very clean. Sadly the price is twice as much than in some other Haka Houses I stayed in.

A great place to stay. Central to everything. Great value for money. Lake views. Quiet. We would recommend for a short stay. Friendly check-in staff

As a local Google Guide, I personally wouldn’t recommend this place. The Japanese owners at Lake Tekapo seem to care only about themselves, so instead of serving quality Japanese food, they just offer fast food.

Came back again today because it was so good yesterday! The Salmon-don, Katsu-don, and tempura all taste just like authentic Japanese food. The edamame on the side was excellent too!

The food is outstanding, especially the fish and seafood — truly deserving of at least a Michelin recommendation. The lake view adds to the charm, making it a wonderful dining experience. Highly recommended!

Very nice food and customer service. They remain opened even until the last 10mins before they close and continued to let customers in until the kitchen close. I seldom see this in NZ.

This is probably one of the best Japanese restaurants in New Zealand with a priceless view of the lake and snowy mountain ranges... Ooishi! The "Salmon Don" is a must order!

The quality of the food, just tipping over the line into above average, is somewhat understandable given Lake Tekapo's remote location far from any large city. Unfortunately, the Tempura Banana fell short, tainted by the use of previously used oil. Conveniently located next to a souvenir shop, this restaurant offers a pleasant diversion while waiting for a table. It’s wise to secure a reservation, as they tend to be fully booked with ease. Drink variety: 5/10 Drink taste: 7/10 Food variety: 5/10 Food taste: 7/10 Food portion: 6.5/10 Service speed: 7/10 Interior decoration: 5/10 Spaciousness: 6/10

Appears basic on the decor, but don’t that deceive you. Excellent food and service. Salmon sashimi probably up there with the best in the world. Bonus points for the crisp draught Asahi. Brilliant!

A surprising and wonderful find in Lake Tekapo! We arrived 5 minutes before their kitchen closed and they still took us in. Their bagel was delicious, and the window seats have great views overlooking the church and the lake. In fact, we liked it so much that we came back the next day for breakfast.

Great coffee! Best coffee I've had in NZ. Breakfast was great, had the salmon bagel which came with a good amount of salmon. Highly recommend this place for anyone stopping in Lake Tekapo

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely loved our brunch at Jack Rabbit Tekapo! We had the eggs benedict and the Belgian waffle, and both were incredible. The eggs were perfectly poached with a rich, creamy hollandaise and crispy bacon, while the waffle was light, fluffy, and paired perfectly with the berry compote, cream, and bacon — the ideal mix of sweet and savoury. The coffee was smooth, full of flavour, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with friendly service and great views. Easily one of the best spots for breakfast or brunch in Tekapo — highly recommend

We visited this café on a Friday 18/04 — not particularly busy, certainly not like the peak of summer. We had enough time to order some full breakfasts, receive them quickly, finish eating… and then still had to wait a good 5 minutes for our coffees to arrive. And there were two baristas working… Having worked in cafés myself with my partner, I find this kind of delay for just two café unacceptable. The coffee station really needs to speed things up. On top of that, the flat white had as much foam as a cappuccino, not what it should be at all.. That said, the food was excellent and came out super fast, no complaints there. The atmosphere is also lovely. I just want to highlight that the coffee side of things really needs improvement

Absolutely loved this cafe! The food was amazing, the coffee consistently great , and the views of Lake Tekapo from our table were just stunning. We ended up coming back several times during our stay. The cosy fireplace made the atmosphere feel warm and welcoming — perfect on a chilly day. Highly recommend 😃

Good meal I had a Big breakfast which was what I expected Backed beans eggs tomato bacon toast The mean was put together relatively quickly Coffee was good 👍 10% discount if you’ve a guest of the Godfrey Hotel

Visited for breakfast with my family. it wasn’t a busy time, ordered coffee and some food. Served pretty quick and taste was great.

Friendly and hopeful staff and large portions. The pho we ordered was delicious. The beef was a bit tough but was flavoursome. I would order the fresh noodles rather than the rice noodles, as they were a bit slimy.

As an Asian that has been travelling around south island for ~2 weeks, this really hit the spot. I felt the asian coming back into my veins as I was eating. The braised pork/beef noodle soup was delicious. We ordered pork dumplings but after being told they would take 20 minutes, we ended up waiting just over 30 minutes hence the 4 stars. They have a wide menu, from noodles, to pies, fish and chips, muffins, sandwiches, coffee.

We had the braised beef noodles, minced pork noodles and the pork belly noodles. Beef was the tastiest among the 3. The noodles were average at best. $75 for 3 bowls.

Looking for food as most of the stalls/restaurants are closed. We ordered the beef and pork belly noodle. Personally find their soup is too diluted. It too simple but charged high.

Very nice! From outside looks just like usual cafe same as inside, but their food... it's SOMETHING! The beef was melting in mouth! It was a bit spicy, but still absolutely amazing! They also added forlks and chopsticks to the takeaway order. And while we were waiting they had great music! Highly recommended!! Will come back for sure! 😊🤩

Very nice noodles, pretty underrated place in my opinion, deserves more than a 3.8. Pretty good portions, big chunks of beef. Would recommend. Food came in <10 mins.

The service, coffee and the food are equally horrible This is 17.5$ breakfast Egg on toast and coffee I wouldn’t go there the second time

Delicious food! Albiet a little steep in price for what you get and the portion size, but I suppose that is life. We ordered Number 2 which was definitely the highlight. Super cheesy and soo flavourful. The chicken burger was a let down though. There wasn't a lot going on in it as I anticipated. Loaded fries/dessert were nothing out of the ordinary. We were hoping to catch the footy somewhere along our travels and this place had it on! Though, they do not play sound which isn't ideal, just FYI!

Fries were supermarket type, yum but nothing special Burgers we had the number two and was really good actually. Better than what I expected. Nice grilled tomato, meaty patty that was made just right and not too salty. Really enjoyed my meal here.

Fantastic food, drink & service here! Waitresses were very attentive and approachable. Milkshakes are the perfect treat for kids! Food couldn't be faulted - fresh and well balanced. A little on the expensive side but definitely worth it!

Was instantly drawn in by the sign burgers and liquor. Was extremely impressed with food and drinks. We were visiting from Queenstown and have lots of good food options but was surprised with how blown away with the food. I had hot wings, truffle fries, spicy wings and a boozy shake. The chocolate one with an Oreo. Everything was fantastic. Best burger I’ve had in a really long time. Loved the vibe in there too! Will definitely be back if ever in Takapō.

Really enjoyed the burger—fresh ingredients and good flavor. The fries were crispy and nicely seasoned. Staff were kind and welcoming. A pleasant place to have a meal😄

Incredible bacon sandwich, tasty spicy buffalo wings. Truffle fries were delicious, although a little oily. Good selection of drinks.

Stopped in for a late dinner and this place didn’t disappoint! The staff were very friendly, atmosphere was cute & they had the game on. We tried the truffle parm fries which were great, the BBQ burger which was delish & the number one burger which was also great!

We came here because it had so many conflicting reviews, that we had to try. Most reviews seemed to say something like food was good, but service was bad. We braced for bad service, but were pleasantly surprised. We came on a Monday night at about 50% capacity, so it wasn’t super busy. We were greeted within 30 seconds of arriving, they sat us down for 30 seconds and then our table was ready. We looked through the menu, and as soon as we put them down, the young gentleman can over to serve us. Prices were slightly high for an Australian, but the portions were generous. Three dishes for two people had plenty left over and we were very full. The food was tasty and exactly what you would expect from a large Chinese restaurant. Overall, really pleasantly surprised. Very happy we went there.

Reasonable Chinese cuisine in this small town in Lake Tekapo. Ordered Beef Carousel, Mushrooms & Greens and with steamed white rice paired with Pu-Er tea. Quick service on a weekday at 6 pm.

We had dinner here recently and it was terrific. It was a busy night for the staff and almost at full capacity but the service was amazing. We got our food quickly and it was delicious. We would definitely come here again. 10/10

Not sure why Jade Palace “restaurant” is spelled as “Resteraunt” on the web and Jade Palace didn’t pop up on google when I searched for it. Anyway, one of our friends was craving for fried rice, so we decided to visit this restaurant despite the low ratings and mixed reviews. While the initial greeting could have been warmer—perhaps a result of the cold weather—I found the restaurant's ambience pleasant and spacious. During lunch, we were very pleased with the fried rice and other dishes that we ordered, which prompted us to return again for dinner that evening. This time, we were welcomed with a smile. We then decided to try their lobster! (expensive). It was prepared in Cantonese style with ginger, spring onions and onions. The flavors were authentic, fresh and scrumptious. The lobster head was simmered together with the Toufu as a comforting soup, which we finished completely. From simple dishes such as fried rice to luxurious lobster delicacies, this restaurant had it all. This restaurant deserves a better rating. Based on the lobster and scallops dishes, I would give it a perfect score for it’s freshness and taste. P.S. By the way, the washroom was pleasantly bright and clean.

A typical Asian, after a few days in NZ, we were eager to try out a Chinese restaurant but were a bit sceptical about this restaurant as the rating was below 4. However, after carefully reviewing some of the comments, my observation is that the food is generally good except for the services which affected the overall rating. We decided to try it out, and I was glad that I did. We ordered 7 dishes for a group of 8 ppl, and we cleaned up all the dishes!!! As for the service, there were 2 staff servicing 10 tables, and I was mentally prepared not to expect too much. Overall, I think the rating does not do justice to this restaurant.

Not sure why the review is so low. Overall our experience is great. Delicious Chinese food. We are loving it.

This place is a tourist trap: unhygienic, overpriced, and unfriendly. I strongly recommend avoiding it. 1. When I first sat down, the table was dirty. Later I even saw a staff member carrying a bucket, shoving in leftovers from other tables, and then using the same dirty cloth to wipe the tables. Extremely unhygienic. 2. The service was terrible — especially from the middle-aged woman in the hall, who was rude and dismissive. 3. The food was overpriced (about three times higher than a normal Chinese restaurant) yet tasted cheap and low-quality, like premade meals just microwaved. 4. It’s obvious they rely on large Chinese tour groups to make money, serving low-effort food at high prices, while giving regular customers a very poor experience.

If I could give less than one star, I would. As a barista, I can confidently say the coffee here is below average. I ordered a mocha, but what I received had no froth, wasn’t creamy, and tasted incredibly weak – like watered-down coffee. It felt like the milk had been heated in a microwave rather than properly steamed. If you’re looking for a quality coffee break during your long drive, I’d recommend avoiding this place. Definitely not worth the stop.

Decided to stop in for a late lunch. Nice spot to sit, especially with the view and had good music playing. A worker was on his phone at the front of the restaurant and his phone was so loud and distracting. Service was average. The food was disappointing overall. Satay chicken with rice - 7/10 - lots of chicken, nice flavour, doesn’t come with rice. Fish and chips, was nice 6/10 - was really oily and way too many chips, small pieces of fish. Nice salad. Lamb shank 6/10 - veges were cold, mash potato was not fluffy at all. Was super dry, gravy was tasty! Lamb shank was not melt Off the bone. The most disappointing was the Wong tongs, 1/10 - where was the meat? Was a thumb nail worth of meat!!!! Were the worse I’ve ever tasted!!! No flavour. Probably won’t be returning. Many others to check out in Lake Tekapo.

Disappointing Experience – Would Not Recommend Tekapo is a beautiful little town, but it has limited dining options and unfortunately, Tekapo Restaurant & Bar is definitely not one of the good ones. Don’t be misled by its name; neither the food nor the service lives up to any decent standard. My partner and I explore different restaurants every weekend, and this time we were in Tekapo. We both ordered the stir-fried beef noodles, I received a plate with just three tiny pieces of beef (lucky me!). I might’ve let that slide if the noodles were at least tasty, but sadly, the dish was bland and just plain bad. As for the service, when I asked a staff member for assistance, she chose to respond by shouting from about two metres away instead of approaching our table. She stood there, repeatedly calling out to ask what I wanted, showing clear arrogance and a lack of professionalism. There was no offer to come over, no effort to engage politely, and no sign that she was actually interested in helping. Later, when I managed to get her attention again and mentioned the lack of beef in my meal, her response was a laugh followed by, “I don’t know what to do,” and she simply blamed the chef. There was no apology, no attempt to resolve the issue, and absolutely no sense of customer care. A little empathy, a basic apology, or even a respectful attitude could’ve made a big difference. Sadly, it was a thoroughly unpleasant experience from start to finish. I wouldn’t return, and I definitely wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone looking for a decent meal in Tekapo. There are better options out there, don’t waste your time or money here.

It's sad that there are so many 1 star reviews as I and my husband and sister absolutely loved it here! We came for breakfast originally as we hadn't tried here before and it was top notch! Bacon and eggs, pancakes, coffee, mocha, all of it was delicious and beautifully prepared and presented. We came back for the buffet dinner and that was beyond expectation. We kept coming back for breakfast as it was the best we found in Tekapo. The staff/owners of the restaurant are very friendly, approachable and have a great sense of humour (I walked out without paying one morning because I forgot to insert my brain!) and we had a good laugh at my expense :D We highly recommend this establishment because it's down to earth, very reasonably priced, friendly and if you take time to talk with the owners and staff, you'll find out how genuine and lovely they are. We will be back!!!!

I dont normally write reviews but this place takes the cake. If I could give this a zero stars I would have. Food was cold and it was frozen cooked crap. Never again. I wouldn't even feed this to my dog. Did tell them but didn't seem to care. Eat at own risk. We went home and had left over snacks.

Food was very poor quality and exceedingly over priced. I ordered salmon risotto, the fish was dry and was only 1-inch x 2-inches costing $34. My partner had sweet n sour pork ($28) which had very little meat. My friends had a deep fried platter with 2 chicken nuggets, 2 spring rolls, 2 onion rings and soggy oven chips. All these were on the a la carte menu. I've tasted better food at a cheap takeaway. The prices were also plus 15% due to public holiday surcharge. Ladies who served us were lovely. I'd never recommend this place to anyone not even a dog.

Highly not recommended, Google review starts with one star, my rate it's 0 star for the food review, the staff it's nice at the front but at the back kitchen I not too sure... I ordered lunch specialty $28 their stir fried glass beef noodle most common Chinese stir fried dish which never fail me at any restaurant. For the first time I cannot even finish the meal... it's soo salty and taste like only msg which I can feel the anger from the chef.. Or not sure even should call chef... who ever stir fried this dish...I not sure if I accidentally pissed off the chef but the only thing I can tell this is not even close to put under ur menu as specialty menu. I am sorry if just me who experienced this dish but I won't be back again.. All the best!

Such a lovely view so you couldn’t ask for a better place to have a hot springs. The disappointment we had was we expected that it would be more natural but as soon as we stepped into the pools we smelt chemical chlorine smell. I’m not so keen on soaking in chemicals:( It was explained to us that the water comes from the mountain which I assume services the entire town and it’s heated to 3 different temperatures We felt it was basically a heated swimming pool that you sit in. I think we are spoilt in Australia where we have actually hot thermal springs coming directly from the ground that has minerals that is good for your health so our expectations were most likely high.

If you enjoy sauna, this place is a must visit. My favourite was the hot (adult only) springs with a gorgeous view. Also fantastic activities for the kids. Very relaxing. I’m happy I paid for the upgrade and got use of the sauna, steam room and plunge pool. Lovely scenic drive from Queenstown. We got up early and 100% worth it.

Visited Tekapo Springs in September 2025 and it was such a relaxing and memorable experience! The hot pools overlook the stunning Lake Tekapo, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise water and snow-capped mountains, truly one of the most scenic hot springs I’ve ever been to. The pools are at different temperatures, perfect for soaking and unwinding after days of travel. The facilities are clean, well-maintained, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We went in the late afternoon and stayed until sunset — the view as the sky turned golden and pink was absolutely magical. The water temperature was just right, even in the cool spring air. There’s also a café nearby for drinks and snacks and everything felt peaceful and well-organized. Definitely worth the visit if you’re in Lake Tekapo. A perfect mix of comfort, scenery and serenity. Highly recommended for anyone looking to relax!

Snow is drifting softly across the turquoise pools of Tekapo Springs, and I’m about to plunge into the warm water—what a magical moment! Arriving mid-morning, I’m greeted by delicate flurries dancing through the air, dusting the walkways and decking outside. Despite the crisp alpine chill, the pools are blissfully warm—hovering around 35 °C—and instantly relaxing. The contrast is electrifying: icy snowflakes melting the moment they touch the steamy surface, the cold bites on your hair and shoulders, while your body basks in cozy warmth. It’s an exhilarating sense of being suspended between two elements. The layout is ideal: multiple pools—indoors and out—let you pick your perfect balance of sun, snow, and serenity. The infinity-style lap pool is especially stunning with its panoramic views across Lake Tekapo under a wintry sky. An outdoor hot tub perched above the complex makes for a private, intimate soak as miniature snowflakes gently swirl around. Facilities are spotless and well kept. Indoor change rooms are spacious, with warm showers and good locker space. If you want to escape the cold entirely, there’s a sauna, but why leave the pools when the snow is so enchanting? This snowy soak at Tekapo Springs is truly unforgettable—a sensory treat of crisp air, soft snow, and enveloping warmth. A perfect winter or shoulder-season experience.

We had such a fantastic time at Tekapo Springs! The snow activities were a highlight for our family – from snow tubing to the snow play area, the kids absolutely loved it. The slopes were safe and fun, and everything was well organized. After the excitement, relaxing in the hot pools with breathtaking views was the perfect way to end the day. Truly an unforgettable experience for all ages!

Very enjoyable place. Staff are friendly. The food is good enough to solve a meal. I guess we managed our expectations well. Not a natural spring but a hot pool in the open winter is luxury enough for us. We waited a while for our food, because it is a tourist attraction. $10 for a towel with a deposit is a little expensive, we will bring our own next time.

What an epic tour! Thank you so much! The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made sure we captured our moon photo. We were so impressed that we went back the next day to pick up some merch. Thanks to the entire team for creating such a wonderfully relaxing evening of star-watching — we’re thrilled the clouds cleared up so we could see them. We’ll definitely be back!

What a wonderful way to experience the beautiful Star-filled night sky. The information, facts and stories about our stars and solar system was so much fun and well the hot spring pool and hammocks made it an experience like no other. So glad I did this!

We had the star gazing recommended to us & were pleased to be able to fit this in our travels. It lived up to expectations & more. We were lucky with the weather.& had very little cloud cover , so after an introductory quiz inside, we headed out to the observatory area. Here we had star formations pointed out to us & then were shown them through the telescopes. The Icing on the cake for us was when we headed inside to change into our costumes, were given towels & robes & then entered the hot water pool with very low lighting. There were special water couches to lie on while the star gazing talk continued, with stories & facts about the stars & planets. Truly magical!!

Giving this tour 3 stars as although it was good, a lot can be improved, especially the value. Overall I think this is an afterthought money grab from Tekapo Hot Springs. There were 32+ people on our tour, which had to split into 4 groups to look through each of the 4 telescopes. This means you get a few seconds seconds looking at 3 or 4 different stars in the first 45 minutes. Listening to the speaker was very difficult as there was a snow machine running continuously in the background (If you don't know what this sounds like: it sounds exactly like a helicopter, only it doesn't fly away) After this you move to the hot tubs, which is nice, although again, with 32+ people the pool is basically full and you can't relax and float around because you'll be bumping into other punters feet or heads. Some people seemed to have skipped the telescopes and arrived only for the pools, so the group size was larger in the pool. I couldn't hear all of the stories told by the presenter, as the pools themselves are quite loud, there's also lots of people talking etc, and there's no microphone or speakers. The information about stars was decent and the presenter was good and enthusiastic. Nothing was very complicated but we weren't being taught how to suck eggs. I think there could be more information at the start about why Tekapo is a good place to view the stars, and a bit of broader explanation, but no big deal. The price: $139 NZD per person is exceptionally steep. I'd have expected maybe 10 people per tour based on this pricing. Given that there were 32+ people , 4 telescopes, and no other professional set up of equipment (e.g. microphones), I think something like $49 would be a more reasonable price. Lastly, we phoned in advance to see if use of the hot pools in the day time was included, we were told it was included, so we drove from Aoraki Mt Cook. When we arrived Amba on reception told us it was $31 to access the pools. (Why would I pay that when I already have access later?) I am not sure which staff member was right or wrong but this should definitely be included, and if it's not the staff knowledge should be improved. Note: I say 32+ because I'm certain it was 34 but I remember reading the website said 32 was the maximum. Good on them for making almost $4.5k per tour but to justify the cost it has to be modified to not seem like an afterthought, or numbers cut dramatically.

Booked the non-refundable family ticket for $350. Weather was atrocious (pouring with rain, 5deg outside). I called beforehand as I expected the company would cancel due to weather but the tour was to continue with VR option and no option to cancel. The room where the VR was played was cold and dark, uncomfortable chairs, tea and coffee available but no milk! The first 10 mins was a slide show quiz - felt like I was at a uni lecture. The VR show was mediocre - headset old but worked ok. The VR show went for about 30 mins - interesting content but nothing like the experience would be actually looking through telescopes. Due to the pouring rain/5 deg we chose not to swim. All in all very underwhelming especially considering the cost and inflexible cancellation policy. Save your money and go to the hot pools in Hanmer.

Save your money! This is not worth what you pay for it at all. If you have an evening with a lot of clouds you get a pretty bad vr experience (super blurry no matter how much tightening you did) and I’m not sure how well cleaned they are since my eye has been watering for over an hour since I put it on. I have used VR before and this has never happened. They also started the tour before the start time. We were there about 7 mins before the starting time and they had already started I would recommend renting an accommodation with an outdoor tub and just doing stargazing from there :)

An absolutely lovely experience! Phenomenal views of the stars with a knowledgeable guide talking all about astronomy, Lake Tekapo, and the vast field of stars before you. I had a guide named William, and he was so friendly and helpful. Half he night I spent asking him dumb questions and he answered them with poise and great knowledge. We learned all about the movement of the night sky, how to find South using the Southern Cross, and just general astronomy. There were 3 telescopes set up with crazy close views of different nebulas and star clusters. The photos below look awful, but looking with your eye, things were crazy exciting!!! Sitting in the water to watch the sky was so unlike anything I’ve done, I loved it! This is an easy destination to recommend. Hit it up!

Very good experience with the Stargazing tour, you start with a little quizz then a initiation to telescope and you finish in the hotspring ! All of this with a lot of explanations about the stars :) I was in the 00h45 (or 12h45 AM) session and i've leave the center à 3h (3 AM). For non AM/PM users, take care when you book for this session to not mix the day !

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! 😘

We are so glad we did this! We've never rode a horse in this kind of terrain before and our family of eight were nervous, to say the least. Summer and her colleague did a great job in guiding us and explaining the ride and horses. The horses are so beautiful and full of interesting personalities. This was easily one of the highlights of our South Island road trip! Thank you Summer and Mackenzie Alpine Horses! We'll definitely do this again!

We had one of our best hacks ever at MacKenzie Alpine Horses led by the brilliant Zoe. My wife and I did the 2.5hour ride up Mt. John followed by a dip in Lake Tekapo with the horses. The up and down terrain was fun, the views were incredible and the horses paddling was the cherry on top of the cake. We were lucky to have a day where Lake Tekapo was that magical blue colour. Zoe, our guide was super. She was very clear and concise, had a great voice so even those at the back could hear clearly and was able to detail several great facts about the MacKenzie region. She led the ride brilliantly and gave a very good introduction to horse riding to everyone (no matter your experience) at the beginning so no one had any doubt about the basics. The horses at MacKenzie are all on very good condition and clearly well looked after. I rode George who I had the utmost confidence in. There is also a bonus that at the yard there is a very friendly and loving dog who loves her tummy scratched. Thank you Zoe and Mackenzie Alpine Horses for a fantastic trek.

We highly recommend this absolutely fantastic horse trek. Our guide Zoe, with great professionalism and kindness, will make you spend unforgettable moments. A suspended time of reconnection with wild nature and the natural beauty of the sites which will enhance forever your trip in NZ. Arnaud

We had an absolutely wonderful time on the 2.5 hour trek! We got to see the lake from Mount John and then go down to the lake itself. For people considering doing the tour, the main thing I would say is please listen to what your guide says. not listening can impact the safety of both yourself and the horse. We had a couple members of our group let their horses eat on the trail even when we were warned not to since that could choke the horse, wouldn’t lean forward when going up a hill or backwards when going down a hill (which meant they were at risk of falling off their horse), and stayed several horse lengths back from the rest of the group instead of a half horse length behind the horse in front, slowing us down and making it hard for my partner and me to hear our guide at times since we were behind these tourists. Please be cognizant of your horse, yourselves, and people around you!

Absolutely the best experience, the owner was our guide and she was fantastic. The views of the lake and the trails were great. You can tell the horses are well cared for and taken care of. Highly recommend, one if our favorite experiences!!

I can not explain our experience with Mackenzie Alpine Horses without a tear. It was the highlight of our whole South Island holiday. Natalie was a guide and she was just amazing. Full of knowledge, friendly and good fun. The ride was 1 hour through the mountain and on to the lake, it was simply stunning. My daughter 19 had never been on a horse before but the staff were great with pairing the person to the right horse. This is a must do experience, so worth it. Thank you to our horses BOSS and FREDIE but mostly Nat our guide for giving a memory we will never forget.

Had a fantastic small group ride with MacKenzie Alpine Horses. The team is very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. The horses are gentle and obviously well cared for. The trail around Lake Tekapo is quite breathtaking and a real treat to take in on horseback. Would highly recommend!

We stayed for 1 night at Lake Edge Holiday Park for NZD $ 106 on a Powered Front Row Site and it was such a pleasant stay. The location is unbeatable — just a 5-minute walk to Tekapo Springs, where you can relax in the hot pools, The views from the park are absolutely beautiful, especially in the morning when the sun rises over Lake Tekapo, truly picture perfect! The facilities at Lake Edge Holiday Park were excellent. Each powered site includes power, dump station access, Wi-Fi, and an 8-minute hot shower. The kitchen area was clean and well-equipped, making it convenient to prepare simple meals. There are toilets and laundry facilities nearby and everything was well-maintained. Families will also love the playground and TV room, great for kids to unwind after a day of exploring. Overall, Lake Edge Holiday Park is a perfect stop for campers or motorhome travelers who want comfort, convenience and great views at a reasonable price. We’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Lake Tekapo — an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure.

Gorgeous campsite, so peaceful and the views were just breathtaking. The staff were so nice and helpful too. Knocked off a star for two reasons; first being that the showers only have 2 temperatures, freezing cold and scalding hot, which was pretty uncomfortable. Second being that the kitchens aren’t well kitted out at all, so if your camper isn’t very well-equipped with cooking utensils etc and you use camp kitchens, I wouldn’t stay here. All in all though, it was an absolutely beautiful place to spend a night

Great location and walking distance to the village. We stayed in a motorhome. Clean bathroom however very cold in there. Showers on timers which is frustrating when showering with young children. Camp kitchen is to small for the amount of people. Sites very clean but not even so there was a slant, could be designed better. View is priceless. Would stay again

We stayed at a powered site and loved our 2 nights there. Stunning location, friendly staff, clean amenities. Trampolines were a big hit with the kids (although hopefully the zips get repaired soon). Recommend making sure you have a long hose for water connection at the site! Would stay here again if we do the trip again in future 👌

First camp site for us who come straight from Christchurch. Dont bother to get the lake view powersite because the lake view is been blocked by trees. Kitchen and shower is small but adequate. Lot of goose and duck roaming around. Some wild rabbit too. Nice place for star glazing but some caravan still on their outdoor light eveb up the whole night. Hard to get help since reception is far away.

Great location. This park is close to most of the tourist attractions. There’s 10 minutes timer for shower, then another 2 minutes to reset the timer. 10 minutes are enough for me to wash my whole body plus hair conditioner. Also, the bathroom is well air-conditioned and warm. The only problem is that there’s no water supply but power supply next to our campsite. We had to drive to the other side of the park to get water.

Had a powered lake view site. It was amazing. The facilities are great and the staff were amazing. They also had great knowledge about where to get some great food and what sites to see.

Great views, with clear sky able to see stars from the bed. Comfortable bed, clean as well. Size of the room isn’t the largest, will be great if there’s an area at the entrance that we can place our shoes. Comes with a bathtub too, though water pressure is a little low. With a car, everything is few mins away. Breakfast is decent.

Amazing hotel! The two bedroom room was spacious and perfect. Staff were amazing, there were a few marks on the walls from a bit of knocks, but otherwise amazing bathroom and heaps of cutlery and essentials! Breakfast pre-ordered to our room the next morning was amazing!!

I booked a Single Deluxe Room for a day, and it was a very comfortable stay. The hotel is in a great location in Tekapo, peaceful with nice views of the lake. The room was spotless, with excellent cleanliness and all the necessary amenities provided, including complimentary bottled water. The skylight above the bed, which gives you the chance to stargaze right from your room – though you’ll need a clear night sky to fully enjoy it. The staff were warm and welcoming, and they took our order for breakfast upon check-in as we opted for in-room dining. Breakfast was delivered promptly and was nicely prepared. Parking within the premises was convenient and hassle-free. Overall, a stay with thoughtful touches that made the experience memorable.

I booked the Deluxe Lake View Room and the room and view definitely made it worthwhile! It was a long drive from Christchurch and the hotel was like a pot of gold at the end of a gravel rainbow. When the staff opened the door and I walked through, my breath was taken away by the view of Lake Tekapo from the height of the room. I’m sure the staff enjoyed impressing me with the skylight as well. Sadly, it was a full moon and it was cloudy, so I wasn’t able to admire the stars that Tekapo is famous for. But the gorgeous contemporary rooms more than made up for it, and there’s also a bathtub from which you can look out at the lake. The staff were great, really cheerful and helpful even though a couple of them were still being trained. Breakfast: it’s basically fry ups where you choose how many pieces of tomatoes, bacon, sausages, hash browns, etc. There’s also continental breakfast in the form of bread (i believe there’s a toaster and jams), yogurt and bananas. There’s parking up front but seeing that there were some vacancies, the car park was already full, so if you’re driving, do take note. Cant wait to be back again for more nights!

Stay at the hotel was great. The rooms feature incredible views, large skylights and great modern features. The staff are so friendly, thanks for making our stay so welcoming. The hotel does need some love with paint required in the rooms and some hiding of bags to be built.

Very tiny. No microwave. No closed wardrobe. Tv is hanged on awkward direction. Not recommended at all. The room layout not good at all. No thought and creativity has gone into designing and construction. Very poorly designed. Given the location this place should be luxury and thought full room designed. All second hand furniture. Poor tasty of room color and decor. Not worth the stay and the price we paid.

Rooms are absolutely delightful. Breakfast was included with booking and was so delicious. Cameron, Ariel and the whole staff went above in beyond to ensure myself and my partner had an incredible time. We had an unforgettable stay at this beautiful hotel. Highly recommend when visiting Lake Tekapo.

Firstly let me say this is a decent burger. The components of it are great. The chicken is succulent, the apple coleslaw is good. I’m not a fan of the onion jam but that’s ok. The main issue is that it’s just not eatable as it just falls apart with the size of it and is just messy unfortunately. The crispy potatoes are good but again too much sauce for me and takes away some of the crispness. Decent price though at $18 for the burger and $5 for the potatoes. Nice spot right on the lake too if you can get through the seagulls!

I recently visited Monster kitchen and had an amazing experience! The burger bun was perfectly crispy, and the pork and beef patty was incredibly juicy. I loved the chili corn ball in the spicy beef burger. In the past, I never finished the burger bun, but this time I enjoyed every bite! I also ordered a combo with a snack and rectangle potato, and everything was fantastic. The owner is super friendly and the vibe of the shop is amazing—I could easily go there five days a week! Thank you for making the most delicious burger in the world!

Solid little food truck for dinner! It was a cold, windy day, and we just wanted to eat back at our place, so we decided to pick up a vege burger. Portions were quite large and very delicious.

11/10 score! 🤩 I almost missed it as i ordered the fish and chip from nearby shop already and afraid could not finish this ! Luckily, I trusted my gut and ordered the New Orleans chicken – best ever! 💯 Hopefully, I can come back and try the burger soon!🍔

I recently had the pleasure of sinking my teeth into two burgers that are the epitome of indulgence: the Buttermilk Chicken Burger and the Cheesy Beef Burger, both of which left me craving more from the first bite. The Buttermilk Chicken Burger was a standout. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside, thanks to a golden buttermilk batter that adds just the right tang. Inside, it remained juicy and tender, with each bite offering that delightful crunch. The freshness of the toppings, paired with a creamy slaw, rounded out the burger beautifully, adding both texture and flavor. It felt like a gourmet take on comfort food—rich, hearty, and impossible to resist. Equally decadent was the Cheesy Beef Burger. The beef patty was cooked to perfection—juicy and full of flavor, with just the right amount of seasoning. But what took it over the top was the melty cheese. It oozed into every bite, creating that blissful harmony of meat and cheese that burger lovers dream of. Every element, from the toasted bun to the savory beef, was designed for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. But it wasn’t just the burgers that stood out. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken was fried to a golden, crispy perfection, and despite its crunch, the chicken inside was tender and juicy. The flavor was just as it should be—slightly tangy, rich, and indulgent. Every bite had that addictive balance of seasoning, and the texture was satisfying without being heavy. And, to top it all off, the customer service was exceptional. The staff were warm, attentive, and seemed to genuinely care about the customer experience. Whether answering questions about the menu or making sure drinks were refilled, they went above and beyond. The service added a personal touch that elevated the whole dining experience. In summary, this spot delivers both in flavor and service. The burgers are indulgent, the fried chicken is irresistible, and the customer service makes you feel right at home. Highly recommended!

Skip the Fergburger at Queenstown and take a trip to Lake Tekapo for some of the best burgers you'll have in the South Island. Their Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger is insanely good; buns were soft, greens were fresh, the chicken was flavorful, and the caramelized onions were just so good. Highly rate their potato bites as well! So crunchy and filling. Would highly recommend you grab a bite here if you're ever in the area. 10/10, great value.

One of the best fried chicken burgers in NZ. The burger is huge and messy just the way it should be. You cannot get a more scenic view while enjoying your burger while at Lake Tekapo or in the Mt Cook vicinity. We also had the potato bites, which are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Their wings portion is also very generous and perfectly battered.

Unfortunately, as many others have experienced, the weather wasn't on our side for the Summit tour.. which I think I may return to try do sometime in the future. The staff communicated our options great though. I do wish there was more Māori lore explained with the stars, we did get a bit, but not heaps. Not sure if this is shown more in the observatory though. My companions weren't as interested in that part as me so I didn't particularly seek it. Keep in mind if you book this, weather is temperamental in NZ, if you are staying in the area for multiple days, book this on your first night as if it needs to be rescheduled you are giving yourself your best shot. Stars and planets move, we were really lucky to see Saturn and it's rings, but because of the position and the brightness of the moon we couldn't see the galaxy clouds. The sky does what it wants to do, I will say that the staff were really helpful at showing you how to get photos of the moon

I couldn't recommend enough the star gazing tour done on the dark.sky project research facility. Our guide was very funny and informative , explaining how to navigate using the night sky , how to find the true south and showing us the zodiac constellations. We also get to have a look.on three different telescopes to see Saturn, Alpha Centauri and nebulas

Very nice experience. Because of wind we could not do the summit experience and were offered the crater experience (with the difference refund).. the explanations were great. We wished they will give more Māori stories or references. The telescopes itself were the part we enjoyed the least, you really could not see anything clear. We were lucky that the skies were super clear

My stargazing experience with the Dark Sky Project in Lake Tekapo was nothing short of incredible. From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel welcome and cared for—especially thanks to Ugne, the lovely receptionist who greeted us with such warmth and professionalism. She was not only helpful with checking me in smoothly, but also took the time to answer our questions, offer great local tips, and make sure I felt prepared for the night ahead. Her friendly attitude really set the tone for the entire experience. The stargazing tour itself was absolutely breathtaking. The guides were deeply knowledgeable and passionate, helping me explore the night sky through powerful telescopes and even with the naked eye. Standing beneath the pristine, unpolluted sky of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve was truly humbling. I saw constellations, planets, and even distant galaxies—it was a surreal, awe-inspiring reminder of how vast the universe really is. The blend of science, storytelling, and natural beauty made this experience a highlight of our trip to New Zealand. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast or just curious about the stars, this is an experience you don’t want to miss. Big thanks again to Ugne and the entire Dark Sky Project team for making the night so seamless and memorable. Highly recommended!

Good chocolate and nice view to be enjoyed here! The lake in front is lake tekapo with calm and peaceful weather. The time was freeze when I was there. I really like New Zealand.

Amazing experience which I cannot recommend enough. Our driver and guide, Quinna, was knowledgeable, warm and super friendly. She made it pleasant and easy to identify stars- and I can now proudly identify the alpha centuri and southern cross. Bonus points for helping me find my own scorpio constellation! Impressed and satisfied with the trip. Here are five stars for this amazing star team!

Amazing experience for me! Big shoutout to our stargazing guide, Onn! Had an incredible stargazing trip with Onn! He's super knowledgeable and made everything so easy to understand. He showed us not just the stars, but also told us the amazing stories behind them.

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.

Statue of a Collie dog with the inscription that without the help of these animals they could not have farmed this land. Beautiful location on the shore of this beautiful lake. You should take a trip up the hill which has beautiful views over the lake and mountains

Just a simple sheepdog statue on a rock on the sides of Lake Tekapo. Not sure if this was intentional, you have the Good shepherd Church nearby and you have the Sheepdog that shepherds the sheep - celebrating 2 different shepherds ..

Lovely statue memorial to the Sheepdog (Border Collie) and wonderful views of the lake.

Humble little tribute right next to the Church of the Good Shepherd. Worth a quick stop, especially if you appreciate the history of the region.

Beautiful and meaningful statue, the sheepdog memorial located just a short walk away (100m) from The Church of the Good Shepherd. Least visitor as compared to the church itself , if you are around the corner I recommend you to drop by.

You can never go wrong with a statue dedicated to dogs.

Since it is next to the church, just visit it. Nothing interesting about this statue.

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

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 !

Muk and her teammate were absolutely amazing. Muk’s sense of humor and deep knowledge made an already incredible experience even better. Since the clouds were passing on and off, she thoughtfully gave everyone a 10-minute testing period. Some guests chose to leave and were assured of a full refund, but we decided to stay and it was pure magic. The team provided seats, blankets, hot chocolate, and marshmallows at the end, making it even more special. I would highly recommend this group to anyone visiting for stargazing, 100% worth it!

930pm stargazing in Lake Tekapo. Guthrie did a wonderful job discussing the visible stars, and constellations - providing historical and Maori significance. It was cold but 1-2 blankets and hot chocolate were provided. We were able to views 6-8 different objects via high powered telescope. The free cup and individual milky way photo were a great bonus! The smores fire at the end was via propane but the spread risk of a natural fire is life-altering in this area, so it was 100% appropriate for how windy it was. We didnt know if the tour would happen until 30 minutes prior due to cloud coverage but the clouds cleared and it ended up being perfect

This was a wonderful experience in Lake Tekapo and I highly recommend it! The booking process was smooth and I really appreciated the weather update 30 minutes before the scheduled tour. The location was amazing and the stars were phenomenal. The staff (Estela and Althea) were AMAZING, they answered all my questions and pointed out so many constellations and planets. I learned a lot! The hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows were a great treat. I was super appreciative of the photos they took of us and of the sky and shared afterwards, what a great souvenir :) 10/10 experience, go if you are in Lake Tekapo!

Muk is an amazing knowledgeable tour guide. I learned so much from her about the stars. This is a must do activity in New Zealand! You will see the night sky like never before. They provide warm blankets, Hot Cocoa and you roast your own Marshmallows

The Chameleon Stargazing tour was absolutely amazing! Our guide, Estela, was fantastic, she explained everything so clearly and made the experience easy to follow, even for beginners. We loved the little touches like hot chocolates, marshmallows, and cozy blankets under the night sky. The photo under the stars was a beautiful souvenir of an unforgettable night. This is definitely an experience you can’t miss when in Tekapo!

Wonderful experience! Guthrie, Mok and Terra were very knowledgable and passionate about astronomy. The weather was changeable with quite a lot of cloud coverage and they gave everyone the option of staying to see if anything cleared or leaving and receiving a refund. I chose to stay and was so glad I stayed. Saw so many constellations, Saturn, learnt a lot 10000% recommend!

Very nice tour, learned alot! Thanks Althea sharing us and taking nice photos of us! They are very friendly, it's worthy!

Very lovely staff and a beautiful restaurant. They were extremely friendly and led us to a table straight away. The menu is very big with a vegan menu as well. The food was super yummy and the drinks were delicious. The food itself was good value for money as well. I definitely would recommend if you are wanting dinner in lake tekapo.

Sept 2025 Price ranging from 28-30++NZD. Not worth it at all. If you are going to charge this price, please at least make sure you get the taste right. Food is either too sweet or too salty. Mainly 4 of the dishes were too sweet. Tonkatsu ramen was not sweet but not good either. I wish I didn’t had my meal here. Ordered fried noodle, beef pho, Tomyum ramen, tonkatsu ramen and Tomkha soup with rice and paid a fortune.

We are managed to get into the restaurant just before 2pm closing. Ordered a plate of cha siew fried rice and beef noodle. Their cha siew is nice and tasty. Where beef noodle's soup is tasted good just a bit too sweet, by adding some more salt will be perfect. There are about 25 - 30 tables so you may easy to find the seats.

Dont know why this is 4.3 star ramen shop. The broth is very salty. Ordered spicy ramen and it comes with 1 piece of meat and half an egg and noodles for 28 NZ Dollar. Better off buy 辛 korean instant cup at 4 square supermart nearby. Service is good thou but not worth coming back.

Over a couple of days we ate here twice. Wait to be seated, then order at the counter. Reassuringly, if you're ordering anything vegan, the counter staff will write "vegan" in red pen for the kitchen staff. The spicy miso ramen broth was delicious. Shichimi togarashi was available for me to add, which I did! The vegan version of this dish omits the egg. I would love if they could substitute it with tofu instead. The vegan fried gyoza were also good! Heavy on the spring onions, lots of flavour. The vegan stir fry vegetables is absolutely perfect if you're looking for a big feed of veggies! I was so happy to get loads of broccoli on my plate. The veggies were cooked to crunchy perfection. Tofu was included. The sauce was a sweet soy & sesame flavour. Really delicious. Rice was extra. Customer restroom is available.

we were initially hesitant to try the ramen here after reading the most recent negative review. but we decided to give it a try anyway. turns out, we were rewarded with a nice warm bowl of spicy miso broth that hits the spot. if you need an asian fix, esp if you have been on the road and travelling all round new zealand, we highly recommend this place. we also had the gyoza which paired very nicely with the hot ramen.

One of the worst Asian food I ate.28 dollar Miso soup was a basket case. They literally had 2 dollar packed noodles in a soup with vegetables. Tasteless. Why are these places are allowed to even operate and I am shocked this place hot 4star. People. Who gave these rating obviously has not tried real ramen. Please save your money on this disgusting food place. This place should shut down .

Fun little sports bar with a pool table, darts, and TVs!

Local bar and pub, friendly enough but closed at 10pm before sjy watching tour started and put chairs on tables around us

Terrible food, especially the chips. Staff was rude and witnessed a customer being yelled at. The manager is defensive, which you can see upon reading their reply to other bad reviews, blaming staff or customers for "abusing" staff. Locals treated better, receiving better service. Overall, would never return or recommend to anyone. AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COST!

Nice location, but had to wait over a hour for food and were not warned this when we ordered (for 2 people). They were serving meals out one at a time, regardless of table size and had to wait at least 15 minutes between each main meal for table members. If in a hurry avoid

Walked in and had to wait to be aknowedged. Upon ordering the lady behind the counter said what a sad sorry lot you all are. There were 12 people waiting to be served at this point. The meal arrived with hair in the sour cream wedges. The garlic bread was store bought and cold. The salad consisted of grated carrot half a red onion and 3 pieces of spring onion. . In the hour we were there no other tables were cleaned and the place was a mess Customers were even wiping tables down before they could sit. We could hear the manager yelling at other staff saying. ."Bloody staff. They never do what you ask " All in all. Displeasing experience and not a restaurant we will visit again

Poor service . Understaffed. Refused to pay for meal. Undercooked salmon , overcooked steak. Had to retrieve our meals from servery. Tables not cleared. A great opportunity for someone to start up and promote Tekapo with great service rather than just collecting the dollars. Would not visit here again.

This place used to be amazing, great food and awesome staff. Sadly it feels as though it's under new management. Unfriendly unhelpful staff, they only actually have about 5 things from their 30+ item menu, no drink prices listed. To top it off the kitchen lady practices around 0 food health and safety general practices. Food portions and quality have suffered very badly. Only 2 stars insyead of 1 out of nostalgia for how things used to be.

What a night at T.L.V! Despite not having a reservation on a busy evening, the team was incredibly accommodating and managed to squeeze us in. A big tip: definitely book ahead if you can! From the moment we walked in, the service was absolutely amazing. Our three-course meal was a total knockout. I started with the most delicious creamy pumpkin soup, followed by a perfectly cooked eye fillet for my main. For dessert, the sticky date pudding was just incredible. The stunning views of Lake Tekapo were the perfect backdrop for our meal. It was the perfect way to celebrate my mum's birthday, and honestly, we couldn't have asked for a better evening. We'll definitely be back.

After arriving in Christchurch from Australia in the afternoon then driving to Lake Tekapo to stay for the evening, I ventured to TLV for a much needed feed. Despite arriving an hour before closing time and with no booking, the staff were very outgoing and accommodating. I was served by Allie (I hope that’s the correct spelling), who greeted me with a genuine smile each time she came by and made sure that I was happy and comfortable. The food was outstanding and very well priced and the restaurant setting itself was elegant and appealing, with free views of the surrounding snowcapped mountains (weather dependant)… It was a great meal to end a long day of travel and was nice to have friendly service and smiles to round out the day. Definitely worth a visit if you’re at Lake Tekapo.

My hubby and I have dinner at TLV restaurant for two days consecutively. We really enjoy the food. Fresh ingredients prepared with good culinary skills. The plating of the food is gorgeous too. Service is attentive and prompt. The restaurant gives panaromic view of Lake Takepo and the alpine. TLV provides memorable dining experience to us and I highly recommend it to those who are in the area.

Wow Wow Wow! Food was top class. I chose Salmon Ceviche followed by scallops while my partner enjoyed the scallops and then the steak. We shared Poached Pear for dessert. Beautifully presented and delicious. Service was wonderful staff very attentive and friendly. Recommend highly

Beautiful set up, delicious food, although the portion could be bigger in my opinion. What’s even better is the staff here, particular Alison who was so sweet and caring. I felt really welcomed and entertained by her Minnesota accent

I recommend making a reservation. The views of the lake are amazing and is you can make it for the golden hour you will have spectacular views. On top of that, the food was excellent and the cocktail menu was very good too. Must stop if you're in Lake Tekapo for the night.

The food was amazing, and the service was nice as well. We ordered the daily soup (seafood chowder), the beef, the salmon, and the poached pear for dessert. The soup was full of seafood, and it was delicious. The beef was tender, and the sauce also went well with it. The salmon was cooked to perfection, and the corn was a nice addition to it. The pear was a mixture of sweet and sour (the sides), and it's a great balance. The service was amazing as well, everyone was friendly and welcoming. Will definitely be back!

We went MacKenzies cafe-bar-grill for a late lunch after driving from Queenstown. Upon entering, we were greeted enthusiastically by the staff, and during ordering of food, they are making sure that we will like what we'll order by explaining what each meal/drink is. It's our first time to experience grilling rump and venison on Volcanic rock and it was such an experience. The meat are fresh and can be seasoned to our liking. And after having a quick chat with the staff and knowing it's our honeymoon, they then served complimentary dessert on the house. It's a good experience in our last day in Tekapo. Well done!

Hands down one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in a while. The food was outstanding! Every dish was full of flavor and perfectly prepared. But what really made the night special was the incredible service from Aime. She was warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about making our experience great. From describing the menu to helping us choose the tomahawk steak, a perfect bottle of Riesling, and a delicious apple strudel to finish—her recommendations were spot on. Huge credit to the restaurant for delivering both amazing food and top-tier service. We’ll absolutely be back—and Aime is a big reason why.

An excellent restaurant with a great view of the lake and snow-capped mountaintops. Go for the stone cooked meat. My wife and I did the venison/lamb/beef trio and it was fun to cook and very tasty! The slow roasted lamb rack was delicious and soft (falling off the bone). I got the bone marrow to pair with my half of the meat trio. A five-star experience for sure!

The Meat was delicious!! We were Lucky to get a table for two, because we hadn‘t reserved. Also the Restaurant was Full of Asian people. We had a Beef and a Triple Meal, and it was verry good. The Service was also verry good, Theo Look After everything and were verry friendly. I would say 5 Stars for them are Not enough!!

I had the trio hot stone with salad it comes with the venison, lamb and steak medallions 👌and hubby had the venison steak hot stone with fries, the meat was tasty flavorful and bloody tasty plus the serving sizes were ample. I like the fact you can cook it to your own personal liking. Good value for money, nice relaxed atmosphere and service was great.

The steak was absolutely amazing! The friendly service made the whole experience so warm and welcoming. You’ve just gained a fan all the way from Singapore! ♥️

Food is super good but the price is too high… with such ambiance I don’t think it’s worth this high. But overall good cuz it’s just nearby Lake Tekapo

Absolutely stunning view of Tekapo and the MacKenzie Country. Be aware though that the road may be closed at anytime due to bad weather particularly windy weather so watch out for that. Would definitely recommend to anyone who likes looking out over the world.

This is a ABSOLUTE MUST see if you visit Lake Tekapo. Make time to come up here on a sunny day and see for MILES around. The view from the top is INSANE. See the pics that I posted. We visited, luckily on a CRYSTAL CLEAR sunny day and it was AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL..... There is also a cafe at the top where you can have coffee and some snacks/food to enjoy while you are up there

A good place to have coffee from Astro Cafe. The entrance to the complex cost 8 NZD. The view from the top is beyond stunning. You can watch how visitors of all origins posing for pictures in different styles; this alone is also interesting in addition to the view.

Beautifull sights over Lake Tekapo from Here. Just do not take the car to get here, you’ll be charged 8 dollars. Walk the track starting from close to the tekapo springs, it’ll be way more fun with even better views (away from the insta crowd) if you’ll do the full round when going back along the lake. Rec with nice weather!

I'm sure the view is spectacular but the $14 road users fee to get there and see essentially no more than what I've seen on the way here (Mnt Cook and surrounds) for free I couldn't justify it. Would have bought breakfast and coffee whilst up there otherwise. 4 stars due to road fee.

8$NZ entry, then a steep drive up a he top of Mount John. 360° view. Can be extremely windy.

The 2hour hike path was worth it! Not too difficult and got to see the great view on the way up! We drove up again, very nice views with a lovely cafe up there!

I did a three day snowshoe/mountaineering trip with Alpine Recreation and cannot recommend them highly enough. Our guide Owen was outstanding, very safety conscious and knowledgeable. The hut we stayed in was well stocked and cozy. The gear I was able to borrow from Alpine Rec was all in good condition. A very enjoyable trip and I would definitely use them again next time I come to New Zealand.

Pablo is an excellent instructor, is very kind (helped me fix my own crampons in his own time) and made our trip very enjoyable. Florencia also did a superb job at managing all the many dietary requirements for myself and others on the course. Best food I’ve eaten while in the mountains! Would love to come back and do another course soon!

I have just participated in the AR 4 day Introductory Mountaineering course based at. Caroline Hut on the 25th to 28th of April. I am in my late 50’s and most of my experience has been multi day trekking in Nepal, Japan, NZ and Tasmania. This was my first mountaineering experience. The course was very professional and educational and Sooji our guide was incredible in explaining all aspects of mountaineering relevant to our experience and areas of interest. The food at. Caroline hut was very good and it is a brilliant base for our daily expeditions of 6 to 8 hours up to Ball Glacier and Kaitiaki Peak. The last day we had a challenging descent down Cove Stream. I highly recommend Alpine Rec, Sooji our guide and the Intro Mounraineering course. Now onto the next challenge!

Frankie and I had an unforgettable time ski touring in the Cass Valley and staying at O’Leary’s Hut. Axel’s expertise and calm confidence made us feel safe every step of the way, giving us the opportunity to challenge ourselves. The entire experience was incredibly well-run, and we can’t recommend Alpine Recreation highly enough!

Another amazing trip with Alpine recreation!! A new yearly adventure. Enjoyed a recent Split board trip in the Mt Potts range with fabulous stay at Erewhon hut. Elke Braun-Elwert our guide pitched it absolutely spot on for our diverse skilled group.. she really looked after me as a snowboarder!! The only walking I had to do was uphill 😃! That says a lot for boarders. I already look forward to next years trip. And a great thanks to Malcolm Prouting skilled flying bumping us up in his helicopter!

A snowshoeing experience to remember! We were looking for a snowshoeing trip somewhere in the New Zealand Southern Alps and were fortunate to discover Alpine Recreation’s Two Thumbs Range five-day snowshoeing excursion. We have used Alpine Recreation before, completing a climb to Caroline hut that encompassed three days of stunning wilderness experience. So we knew that the snowshoeing trip to Two Thumbs would also be something special. We spent the night prior to our departure at Alpine Recreation’s comfortable lodge, Edelweiss, in Lake Tekapo, where we met our wonderful guide, Dave Henley. Dave completed a thorough check of all our equipment and provided replacement or additional equipment where necessary. His advice was excellent and we were grateful for the additional pieces of kit he recommended we take. He was very familiar with both the Two Thumbs area and the conditions we would be experiencing and tailored his advice perfectly to suit our needs. We spent the first morning travelling to our drop-off point, less than an hour’s drive away, and then snowshoeing to Rex Simpson hut, which would be our home for the next five days. The pace of snowshoeing was ideally suited to our fitness and the conditions that greeted us. Dave maintained a steady pace with several breaks, allowing for acclimatisation and increasing familiarity with the conditions. The snow was far deeper and more powdery than Australian snow and the initial walk was our opportunity to adapt to these unfamiliar conditions. Rex Simpson hut was warm, cosy and comfortable and Dave cooked our meals (luxury!) which were healthy and delicious. There was plenty of food, the bunks were comfortable, sleeping bags warm and the atmosphere convivial. Alpine Recreation is very careful to safeguard the pristine environment in which it operates and we were impressed by the environmentally sensitive practices that were followed assiduously. Each evening we discussed our plans for the following day with Dave, who offered plenty of options with the flexibility to adapt to our preferences or any changes in the snow conditions. We felt very safe given Dave’s comprehensive understanding of avalanche safety requirements and general safety in the mountains. We wore transceivers every time we ventured out and carried avalanche probes and shovels, while Dave carried a Garmin and distributed a PLB to another group member as a back-up. The weather deteriorated on Thursday with a snowy day characterised by poor visibility. But this did not prevent us going out as conditions were fair (the snow was light and there was no wind) and Dave was more than capable of navigating us on a very enjoyable walk among the knolls and valleys close to the hut. We were also very impressed by his knowledge of the mountains and his descriptions of walking and snowshoeing in other parts of the alps. He was helpful in assisting members of the group perfect their technique and provided a number of very useful tips on the use of snowshoes in a variety of conditions. We thoroughly enjoyed our snowshoeing in the Two Thumbs Range and would highly recommend it to other lovers of snowshoeing. The guide is pivotal to the success of any trip such as this and we felt that Dave, with his good humour, limitless patience and comprehensive experience, truly ensured that this was a trip that we would long remember. Alpine Recreation is clearly careful in their selection of guides and those we have met thus far have been impressive to say the least. We will be back for more wilderness experiences in this magnificent part of the world!

Absolutely spectacular views and walking trails. Some of the best views on the South Island!

The farm is so well kept and all the animals are so loving and healthy! So glad to hear about their lore! Our tour guide of the day, Joy, was super hospitable and patient! Definitely not to miss if you’re in the area! Gin and Tonic (piggies), Freida, Bridget (Guinea pig), Chino(Llama), Sean (Sheep) and many more!!!

We had a fantastic time petting the calves, guinea pigs and feeding the kune pigs, sheep, and alpacas. Every one of the animals had a name and seemed to know it! The two baby calves, Daisy and Lily, were incredibly cute. The two kune pigs were particularly special; they could sit for their food just like trained dogs! My 1.9-year-old had an absolute joy. We also got to enjoy the stunning background view of the mountains and the lake. ​Joy, our guide, was so informative and helpful. She gave us a farm tour and even shared some tips on how to handle the excitable sheep and alpacas during feeding time. ​The only recommendation I have is for the farm to provide some boots for the guests (if possible) as It was a bit muddy with all the animal poo poo, especially after the rain. FYI - If you stay at the Cairns, you can join this farm tour for free!

Jen was absolutely wonderful on our tour! My parents and I loved every moment of the experience — from petting the adorable little lambs to learning all about merino wool and how it’s produced. The tour felt relaxed and well-paced; we never felt rushed, and Jen took great care in showing us around the farm. Even though we were part of a group, everyone got plenty of time to interact with the animals, which made the experience feel really personal. We each received our own small boxes of pellets to feed the animals, which made it both intimate and easy to manage. It was such a wholesome, heartwarming experience — a definite highlight of our trip to Lake Tekapo! Highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves animals and wants an authentic farm experience.

A very nice experience. Jen was our tour guide and we can feed sheep, alpaca, cattle, pigs. We had a tour with the sheep and alpaca in the farm and even can see lambs which were borned just few days or hours ago. A lovely and valuable tour❤️

Thanks to Wilson and the team for showing us around the farm and giving us a very interactive and informative tour, it was very pleasant and the fact that we could feed the baby lambs and calves were also plus points as we were right on feeding time. Definitely recommend if you are in Tekapo. Only takes max an hour and you leave as happy as the baby lambs you fed :D The photos are : A group of sleepy baby lambs after feeding time, Tonic the handsome and Al Pacino (the other alpaca is not dead, it is just resting)

Thank you for such a truly wonderful experience! Joy was absolutely fantastic! So kind, knowledgeable and full of heart. We learned so much and couldnt stop smiling the entire time. Spending time with the animals was pure joy and having two sheep named after us was the sweetest surprise. Make sure you say hi to Blayze & Levi!! We feel so lucky and incredibly grateful. Thank you for making our day so special! It’s an experience we will always treasure!

Thank you Joy to make us enjoy the petting, we have very good experience in there. We also saw the baby lamb, pig, Paradise Duck, dairy cow lily and daisy, which are very cute. I highly recommend to join the tour, no regret, please enjoy.

We took the tour in May of this year. At the begging of my travel in New Zealand, this adventure in Tekapo didn't catch my attention. But if you experience it, you'll never regret. Thanks to our guide Mr.Ben for offering us such a wonderful journey in Tekapo. The valley, grassland, farms, wilderness, moutains and the connection with nature. Man isn't the owner of this region, while the nature is. The 4x4 Jeep was very stable and powerful. Ben was so kind that he offered us some coffee and a cup of glacier water! Don't miss this trip if you come to Tekapo, you will definitely love it.

Awesome trip!! A fun ride and a lot of breathtaking landscape. A lot of information and really nice guides. Worth every cent. If you’re in Tekapo -> you have to do it! I really recommend it. Thank you so much for the tour and if I ever come back to NZ, I’ll see you again.

Cass country 4wheel drive tour was sensational! Our driver Wayne was top notch and made our trip an absolute winner. To have a local and full time farmer host us meant we learnt about the area, history and nature. He was great company. My family of 3 loved the incredible scenery of the glaciers for our private 3 hour tour through spectacular country with 360 degree views of the snow capped glaciers. We stopped for a picnic at the top with amazing views of lake Pukaki, mt cook and even went down to the glacier lake.

Our family of 5 enjoyed the Cass Valley 4WD trip with our host, Ben. Even though we had a wet day, the trip was magical, such beautiful scenery and we were so well looked after. Treated to many stops, fresh mountain water and coffee with chocolate in the Musterer’s Hut. A very knowledgeable guide. We even got recommendations for our travels to other regions of the South Island of NZ. Would highly recommend Tekapo Adventures.

Our 4W tour with Ben was amazing, not only because he know his way around and showed some spectacular landscapes, but also because he made some great interesting remarks along the way, through easygoing and fun conversation. We will never forget this breathtaking views, thank you so much for adding an unforgettable memory to our honeymoon! 10/10 would recommend 👌🏻 no doubt!

We had an amazing experience with Cristina. She was very friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and made everyone feel at ease. Thanks to her exclusive access to private areas, we enjoyed stunning backcountry views and scenery we wouldn’t have otherwise discovered. Highly recommend Tekapo Adventures and all their tours — truly fantastic people!

Amazing crew to work with while planning a winter adventure elopement for our couple in Tekapo. With 50cm of snow falling the night before, we had our work cut out for us. Cristina & Ben were able to provide an alternative route with equally stunning views, and transport our couple safely from Tekapo across to Lake Pukaki for their ceremony. Ben even recovered the couple's stuck vehicle before leaving at the end of the day. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an adventure in the Tekapo region.

as a foreigner, this is one of the best shops in new zealand, the salesperson was very kind, definitely recommend! there are many types of books you can find here, whether its young adults or children there are many types of books in this shop.(thank you for the amazing opportunity to be here!)

What a magical morning exploring such a great selection of books, puzzles and holiday trinkets! The nicest staff and such a great selection of the classics and the latest publications. So cosy and beautiful. The craft section was so unique! Highly recommend this for buying Christmas gifts for back home!

Amazing bookstore with variety range from children to adults. Like the vibe and atmosphere. One of the shops in Tekapo must visit.

There's a big difference between a business that loves books and one that just sells them. This is the kind of small independent store we should all be supporting. Love your work guys.

Went there once on my holiday to NZ last year. This bookstore is rather small but aesthetically pleasant, and somehow warm my heart just to be there. They have quite diver type of books. Bought one book that I have never seen in any other bookstore. Staff are so kind as well. It’s almost a year but I couldn’t forget this bookstore and hope I can go back to NZ and visit this bookstore again. Much love 🩵

Such a cute bookstore with plenty of New Zealand fiction and international titles.

Awesome place to pop in and browse through the local selection of books for both adults and children. Picked up a little play book for my little one and he’s loving it! Staff was very friendly as well.

Quiet pebble beach with a nice view. We went there on a sunday with awsome weather and there were approximately 10-20 people. There are some trees providing shade. The water temperature is absolutely refreshing. There is also a public toilet and a frisbee golf court...

Early February the lake level was high due to part of the hydro system down. The water was warm. On a calm day it is paradise but when the westerly picks up it is wild. We were staying at the NZMCA park.

Very beautiful beach and clean water of lake tekapo. Can go picnic here with your van parking here.

Nice place for outing very good sunset and sunrise.

Good spot to watch stars in good whether condition.

Quite hidden beach for relaxing and swimming

Lovely and peaceful place.

The Alpine Lodge in Lake Tekapo is pure magic and my absolute favourite place to escape to every year! The cabins are so warm and inviting, and some even have their own hot tub and fireplace, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak in the views. Every season here is breathtaking! Summer bursts with the famous lupins along the lake, while winter turns Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook into the most enchanting snowy wonderland. The staff is super kind and thoughtful, greeting us with fresh bread, delicious chocolates, and a sweet handwritten welcome that instantly made us feel at home. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a fun trip with friends, or a family adventure (with the bonus of an adorable alpaca petting zoo!) I can’t recommend it enough, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

We had a great stay in the Mt John Homestead and one of the spa lodges. Ideal for a large family group. The Homestead was great for hosting large dinners and catering for the group. The fire places with lots of dry firewood available made the place really warm and cosy and the spa pools were great after each day's skiing. Great location with an easy walk into Tekapo. Access to the Cairns golf course was an added bonus.

Wonderful place to stay for families, our kids loved the petting zoo and having lots of space to run around. Lexi’s Lodge was comfortable, warm and had everything we needed for our stay - truly felt like a taste of the McKenzie high country life. Loved the freshly made bread and chocolates as a nice welcoming touch too! We can’t wait to go back next year.

OMG what can I say. Just WOW. We stayed in the Bunker house & what a treat it was. Exactly as advertised. An amazing build with spectacular views to die for. All appliances were top notch with beautiful dining wear, crockery & furnishings. I’m very particular about my bed & I have to admit it was as good as mine. With plush high quality fabrics it was like sleeping on a cloud. With our view from the bed, thanks to the wall to ceiling windows, (which are in all other rooms of the home) i could have just stayed there when whole time. I love my baths too and with the choice of bath in both bathrooms it was an added treat. Large size & very comfortable. Hot tub outside was a fun/nice addition too with that fabulous view. Nice & hot! We were there for 2 nights & we enjoyed the place that much we decided to stay in & eat rather than waste our time going elsewhere for dinner. Why would you? With the view we had & that fire place we couldn’t tear ourselves away. So I’ve driven all my Facebook friends green with envy with all my photos & posts about the place & have got to say I would be happy to recommend the place to anyone & everyone. I just hope that people that stay will enjoy it as much as we did & treat the home with the love & respect it deserves.💕 We will definitely be back next time we book our winter trip in Queenstown. It’s worth the extra drive for sure.

We loved our stay at Lexi's cottage - the woodfire and hot tub were a bonus. Central location at Lake Tekapo. We enjoyed the golf & farm tour. Would highly recommend!

We had a three day ski break at the Friday The Collie Lodge at the Cairns. The place is excellent. REally clever design, very clean and well maintained and lots of very thoughtful touches. We will be back !

Lexis Lodge was as perfect as it was described on the website! It was cosy, comfortable and warm. The hot tub was a real treat! The staff were lovely to deal with, allowing a bit later checkout which served us well with the delay in the highway opening. Highly recommend!! Would stay again

Had a wonderful brunch at this charming place. Nicely decorated little hideout with attention to detail design and interesting back story. The burgers here are great using quality ingredient. Go for the miso broccoli as well! Warm and friendly staff makes you feel right at home in the cold winter. Perfect stop before heading out to the lake visit.

I was very hungry when I came here and left extremely satisfied. The warm atmosphere and decor was nice and relaxing, but the food was great! Given that this could be described as a tourist town, the prices were pretty reasonable and the portions pretty big. Between two of us we had the Rebellious, the Heist and Cayenne Fries. All were amazing. Definitely recommend this place if you're in town and like burgers!

Enjoyed my meal here. Friendly guy at the Bar. Food was well priced for large servings. The creamy sauce, pickled onions and Gherkins really made the burger taste that much better it was very filling. My favourite was the Poutine Fries! Next time I'm in Tekapo I will def be eating here again.

Amazing place for a lunch or dinner. We ordered a lamb burger, a hotdog and some mouth-watering pulled pork fries. All of the food was just delicious! Pair it with a nice lager to top it off!

My friend and I walked in late Saturday afternoon. The wait staff was friendly. The choices of burgers are limited but I think that's good because they have worked well on the menu. This meant we got the best burger. I had the Cajun burger, which I would highly recommend. The interiors are quite nice, even the toilet! They have the history of the dog on their walls which is a nice touch.

This place is charming, as well as the food. Came here for dinner and ordered the Outlaw, which is a pork sausage served in a hotdog-style bun, and also ordered the popcorn chicken and a large flat white. I felt the combination of the sauces for the hotdog bun could have been better, but the popcorn chicken was really good. I'll definitely be back to try their breakfast menu someday! The guys here are uber friendly too.

Came here because the arrogant Japanese Kohan told us to return. Had a burger and chicken wings to start since we didn’t have breakfast. Freshly prepped lamb burger and chicken wings, comfortable space, quick service too. Not sure about the other reviews who got it bad but our burger was absolutely juicy, straight from the kitchen and piping hot. The chicken wings is also piping hot and hot spicy sauce is very good!! I would rather dine here than Kohan anytime!

Great local supermarket in the heart of Tekapo. Got most of the essentials and what you need without the fuss. Rib eye steaks were great along with the nz mussels (although mussels were pricey tasted great thankfully). Cheap water bottles so it’s good to stock up here and best to get the 1.25L than the smaller 600ml bottles. Alternative they had 6 pack water bottles making it a bargain for longer stays in tekapo. 4 Cheese selection was ok, nothing special and pricy for the portion size but a good way to sample without having to buy seperate blocks of everything. Great way to source local NZ produce and have a good day indoors without the need to eat out.

Having visited Tekapo regularly over the last twenty years, I can honestly say this new Four Square supermarket is an absolute game-changer for the town. Remember the days when a little dairy was the only option? Trying to stock up for more than a day or two, or even just grab a decent range of essentials, was a real challenge, especially as the town grew and welcomed more visitors. This Four Square steps up massively. Walking in, it feels like a proper, well-considered supermarket – spacious, well-lit, and really well-stocked. You can find pretty much everything you'd expect from a good-sized grocery store down south, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples, baking supplies, and even a decent selection of local products. The layout makes sense too; it's easy to navigate and find what you need. Sure, you'll notice the prices are a bit steeper than in bigger centres like Christchurch or Timaru – that's just the reality of getting goods all the way out here. But honestly? For the convenience and range it offers now, it feels entirely understandable and worth it. Plus, the staff have always been friendly and helpful whenever I've been in, which makes the experience even better. For anyone staying in Tekapo for more than a night, or especially for locals, this place is a genuine lifesaver. It's transformed the practical side of being here. No more stressing about supplies or making long detours. It's a really valuable and welcome addition to Lake Tekapo.

Insanely out of expectations good roast chock. Reasonable groceries price pretty much just same as major cities especially those on discounts. Staff are overwhelming with customers patients will be need if assistance needed, hd a good young bloke served me today for Id check on beer purchase. Took awhile to wait for it but praise this gentlemanfor his attitude, and the chock ofcourse.

It's a convenient location. However, my wife and I were trying to get a pack of beer to celebrate our anniversary. We were refused as we both only have a full Australian driver's license, which was understandable as if it's complementary. Front desk attitude needs to improve especially the lady with the glasses. We left feeling embarrassed and unwelcome, not what you’d expect from a local supermarket.

My dogs enjoyed their ready HOT cooked sausages after a long day in the snow.

Has a great selection of produce! Bread selection was a little low due to so many people. Friendly customer service reps. Photos as of March 2018

appreciate that this store offers a great selection of groceries and drinks! However, I did notice that the staff could be a bit more welcoming. It would be wonderful to see some smiles, especially in a place that attracts tourists. I was a bit surprised when the cashier, a lovely lady with golden hair, didn’t say “thank you” after I did. A little warmth goes a long way in making customers feel welcome!