Tekapo

Travel Guide

Even though it was a bit cloudy it was quite impressive to see the sunset light effects on the changing landscape from the Astro Cafe in the Mt John Observatory.
Even though it was a bit cloudy it was quite impressive to see the sunset light effects on the changing landscape from the Astro Cafe in the Mt John Observatory.
Sunset stone skipping
#springfun
Just after you've passed through Tekapo, or just before you get to Tekapo depending on what way you're driving, you'll have the opportunity to turn down a road that leads you here. 

This is the view from the Astro Cafe set at the top of Mount John with stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. It does cost $8 to drive up to the observatory, but when you're presented with views like this, then it becomes a bit of a no brainer.
Part of the South Island Hydro Electricity scheme these canals are a great place to fish for salmon and trout. It runs between Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki and if you can't catch a fish you can go to the local fish farm and buy one.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Peppers Bluewater Resort

Peppers Bluewater Resort

4.5 out of 5
State Highway 8 Lake Tekapo
The price is S$277 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
S$277
19 Mar - 20 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,281 reviews)
big place and a little confusing walking around. but the views are incredible, the location was good. the room was so small we had almost no place to put our luggage.

Reviewed on 16 Feb, 2026

Peppers Bluewater Resort
Haka House Lake Tekapo

Haka House Lake Tekapo

5 out of 5
5 Motuariki Lane Lake Tekapo Canterbury
The price is S$356 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
S$356
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Tekapo Springs and Maclaren Footbridge are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (398 reviews)
Great place! Superb location. Huge kitchen loved it.

Reviewed on 11 Feb, 2026

Haka House Lake Tekapo
Galaxy Boutique Hotel

Galaxy Boutique Hotel

3.5 out of 5
53 Darchiac Dr Lake Tekapo Canterbury
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (425 reviews)
The hotel was modern, clean and efficient

Reviewed on 10 Feb, 2026

Galaxy Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Peppers Bluewater Resort

Peppers Bluewater Resort

4.5 out of 5
State Highway 8 Lake Tekapo
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,281 reviews)
big place and a little confusing walking around. but the views are incredible, the location was good. the room was so small we had almost no place to put our luggage.

Reviewed on 16 Feb, 2026

Peppers Bluewater Resort
Skyrim Lodge

Skyrim Lodge

3 out of 5
11 Jimmys Lane Lake Tekapo
Stay at this holiday home in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (312 reviews)
The room was clean and comfortable.

Reviewed on 16 Feb, 2026

Skyrim Lodge
Pinewood Motels

Pinewood Motels

3 out of 5
25 Mount Cook Road Fairlie South Canterbury
Stay at this aparthotel in Fairlie. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (474 reviews)
Quiet, but loved the sound of 2 70s era MGs and three other modern MG’s gathered for a rally starting there.

Reviewed on 11 Feb, 2026

Pinewood Motels
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do