Things to do in Tekapo

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Roundhill Ski Resort
Photo provided by Roundhill Ski Resort
Photo provided by Roundhill Ski Resort
Photo provided by Roundhill Ski Resort
Photo provided by Roundhill Ski Resort
Photo provided by Roundhill Ski Resort
Mount John Observatory featuring landscape views, mountains and tranquil scenes
Mount John Observatory featuring tranquil scenes and mountains

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Top places to visit

1. Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park is a fantastic place to enjoy New Zealand’s winter, with skiing and snow sports, hot springs, and snow-capped mountains and glaciers sparkling in the sun. During summer, water sports and hiking are popular. Enjoy the scenic beauty while hiking near mountain peaks, beech forests and a landscape carved by glacial movement.
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Mount Cook National Park showing snow, mountains and tranquil scenes

2. Tekapo Springs

Soak in soothing heated pools or pamper yourself with a remedial treatment at the Tekapo Springs spa.
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Tekapo Springs featuring landscape views and snow

3. Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki sits below New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Combined the lake and mountain create one of the country’s most awe-inspiring vistas. When you see the ethereal, turquoise color of the water, which turns milky when the clouds roll in, you may want to pinch yourself to check if you aren’t dreaming.
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Lake Pukaki which includes mountains, snow and a lake or waterhole

4. Mount John Observatory

Mount John Observatory is one of New Zealand’s leading observatories. Being located on a hilltop overlooking the mesmerizing Lake Tekapo, it’s also hugely popular for its day-time views.
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Mount John Observatory showing tranquil scenes, a river or creek and landscape views

5. Roundhill Ski Area

Overlooking the beautiful azure stretch of Lake Tekapo in Mackenzie Country, Roundhill Ski Area is an exciting and family-friendly ski field amid breathtaking South Island scenery. From an extensive learners’ area to a freestyle terrain park and Australasia’s biggest vertical drop, this little ski field covers a wide range of skill levels.
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Roundhill Ski Area featuring snow and mountains

What to do in Tekapo

Popular places to visit

Mount John Observatory showing tranquil scenes, a river or creek and landscape views

Mount John Observatory

4.5/5(8 reviews)

Take an evening tour to see the wonders of the night sky or visit during the day to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains.

Mount John Observatory
Roundhill Ski Area featuring snow and mountains

Roundhill Ski Area

3/5(1 review)

Spend the day discovering this ski field above Lake Tekapo, which provides beginner-friendly runs alongside the steepest vertical drop in the country.

Roundhill Ski Area

Mount John Lookout

4.5/5(3 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Tekapo with a stop at Mount John Lookout. Stroll along the lakeside in this quaint area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Mount John Lookout

Lake Tekapō Regional Park

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Tekapō Regional Park, a lovely green space in Tekapo.

Lake Tekapō Regional Park

 

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Lake Tekapo showing mountains, wild flowers and a lake or waterhole

Lake Tekapo

Lake Pukaki featuring a lake or waterhole, snow and mountains

Pukaki

Photo by Mel Fekto

Burkes Pass