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.
Peppers Bluewater Resort

Peppers Bluewater Resort

4.5 out of 5
State Highway 8 Lake Tekapo
The price is P11,062 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P11,062
P12,721 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,279 reviews)
Friendly staff, great location.

Reviewed on Feb 14, 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 P13,974 per night from Mar 18 to Mar 19
P13,974
P16,070 total
Mar 18 - Mar 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Tekapo Springs and Maclaren Footbridge are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (397 reviews)
Great place! Superb location. Huge kitchen loved it.

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2026

Haka House Lake Tekapo
Galaxy Boutique Hotel

Galaxy Boutique Hotel

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

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

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Galaxy Boutique Hotel
See all 469 properties in Tekapo
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
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,279 reviews)
Friendly staff, great location.

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2026

Peppers Bluewater Resort
Skyrim Lodge

Skyrim Lodge

3 out of 5
11 Jimmys Lane Lake Tekapo
Stay at this vacation home in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (311 reviews)
The room was clean and comfortable.

Reviewed on Feb 16, 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 WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our 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 Feb 11, 2026

Pinewood Motels
See all properties in Tekapo
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

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

Mount John Observatory

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 showing mountains and snow

Roundhill Ski Area

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

Lake Tekapō Regional Park

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

Lake Tekapō Regional Park

Things to do

Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience

Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience

P4,205
per adult
Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience
Mt John Observatory

Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo

P7,917
per adult
Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo
Mount Cook Day Tour from Queenstown

Mount Cook Day Tour from Queenstown

P7,009
per adult
Mount Cook Day Tour from Queenstown
45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour

45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour

P19,989
per adult
45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour
Mt Cook One Way Tour From Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo

Christchurch to Mt Cook via Tekapo (1 way) (Small Group)

P7,885
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Christchurch to Mt Cook via Tekapo (1 way) (Small Group)
Mt Cook Day Tour From Tekapo

Mt Cook Day Tour From Tekapo (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)

P10,479
per adult
Mt Cook Day Tour From Tekapo (Small Group, Carbon Neutral)
See all activities in Tekapo
Adobe

Mount Cook

Lake Tekapo which includes a lake or waterhole, wildflowers and mountains

Lake Tekapo

Lake Pukaki which includes mountains, snow and a lake or waterhole

Pukaki