What to do in Tekapo

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Tekapo

Types of activities

Tekapo travel guide

Mount John Observatory showing mountains, tranquil scenes and landscape views

Mount John Observatory showing mountains and tranquil scenes

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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 landscape views, snow and mountains

2. 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 showing a lake or waterhole, snow and mountains

3. 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

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 featuring landscape views, a river or creek and tranquil scenes

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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