Tekapo Travel Guide

Tourist 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.

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Peppers Bluewater Resort

Peppers Bluewater Resort

4.5 out of 5
State Highway 8 Lake Tekapo
The price is NZ$366 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
NZ$366
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,283 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 NZ$432 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
NZ$432
25 Mar - 26 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! (399 reviews)
The room is really small

Reviewed on 22 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

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Galaxy Boutique Hotel
See all 473 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
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,283 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (479 reviews)
good, clean typical Motel room with amenities.

Reviewed on 20 Feb 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

Activities

Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience

Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience

NZ$120
per adult
Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience
Mt John Observatory

Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo

NZ$225
per adult
Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo
Shared Stargazing Tour

Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour

NZ$120
per adult
Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour
Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience

Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience

NZ$61
per adult
Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience
Picture 1 for Activity Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience

Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience

NZ$189
per adult
Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience
Mt Cook One Way Tour From Christchurch Via Lake Tekapo

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

NZ$225
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Christchurch to Mt Cook via Tekapo (1 way) (Small Group)
See all activities in Tekapo

Cities near Tekapo

Adobe

Mount Cook

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

Lake Tekapo

Lake Pukaki featuring snow, mountains and a lake or waterhole

Pukaki

In der Nähe von Fairlie in Neuseeland (New Zealand)

Fairlie