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.
Peppers Bluewater Resort

Peppers Bluewater Resort

4.5 out of 5
State Highway 8 Lake Tekapo
The price is ฿6,671 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
฿6,671
฿7,671 total
26 Mar - 27 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! (3,287 reviews)
Very spacious room and great view over the lake

Reviewed on 1 Mar 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 ฿5,537 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
฿5,537
฿6,368 total
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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! (402 reviews)
The room is really small

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026

Haka House Lake Tekapo
The Godley Hotel

The Godley Hotel

3 out of 5
2 Rapuwai Lane Lake Tekapo Canterbury
The price is ฿5,622 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
฿5,622
฿6,465 total
10 Mar - 11 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lake Tekapo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (648 reviews)
The accomodation was looking it’s age

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

The Godley Hotel
See all 480 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! (3,287 reviews)
Very spacious room and great view over the lake

Reviewed on 1 Mar 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! (314 reviews)
Property was very nice and room was clean and spacious. Not contact with staff other than messages over Expedia.

Reviewed on 22 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! (480 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 featuring landscape views, a river or creek and tranquil scenes

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 which includes 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

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

฿2,268
per adult
Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience
Mt John Observatory

Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo

฿4,241
per adult
Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo
Picture 1 for Activity Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience

Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience

฿3,573
per adult
Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience
45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour

45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour

฿10,782
per adult
45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour
Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience

Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience

฿1,144
per adult
Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience
Shared Stargazing Tour

Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour

฿2,268
per adult
Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour
See all activities in Tekapo

Cities near Tekapo

Adobe

Mount Cook

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

Lake Tekapo

Lake Pukaki showing mountains, snow and a lake or waterhole

Pukaki