Lake Tekapo is a picturesque, turquoise lake located near the Church of the Good Shepherd in the majestic Mackenzie Country. It is famous for its scenic splendor and a plethora of winter activities that it offers. Located at a height of 710 meters above sea level, the lake’s stretch always has a pleasant wind blowing. Visit the popular sheep dog statue standing at Tekapo’s edge. Built in the memory of the strong mustering dogs, this marvelous statue stands for help these animals extended in the grazing of mountains.
Things to Do at Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo offers endless opportunities for activities like canoe trekking, ice gliding, rowing, cross country skiing, sailing, and fishing. Just in close proximity, lies the magnificent Roundhill ski field that offers breathtaking views of the Mackenzie Basin. The spectacular view of the Grand Traverse through flight serves as a feast for one’s eyes. The glorious Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers, and the splendid Tasman Glacier at Mt Cook National Park, are a must-visit for tourists. Lake Mc Gregor and Lake Alexandrina bird sanctuaries are some other interesting places for tourists visiting this place.
The vivid lake offers a great range of illustrious sporting trails and a rare mix of activities round the year. Whether it is traipsing or mountain biking, hill climbing or horse trekking, angling or sailing, ice-skating, ski-touring or windsurfing or flight tours, it’s all in this place.
The evening light on unclad hills, veiling amusing contours and shadows are just perfect to boost up a painter’s or a photographer’s imagination. Various mountain bike excursions are available, and walking trails of all hardships abound, providing truly amazing glimpses along the way.
Accommodations
Revered as one of the New Zealand’s number one tourism destination, Lake Tekapo offers a great assortment of accommodation options for travelers. From luxurious 5 and 4 star hotels to cheap apartments, expensive plush resorts to low-cost B&Bs, the place can easily accommodate any tourist within his/her budget. Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort, Tekapo B2 Lake View Apartment, Tekapo House Bed and Breakfast, and Lake Tekapo Holiday Park and Motels are some of the affordable options where a traveler can stay.
Restaurants
The food joints at Lake Tekapo offer superb dining opportunities with food to match all taste buds, including Japanese, Korean, Middle Eastern, Asian, Chinese, European, and local New Zealand meals to world-class standards. Run 77, Tin Plate Kitchen and Bar, Kohan Japanese Restaurant, and Mackenzies Bar and Grill are some of the top contenders.
Lake Tekapo Location map
Facts about Lake Tekapo
- It is a part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve.
- The Tekapo Springs Winter Park with a large ice rink is the best place for ice games such as ice hockey, skating, and curling events.
- The coordinates of Lake Tekapo are 43.8833° S, 170.5167° E.
Where is Lake Tekapo ?
It is located in the central part of New Zealand’s South Island, at the base of the Southern Alps. The nearest airport is in Christchurch. There are no scheduled railway or air services to the lake. It takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes to reach Lake Tekapo from Christchurch, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Dunedin. You can also reach the lake from Timaru within 1 hour 30 minutes. From Fairlie, the driving time is less (40 minutes). Tekapo’s Air Safaris offer charter flight service from a majority of the airports sited in the South Island and southern North Island. Several buses, coaches, and minibus services are available for reaching the lake.
Best time to visit
Sunny days are the best to plan a visit to Lake Tekapo as the color of the lake is at its best in bright sunshine.
Famous Attractions in New Zealand
Bay of Islands, Milford Sound, Arthur’s Pass National Park, Abel Tasman National Park, Egmont National Park, Waiotapu, Fiordland National Park, Maruia Falls, Sky Tower, and International Antarctic Centre.
Also read: Places to Visit in Australia