Lake Tekapo Between the Lake and the Stars

Lake Tekapo brings together a high-country landscape with waterside experiences and guided stargazing. The lake and settlement sit at an elevation of 710 metres; all around them stretches a vast basin of golden tussock grass. State Highway 8 runs directly through the settlement along the lakeshore.

Scenery, trails and swimming spots

Lake Tekapo Regional Park has 24 kilometres of cycling and walking trails, as well as orienteering courses and swimming spots. This gives you different ways to spend time outdoors: you can combine a walk or ride on the trails with a day of swimming or a round of orienteering. The park’s facilities add practical activities to the views of the high-country lake, without limiting you to just one kind of outing.

The Church of the Good Shepherd stands on the lake’s shore. It was built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. Its history extends further back in the wider Mackenzie District: the church was the first to be built in the Mackenzie Basin and opened in 1935. It is classified as a Category 1 Historic Place. Here, the lakeside landscape meets a part of the region’s history.

Stargazing and hot pools

Dark Sky Project tours start at the base at 1 Motuariki Lane, Takapō (Lake Tekapo). The Summit Experience takes you to the University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory at the summit of Mount John in Lake Takapō. The experience there includes guided stargazing with powerful telescopes, including a 16-inch telescope. Availability and equipment may change; check the latest tour details in advance.

Tekapo Star Gazing offers a different combination: the tour starts at Tekapo Springs and pairs guided stargazing with access to the hot pools. Tekapo Springs has three hot pools and an aqua play area with two cooler pools. The experiences are distinctly different: the Summit Experience focuses on the observatory and telescopes, while Tekapo Star Gazing combines stargazing with the hot pools. Tour days and availability may change; check the latest information before making plans.

Plan your stay around your experiences

To choose your base, start by mapping out your planned activities for the day: would you like to include a guided evening stargazing session, explore the trails and swimming spots, or enjoy a combination of stargazing and hot pools? The tour departure points offer a practical guide. All Dark Sky Project tours start at the base mentioned above; check the departure point before your visit, as tour arrangements may change.

You can also factor travel into your plans. Daily shuttle buses run between Christchurch, Lake Tekapo and Queenstown. If you plan to use this connection, check the timetable before travelling.

Cycling in the wider Mackenzie District

For cycling travellers, the wider Mackenzie District offers another perspective. The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail passes through Twizel and is divided into nine sections. Its alternative route from Takapō, or Lake Tekapo, to Twizel crosses the Pūkaki Flats before reaching Twizel. This is on a different scale from the 24 kilometres of cycling and walking trails in Lake Tekapo Regional Park: the trail is a regional route, while the park brings together local trails. Comparing the two can help you decide whether to focus your stay on experiences in the local area or include a cycling route through the Mackenzie District.

Discover more destinations: Fairlie, Kimbell, Twizel, Albury, Mt Cook, Burkes Pass.

Back to the wider travel guide: Mackenzie District.