Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo New Zealand
Tekapo aka Lake Tekapo was once a little village that is fast growing into a town. The highlight of the town is the spectacular backdrop of the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the nearby snow-capped mountains.
Where is Lake Tekapo?
The town of Lake Tekapo (which is sometimes just called Tekapo) is situated at the southern end of the lake of the same name. Both are located in the Mackenzie District of the South Island of New Zealand. The main street of the town is on highway 8, a popular tourist route between
Queenstown and Christchurch, with Tekapo being the approximate half way point. Tekapo is 227km southwest of Christchurch and 257km northeast of Queenstown.
Mt Cook is not far away as the crow flies, but by road Mount Cook village is 105km away on a road that winds along the shores of Lake Pukaki.
Lake Tekapo Ski and Snowboard Areas
Lake Tekapo is a popular place to stay in any season, but during winter it’s a common holiday destination for skiers. Roundhill is the closest ski field, only 32km from Tekapo (a half hour drive away), and a great place for those learning to ski or board.
Tekapo is also a good base for those skiing at
Mt Dobson, 44km to the east. The town of Fairlie is closer to Mt Dobson, but many prefer to stay at Lake Tekapo because it’s more “happening”.
Ohau ski field, a small commercial ski resort, is also nearby. From Tekapo it is 94km to the Lake Ohau Lodge and then a further 9.6km (15-20 minute drive) to the Ohau snow field.
Lake Tekapo is also well situated to go heli skiing at Mt Cook with
Wilderness Heliski,
Harris Mountains or
Alpine Heli Ski. Heli skiing in the infamous Mt Cook region is renowned for providing higher and longer runs than heli skiing in the Queenstown and Wanaka areas.
Alpine Guides also offer the infamous “
Ski the Tasman” tour which is plane accessed skiing on the majestic Tasman Glacier. Skiing is really only a small part of the experience, with the grandeur of the Tasman Glacier being the main event.
A couple of companies also offer guided ski touring trips in the Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook area.
Lake Tekapo Hotels
It seems apt to stay in Tekapo considering that the name “Tekapo” originated from the Maori words “Taka” and “Po” meaning “sleeping mat” and “night” respectively. Thankfully the quality of accommodation is many steps up from just a sleeping mat and includes many
Lake Tekapo hotels, motels, backpackers, bed and breakfasts, and rental houses. Much of the accommodation is reasonably priced.
Lake Tekapo Activities
Taking a look at the Church of the Good Shepherd and the famous sheep dog statue on the shores of Lake Tekapo may only take 5 minutes, but it seems to be a mandatory experience whilst in the area. Other
Lake Tekapo activities include boat trips on the lake, scenic flights across Mt Cook and the Tasman Glacier areas, and some astro-tourism considering that the clear night skies of Tekapo are an epicentre of astronomy activity.
Why Visit Lake Tekapo?
With only a population of less than 500 locals, Lake Tekapo is a small picturesque town that offers a very laid-back holiday. The cost of a holiday is much cheaper than most other ski towns in New Zealand, and it’s a great chance to get away from the crowds to relax.