Tekapo

Things to do in Tekapo

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Tekapo

View all Attractions
Tekapo Springs
2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Tekapo Springs

6.6
4.4/5
69 reviews
Tekapo Springs is located on the shore of Lake Tekapo on New Zealand's South Island, at the foot of Mount John at an elevation of approx. 720 m. The attraction centers on three hot pools filled with locally sourced groundwater that is heated before use, with water temperatures of approx. 36.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius. The three pools are named after three major lakes in the Mackenzie region—Ohau, Pukaki, and Tekapo—and the Tekapo pool is an adults-only area with views out over Lake Tekapo and the Two Thumb Range. The poolside is landscaped with local alpine plants, and native birds such as fantails can occasionally be seen flitting among the trees. In addition to the hot pools, the attraction also features a steam room, a sauna, and a cold plunge pool, as well as a family-oriented children's splash area and a cool-water pool equipped with interactive features such as water jets and fountains. In winter, snow tubing and ice skating rinks and other snow and ice activities open on site, while in summer visitors can enjoy mini golf. The attraction also has a day spa and a café, where guests can relax while taking in the lake and mountain scenery. Tekapo sits within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, which is an international dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere. A guided tour combining the hot pools with stargazing lets visitors admire the brilliant Southern Hemisphere night sky under expert guide and relax in a dedicated hot pool, extending the daytime hot pool relaxation into the night.Lake Tekapo · 3.2 km from Tekapo
Lake Tekapo
No. 1 of Spring Outings in New Zealand

Lake Tekapo

6.6
4.6/5
343 reviews
Lake Tekapo is located in the Mackenzie Basin in the central part of the South Island of New Zealand. It is a lake formed by glacial meltwater, with a surface altitude of approx. 700 m and an area of approx. 80 sq km. The lake water displays a distinct turquoise color, making it stand out in the alpine scenery of the South Island. This unique color comes from fine rock flour ground by glaciers: as glaciers move slowly, they grind rock layers into extremely fine particles, which flow into the lake with the meltwater and remain suspended for a long time. Under sunlight, the water color shifts between milky blue and emerald green, changing with the weather and light. The lake is surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps and open meadows. Standing on the lakeshore are the stone-built The Church of the Good Shepherd and a bronze statue of a sheepdog, which together with the lake and mountain scenery behind them form a common photo opportunity. Ascending Mount John on one side of the lake area also offers a panoramic view of the intertwined lake and basin. Lake Tekapo is also part of the Waitaki hydroelectric power system—the lake water is diverted for power generation, and the lake level is artificially regulated, rising and falling regularly within a certain range throughout the year. The lake area is far from city lights and has excellent night sky conditions; on clear nights, you can see the clear Milky Way and Southern Hemisphere constellations, and stargazing is a long-standing local experience. From late spring to early summer each year, the lakeshore is covered in patches of lupins, with pink and purple flower belts spreading along the shore; in other seasons, it takes on a simple color palette composed of snow-capped mountains, clear water, and short grass, with the scenery changing with the seasons. Walking, cycling, or boating along the lake are common ways to experience this alpine lake.Tekapo · 11.3 km from downtown
The Church of the Good Shepherd
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Mackenzie Basin

The Church of the Good Shepherd

6.5
4.7/5
461 reviews
The Church of the Good Shepherd stands on the shore of Lake Tekapo. Built to commemorate the early pioneers of the Mackenzie region, it remains the only church in the town, and local residents still come here regularly for worship. The church is small, with walls built from natural stones gathered within a few km of the area, preserving even the lichen on the stones. The dark slate roof, the small cross on the ridge, and the small bell tower on one side allow it to blend seamlessly with the open lakeshore. A famous view of the church is from within: when it was built, a large window was intentionally left at one end of the altar, framing the azure lake and the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps on the opposite shore like a natural painting. On clear days, you can even make out the silhouette ofAoraki / Mount Cookin the distance. The church interior is only open to visitors during certain hours of the day, and photography is prohibited inside. Even if you don't go inside, taking a walk along the lakeshore path around the church for photos is equally worthwhile. Don't forget the bronze statue of a sheepdog not far away, which commemorates the collies that herded in the Mackenzie highlands. If you walk from the town across the small bridge, the church and the statue form a perfect loop. After dark, the scene changes: Tekapo is located in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, with extremely low light pollution. The Milky Way stretching across the night sky is visible to the naked eye, and celestial bodies rarely seen in the Northern Hemisphere, such as the Southern Cross and the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, are also clearly visible. In early summer, lupins bloom along the lake, and the church, the sea of flowers, the lake, and the snow-capped mountains form a popular photo opportunity.Lake Tekapo · 1.2 km from Tekapo
Tekapo Star Gazing
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo

Tekapo Star Gazing

6.2
4.3/5
3 reviews
Tekapo Star Gazing offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the Milky Way and nebulae up close, thanks to minimal light pollution and crystal-clear atmospheric conditions, turning the starry sky into a poetic experience within reach. The attraction offers various stargazing experiences. Professional guides operate large-aperture telescopes to observe celestial objects unique to the Southern Hemisphere, such as the Magellanic Clouds and Alpha Centauri, while sharing Maori myths behind the constellations. Visitors can lie on specially designed recliners to identify dust lanes and star clusters in the Milky Way's core with the naked eye, experiencing the raw beauty of starlight. The site also provides simple equipment for capturing stunning night sky images featuring star trails and auroras. Daytime activities are equally enriching: Walk along the lakeside trail of Tekapo to observe the unique glacial erosion landscape and explore the cosmic and geological link. A guide will explain how local plants adapt to high-altitude environments, such as the cold-resistant properties of silver tussock. Relax on the lawn in front of the Church of the Good Shepherd, listening to the gentle lapping of the lake, preparing your mind for the stargazing adventure ahead. You can also hear Maori elders share legends of the Southern Cross and its connection to navigation and seasonal changes, or learn to paint Maori star-themed patterns with natural pigments, creating your own celestial story.Lake Tekapo · 1.3 km from Tekapo

Traveler favorites curated for you

Experiences you can't miss in Tekapo

Featured Culture & history in Tekapo

View all Culture & history
Christchurch round-trip English tour: Lake Tekapo + Church of the Good Shepherd visit + Mount Cook Park hike
󱌍
FromTWD 6,685
Christchurch: Mt Cook & Tekapo Small-Group Tour (incl Lunch)
󱌍
4.7/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 13 hrs
English
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 4,424TWD 4,657
Lake Tekapo: Indoor Dark Sky Cultural Astronomy Experience
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 45 mins
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromTWD 1,027TWD 1,082
Fox Glacier hike + helicopter transfer | reconfirmation required
󱌍
FromTWD 20,753

More things to do

Private Tours in Tekapo

View More Private Tours in Tekapo
Tekapo Today's weatherPartly cloudy 7-18℃
Tekapo weather for the next 2 days11/5: 11-22℃, 11/6: 9-24℃

Free things to do in Tekapo

What travelers say about Tekapo

user-avatar
🎀彡🐾April 25, 2020
5.0
Lake Tekapo was formed by volcanic eruptions, so it also has very rich geothermal resources. There are many hot springs here, and there is misty smoke in the middle. You can enjoy the warmth and therapeutic effects of these hot springs to the body. It is very comfortable and definitely worth experiencing.

Tekapo Springs

user-avatar
铨上风满楼February 21, 2026
4.0
Located a popular tourist destination a 3.25-hour drive southwest of Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island… the scenery here is breathtaking. The Church of the Good Shepherd is a must-see. If driving from Christchurch to Queenstown, this is a great stopover! It's also perfect for a weekend getaway, with a small hot spring nearby… a good place to unwind after a long drive… and a popular spot for photographers to capture stunning images!

Lake Tekapo

user-avatar
KC travelholicApril 6, 2026
5.0
Located near lake tekapo, a very nice church with vibe of art. It is worth going. Very scenic and a signature place in NEW zealand. Different feelings when u come in winter and summer. A place that u cant miss out in NZ. Please come and take photos.

The Church of the Good Shepherd

user-avatar
jing0lingJanuary 22, 2024
5.0
nice place with nice Astro Cafe, Astro cafe opening hour is depends on the weather. if is too windy they will close.

Mount John

user-avatar
286***48October 20, 2026
5.0
Joining a Chinese-language stargazing tour at Lake Tekapo was excellent. The stargazing location was completely free of light pollution, and the staff were very attentive, providing chairs and blankets as it got quite chilly at night. The explanations were detailed and professional, and they even included a complimentary photo opportunity for each participant at the end. It was great value for money. If you drive yourself, the staff will add you on WeChat beforehand and provide detailed directions.

Tekapo Chinese Stargazing

user-avatar
旅の径October 26, 2020
4.0
New Zealand has many lakes, most of which are surrounded by mountains, with winding coastlines, clear water and pleasant scenery. It is an excellent tourist destination. Lake Pukaki, located in the central part of the South Island, is worth visiting for its four unique features. First, the lake is rich in rock particles and minerals. Under the sunlight, it reflects a unique blue color, which is dreamy and attractive, and has the reputation of "Blue Milk Lake". Second, the lakeside is the best place to overlook Mount Cook. When the weather is fine, standing on the south bank of Lake Pukaki, the Southern Alps on the north bank 55 kilometers away are clearly visible, and the highest peak is Mount Cook. Third, the lifelike Tahr sheep statue. The Tahr sheep, native to the Himalayas, lives between high mountain cliffs. It is a first-class protected animal in my country and is listed as a "near endangered" animal in the world. In 1904, a British man brought five Tahr sheep to the South Island. Because they had no natural enemies, Tahr sheep thrived in the Cook Range and became the favorite hunting animal for European and American hunters to hunt in New Zealand. In 2014, people erected a handsome and mighty Tahr sheep statue on the shore of Lake Pukaki to commemorate the contributions of relevant people in protecting Tahr sheep worldwide. Taking a photo with the statue is the only choice for all tourists. Fourth, on the south bank of Lake Pukaki, there is a Mount Cook salmon farm. The salmon produced is firm and tender, cheap and good quality. Many food lovers come here to taste and buy.

Lake Pukaki

user-avatar
M37***08October 9, 2026
5.0
The experience of lying down and stargazing was fantastic. The explanations were very engaging, and our 5-year-old listened to the entire presentation starting at 11 pm. The nebulae seen through the telescope were especially beautiful and breathtaking. The final activity of roasting marshmallows was a favorite among the kids. The professional stargazing photos were also a precious highlight of the trip, and we even captured a glimpse of the pink aurora. Overall, it's a highly recommended family-friendly experience. However, reservations need to be made at least a month in advance.

Tekapo Star Gazing

user-avatar
广州丁满March 5, 2020
4.0
The land and sky of Lake Tekapo are extremely pure. The blue sky, snow-capped mountains, icy lakes and grasslands combine to form a beautiful picture here, and the area around the Church of the Good Shepherd is the best place to view the scenery. At night, the starry sky is equally magnificent. Even if you don't join a professional viewing group, you can still see the starry sky with your naked eyes in the town on a sunny day. The street lights on the road are specially made and will not affect the shooting. I was fortunate to stay in the Blue Water Resort with the best conditions in the area, with a beautiful lake view, but the summer in New Zealand is very long, so it will be late to wait until it is completely dark.

Dark Sky Project

Trip Moments in Tekapo

Popular cities near Tekapo

Frequently asked questions

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Mount Cook 1-day tour | Lake Tekapo · The Church of the Good Shepherd | Tasman Glacier viewpoint hiking trail, Queenstown to Christchurch one-way 1-day tour | Aoraki / Mount Cook · Lake Pukaki · Lake Tekapo, and One-way tour from Queenstown to Christchurch via Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo [Includes transfers]. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 4, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Tekapo is around TWD 4,031 – TWD 8,083. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.