What to do in Tekapo

Activities, attractions and tours

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Tekapo Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Tekapo has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Tekapo is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Tekapo to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Tekapo Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Tekapo.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Tekapo attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Shared Stargazing Tour

Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour

CA $96
per adult
Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour
Lake Tekapo: Single Day Pass for Hot Pools

Lake Tekapo: Single Day Multiple Entry Pass for Hot Pools

CA $32
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Lake Tekapo: Single Day Multiple Entry Pass for Hot Pools
Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience

Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience

CA $97
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience
Picture 3 for Activity Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience at Cowan's Observatory

Lake Tekapo: Crater Stargazing at Cowan's Observatory

CA $104
per adult
Lake Tekapo: Crater Stargazing at Cowan's Observatory
Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo

Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo

CA $180
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo
Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

CA $309
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing
Picture 1 for Activity Lake Tekapo: 1.5-Hour Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience

Lake Tekapo: 90-minute Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience

CA $152
per adult
Lake Tekapo: 90-minute Hot Pools & Stargazing Experience
Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience

Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience

CA $49
per adult
Dark Sky Indoor Maori Cultural Astronomy Experience
Stunning Scenery

Day Tours from Mount Cook

CA $161
per adult
Day Tours from Mount Cook
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Top places to visit

1. Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park is a fantastic place to enjoy New Zealand’s winter, with skiing and snow sports, hot springs, and snow-capped mountains and glaciers sparkling in the sun. During summer, water sports and hiking are popular. Enjoy the scenic beauty while hiking near mountain peaks, beech forests and a landscape carved by glacial movement.
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A clear mountain stream surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped peaks in the background.

2. Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki sits below New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Combined the lake and mountain create one of the country’s most awe-inspiring vistas. When you see the ethereal, turquoise color of the water, which turns milky when the clouds roll in, you may want to pinch yourself to check if you aren’t dreaming.
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A mountain range with snow-capped peaks, a dense forest, and a turquoise lake.

3. Tekapo Springs

Soak in soothing heated pools or pamper yourself with a remedial treatment at the Tekapo Springs spa.
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A swimming pool with a mountainous backdrop.

4. Church of the Good Shepherd

Take in the exceptional views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains with a visit to the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd. Explore the small building’s simple but charming main chamber and chat with the vicar about the history of the local area. Be sure to walk around the grounds, taking in magnificent alpine views.
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A stone church under a starry night sky.

5. Mount John Observatory

Mount John Observatory is one of New Zealand’s leading observatories. Being located on a hilltop overlooking the mesmerizing Lake Tekapo, it’s also hugely popular for its day-time views.
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A lake surrounded by mountains with snow-capped peaks and a small island with trees.

6. Roundhill Ski Area

Overlooking the beautiful azure stretch of Lake Tekapo in Mackenzie Country, Roundhill Ski Area is an exciting and family-friendly ski field amid breathtaking South Island scenery. From an extensive learners’ area to a freestyle terrain park and Australasia’s biggest vertical drop, this little ski field covers a wide range of skill levels.
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A skier on a snow-covered slope with a rocky cliff and a distant lake.

Recommended things to do in Tekapo

Number of things to do
73
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Lake Tekapo: Guided Petting Zoo Visit: CA $17
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Tekapo

Stay near popular Tekapo attractions

A lake surrounded by mountains with snow-capped peaks and a small island with trees.

Mount John Observatory

9.0/10 (338 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.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Tekapo

A paved path leading through a grassy field towards snow-capped mountains.

Mount Cook

A lake with purple flowers in the foreground, a turquoise sea, and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Lake Tekapo

A mountain range with snow-capped peaks and a calm blue lake in the foreground.

Pukaki

Frequently asked questions

Is Tekapo worth visiting?
Tekapo has a unique mix of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or regional cuisine, there's plenty you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Tekapo?
Mount John Observatory is a great place to begin your getaway adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and retail options in Tekapo while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Tekapo?
Plan a day at Mount John Observatory and discover why it's rated as the top tourist attraction near Tekapo.
Is three days enough to stay in Tekapo?
Three days in Tekapo is enough time to discover the nearby sights. Many travellers love Mount John Observatory and Lake Tekapō Regional Park, so why not check them out while you're in the area?
What are some activities to do in Tekapo with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Tekapo with kids.

What to do in Tekapo for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Tekapo. Whether you're into local cuisine, outdoor pursuits or just love discovering new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Tekapo?
You won't have to go out of your way to find free things to do in Tekapo. Just ask a local tour guide and they'll have suggestions for places and activities you can experience with no costs involved. One free option for your itinerary is Lake Tekapō Regional Park.