Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo
4.5
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- Davinia H150 contributionsAlpine oasisLake Tekapo is a beautiful oasis of contrasts! From the dry, brown hills, the turquoise water to the stunning mountain peaks dusted with snow! The architectural style of this delightful town is very alpine inspired. Just BEAUTIFULVisited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 February 2024
- Janka KBrno, Czech Republic9,200 contributionsThe most blue water that I have seen at any lakeI hadn't seen more blue water at any lake before. This is a really beautiful place worth of stopping. To enjoy the lake, you will either stop by at some parking lot and then hike a bit around, or you will just drive around the lake in your car, since the main road passes the lake anyway. The place is quite windy, so count with this fact in advance, especially if you e.g. have a hat, as I had.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 February 2024
- JHMTTLWoodbine, Maryland1,793 contributionsAmazing Views of Lake TekapoWe stopped at Lake Tekapo enroute from Christchurch to Mt. Cook for lunch. The views of the lake were amazing. The color of the lake is unlike anything I have seen before. We walked around part of the lake, toured the old church and the observatory on the mountain. Try some ice cream at the Cafe adjacent to the observatory.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 March 2024
- たけちゃんゆみちゃん484 contributionsNew Zealand is a safe countryA tourist spot with a reputation for beautiful star views. To be honest, it looked like the stars were falling more in Switzerland and Hawaii... but maybe it's because of my age... If you bring an iPhone, you should research how to take pictures of the stars. You can even take pictures of the Milky Way. Being able to wander around the lakeside on your own in the middle of the night with no lights overseas is something only New Zealand, with its good public safety, can offer. The area around the church gets crowded from dusk to night, but the fantastic lakeside in the morning with few people will be a memorable experience.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 March 2024
- Journey184186Wilmington, Delaware7 contributionsstop on your way to somewhere elseNice stop between Peel Forrest/Geraldine but would recommend just stopping, checking it out and moving on to the next location. Would have been great to see the stars but both nights ended up overcast and observatory closes at 4pm. There are some hikes in the area if you are a hiker, but for sight seeing, can get it done pretty quick. Lake is beautiful!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 April 2024
- Julie W81 contributionsBeautiful place except for having to pay to go to the toilet in the park.Stunning view of The Church of Good Shepherd and the Lake Tekapo. The volunteer staff at the church were warm and welcoming. However, it was disconcerting and ludicrous to find you had to pay to go to the toilets in the park. Not ideal when you have no warning and you are desperate. Other travellers were not impressed either!Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 April 2024
- JaneMLondon144 contributionsLovely view, but don't expect to be there aloneCamped at Lakes Edge Holiday Park - very good - and walked along the lake front to the Church, which is a nice walk. It's a great view but don't expect peace and quiet as it is very busy with visitors. When we were there you couldn't go in the church but you can see the view without that.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 May 2024
- BasNijmegen, The Netherlands66 contributionsBeautiful lake, definitely worth itVery beautiful lake with clear water. Nice to walk around there and go to the church. There is also a nice bridge with good views for photos. If you are in New Zealand, definitely recommend going hereVisited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 June 2024
- Sam S4 contributionsAbsolutely stunningLake Tekapo is absolutely stunning with its turquoise waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop. The scenery is picture perfect, especially with the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd by the lake. Whether you are stargazing at night or enjoying the peaceful views during the day.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 September 2024
- Jesica TChicago, Illinois4 contributionsMust see destination!Lake Tekapo if simply breathtaking! The vibrant turquoise water, set against a backdrop of snow capped mountains, creates a stunning, peaceful scene. It's the perfect spot of relaxing, taking photos or enjoying nature. Whether you visit for the views or the nearby Church of the Good Shepherd, it's must see destination!Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 3 October 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
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91
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happykoabug
Honolulu, HI704 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Lake Tekapo is where the Church of Good Shepherd and the sheep dog monument are located. The grocery store was huge, selling plenty of takeaway foods like sushi, wraps & bentos. They even sold spam for $9.75 nzd. The coffee stand in the store was very popular and always had a line of customers. There is a great play ground for the kids to check out as well as a museum.
Written 6 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jollyrobert
Bridgend, UK948 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
We left Aoraki/Mt Cook resort after two pleasurable days and drove past the pristine blue Pukaki, stopping only to look back wistfully towards the snow-covered mountain. A sharp left turn took us onto the Tekapo road, and the terrain changed quickly back to the more familiar, rounded, rolling countryside that characterises much of New Zealand. We had left the mountains of the Alps behind, and as we approached Tekapo, we descended to the lake shores to explore the ubiquitous area around the Church of the Good Shepherd. We were a little late for the annual lupins, often seen in marketing photos of the area, as they are regarded as a bit of a pest having been sown some years ago by some old lady, with a handful of scattered seed, or so the story goes. The church was locked, and there was little evidence of worship, but there is a dirty window on one end you can peer through to see the simple interior. Nevertheless, the broad shoreline, with its pebble monuments, thrown up by many visitors, contrast against the majesty of the lake, nestling in the surrounding high hills and ridges. Top stop.
Written 24 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AJ
San Francisco, CA332 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Gorgeous. Well worth a night if you have the time in your itinerary. We spent a night in early December and enjoyed the lupin flowers. I would recommend going early or later in the day to get less crowds at the area by the church. Further away from the church was less crowded and also lovely. To enjoy the incredible blue waters. We enjoyed our night in Tekapo. Really enjoyed ice cream from the food cart Serendipity. And I appreciated that it broke up the drive between Mount Cook and Christchurch.
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca
Adelaide, Australia2,195 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Yes it is lovely as seen by the pictures, but aside from the view it is just a very touristy place with lots of tourist shops. Perhaps though if into water sports and activities it might be more of a must-see.
We stopped by for a couple hours over lunch. That was enough. The view is lovely on the opposite side of the lake to the famous church, but the footbridge is nice to walk over. They had artwork from various sculptors on sale on the grass at the time we went
We stopped by for a couple hours over lunch. That was enough. The view is lovely on the opposite side of the lake to the famous church, but the footbridge is nice to walk over. They had artwork from various sculptors on sale on the grass at the time we went
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hime
Japan3 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
I had been looking for a hotel in Lake Tekapo for a few months, but there was nowhere reasonable, so I just kept my sleeping area and went. When we arrived, we were overwhelmed by the marine blue lake and took a leisurely walk by the lake. The starry sky you're looking for...? At night, the clouds covered the sky, and only a few spots were visible, eventually through the clouds. We only planned to spend one night, so it was hard to see the stars, but Lake Tekapo alone was well worth the trip.
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Written 15 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stan B
2 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
Lake Tekapo is absolutely breathtaking! The turquoise water, surrounded by majestic mountains, feels like a postcard come to life. The Church of the Good Shepherd adds charm, and the starry skies at night are unforgettable. It’s a peaceful and stunning destination.
Written 12 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freja H
Copenhagen Region, Denmark22 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Lake tekapo is an amazing place to go with family, friends or by your selvf. If you go I would recomend staying in the YHA Hostel, it's a very affordable place and it's one of the best hostels I have stayed in. The hostel is right bt the church with is a must see if you are by the lake. The church is small and you won't use much time there but it's the most amazing place to take beautiful pictures of the lake and mountains in the background. If you have the time go on the MT John trak. It's a 3 hour track from the city but you can also drive to the top or drive some of the way and take the 1,5 hour trak, do try to do it when the weather is nice. You will get a spectacular view of the lake from the top. The route is medium in difficulty, and a good tip is to do it clock vise if you want to get the hard part over first.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tonisan
Barcelona, Spain757 contributions
Feb 2023
Bufffff. If you are driving from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, you experience some stunning landscapes in less than 3 hours. First, Christchurch and Ashburton's outskirts. Once you take the RD 79 to Geraldine, more rural landscape. Then, after Fairlie, you take the RD8 and a magnificent road scenery, through Burke Pass and after it, 10-15 km of a huge and vast plain. You look at the map and know we are very close to Lake Tekapo, but nothing is visible, yet. And finally, after some small road bends, a clear and stunning turquoise blue color appears in front of you. It's Lake Tekapo. Amazing. Nothing more to say. Unforgettable memory
Written 22 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura
Christchurch, New Zealand15 contributions
June 2023 • Family
Lake Tekapo, a beautiful lake with crystal blue waters that creates the most beautiful backdrop for photos. Nice and peaceful, plenty of parking, and a nice park for our wee boy to walk around and enjoy the views.
A must stop spot for photo lovers, or lovers of beautiful waters. The Church is gorgeous too.
A must stop spot for photo lovers, or lovers of beautiful waters. The Church is gorgeous too.
Written 15 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jun N
Sungai Buloh, Malaysia11 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Amazing view. Feels like want to stay there forever!!! We stay at Fairlie and drive to Lake Tekapo. It takes around 30 minutes driving. At night at Lake Tekapo we can see a superb view of Stars Gazing. Very very amazing view that could not find at other place. Overall we are very satisfied our visit there. If got chances, we surely want to repeat it again and again!
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello all. My husband and I are planning a trip to STH Island in Early Jan 2026. I have Aunt in Te Anau so will def visit there and Milford Sound, also a few days in Queenstown for water fun for the kids???? 18-24! Can anyone recommend any don’t Miss places? We are planning for abt 10 days. TIA
Written 5 January 2025
We're going to be at Lake Tekapo in October and would love to do some scenic walks. Can anyone please recommend any walks up to about 4 hours return.
Thank you
Written 12 April 2021
MAW79
Brisbane, Australia
Hi All,
This is an overall question about the best way to drive from Christchurch to Queenstown over 7days.
My family(6) and Arrive in Christchurch In April and we are hiring a camper van and have little idea what to do with 4 kids under 10.
Any suggestions of a 7 day travel plan? Best holiday parks for kids?
Looking to fish, bicycle, hike and relax. Can you swim over Easter or is it too cold?
Definitely looking at Lake Tepako as our first stop.
Written 22 February 2020
Lake Tekapo Springs would be a good kids activity.
Written 22 February 2020
Is the last week of November (around 25th) a good time to see lupines at Lake Tekapo?
Written 7 July 2019
Yes I think spring would be the perfect time and spring is September-November
Written 7 July 2019
Elaine A
Houston, Texas
We are planning a few days in April 9,10. What weather can we expect?
Written 12 March 2019
Hi, we arrived to sun and t shirts in Nov and woke up to snow and wind, so be prepared and enjoy!
It's a fab place, fab colours fab people.
Written 16 March 2019
Hi, Dean. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Hi I am interested in finding out exactly where this - lavender - field is situated at the lake. I am a pro photographer and we will be visiting Lake Tekapo in a few weeks but we have limited time and don't want to miss out good day light wandering around to look.
Thanks in advance
Written 6 March 2019
My understanding is Lupin flower bloom from spring to summer in NZ. Last year late November, with the help of the locals, they were spotted along the lake front in Lake Tekapo and some more Lupin fields scattered along the way to the Mt John Observatory. From the top of the Mt John, hope you could get a birdview of remaining Lupin fields, if any, in April. Otherwise, enjoy the beautiful view. I found a pair of binoculars was useful to me, too. All the best.
Written 6 March 2019
Planning to go there on July 18/19, 2018. How would the weather be like? Is it still good for viewing?
Written 6 July 2018
Have not been that time of year, but seen photos of winter and it would be amazing I reckon.
Written 10 January 2019
Planning to go there on July 18/19, 2018. How would the weather be like? Is it still good for viewing?
Written 6 July 2018
It is winter time in NZ so it will be cold, wet and windy. The bonus is you will see the mountains covered in snow. It's hard to say what weather you get on the day. I was there late April and it was dry and sunny on the day and then the next three days were wet everywhere on the South Island.
Written 8 July 2018
Hello fellow travelers, I will be visiting NZ south island with my fiancé in September. As I know the weather is turning from winter to spring, I am just curious what is the scenery at the lake? Will it be dull or will the lake be frozen?
I am planning to stay at the Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park.
Thanks in advance all!
Written 30 June 2018
Beautiful stunning any time of year would never disappoint
Written 1 July 2018
I’m travelling alone and do you think it’s possible to go to Lake Tekapo without driving?
Written 9 May 2018
There are lots of tour buses that go the the church of the good shepherd at Lake Tekapo. If you are seeing the other large lakes in South Island which are incredibly blue, then missing out on Lake Tekapo is not such a loss if it makes your travelling difficult.
Written 10 May 2018
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