THINGS TO DO
Things to do in Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo sits at the heart of the Mackenzie Basin, surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
The Church of the Good Shepherd
Built in 1935 on the shore of Lake Tekapo, The Church of the Good Shepherd is one of the most photographed landmarks in New Zealand. The small stone chapel sits directly on the lakefront, with a window behind the altar framing the lake and the Two Thumb Range beyond.
The church is open to visitors daily and is a short, flat walk from Roam Lake Tekapo along the lakefront path.
→ 5 minute walk from Roam Lake Tekapo
Tekapo Springs
Tekapo Springs offers hot pools, ice skating, a water slide, and a day spa - all with views over the lake. The hot pools are open year-round and are a popular spot for winding down after a day on the trails or the ski fields.
A short drive from Roam Lake Tekapo, Tekapo Springs is an easy addition to any stay.
→ 5 minute drive from Roam Lake Tekapo
Mount John Observatory
Lake Tekapo sits within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve - one of the largest dark sky reserves in the world. Mount John Observatory, run by Earth & Sky, offers guided stargazing tours that take you through the night sky using professional telescopes.
On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible from the villa. Mount John is a short drive from Aorangi Crescent, with tours running year-round.
→ Short drive from Roam Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo Lakefront & Trails
The lakefront path runs along the turquoise shoreline, connecting the village to the Church of the Good Shepherd and beyond. The water's distinctive blue-green colour comes from glacial flour suspended in the lake - it shifts with the light throughout the day.
Mount John summit track begins next to the Tekapo Springs complex, offering panoramic views across the Mackenzie Basin, Lake Tekapo, and on a clear day, Aoraki Mount Cook.
Winter
Skiing & Snow
Roundhill Ski Area and Mount Dobson are both within an hour of Lake Tekapo - two of the best kept secrets on the South Island. Roundhill is particularly suited to families and beginners, with long gentle runs above the lake.
Summer
Day Trips
Aoraki Mount Cook is a 1.5 hour drive from Lake Tekapo and one of the great South Island day trips - the Hooker Valley Track to the glacier terminal lake is accessible to most fitness levels and takes around 3 hours return.
FROM ROAM LAKE TEKAPO
How far is everything?
- Lake Tekapo village 5 min walk
- Church of the Good Shepherd 5 min walk
- Tekapo Springs 5 min drive
- Mount John Observatory Short drive
- Roundhill Ski Area 45 min drive
- Mount Dobson 50 min drive
- Aoraki Mount Cook 1.5 hr drive
- Queenstown 3.5 hr drive
- Christchurch 3 hr drive
Contact Us
32 Aorangi Crescent, Lake Tekapo
bookings@roamtekapo.co.nz
07 222 3630
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