Why Tekapo Is New Zealand's Best Stopover Destination

Very few places in the world will have such an immediate impact on you, as a visit to Lake Tekapo.

We say visit, but really it’s an adventure.

Located in the heart of the South Island’s stunning Mackenzie District, it provides the perfect gateway to Central Otago, Canterbury, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the Southern Alps and glacier country.

It’s a special place in its own right, while also being the ideal stopover point for travellers heading between Christchurch in the North and Wanaka, Queenstown and Dunedin in the South.

By day, it has picturesque views over the turquoise coloured glacial lake with New Zealand’s tallest peaks in the background. In winter, snow dusts the winter wonderland landscape while in summer the wild lupins dazzle the shore with their vibrant colours.

By Night, Wonder at the dazzling beauty of millions of stars in some of the clearest, darkest night skies in the world - you’re on the famous starlight highway now.

What to Do

Tekapo Springs

Tekapo Springs is a world class experience and a Must-Do on any trip through New Zealand’s South Island. It caters to relaxation, recreation and exhilaration, all in one of the world's most beautiful places and you can book your next adventure there right HERE on CamperMate!

There is a saying at Tekapo Springs - “Winter Starts Here”. When the first snows of the year dust the alps overlooking the town, and the frosty nights roll in, it’s easy to see why! But you could quite easily say that it’s also where winter ends. Tekapo Springs relaxing lakeside hot pools allow you to soak away the winter chills in the soothing comfort of 36.5-38.5 C degree waters, all while enjoying the amazing lake, mountain and night sky views.

Tekapo Springs is also home to some other awesome experiences:

• Ice skating

There’s not many places in the world where you can find an international-sized ice skating rink in the heart of the mountains, but Lake Tekapo is one of them! Perfect for people of all ages, you get to glide on the ice to your heart's content, all with the stunning lake and mountain views as your backdrop. If you want a break, pull up beside the open fire with a coffee or a hot chocolate and just enjoy the views.

• Stay the Night and Soak in the Stars

It’s hard to find a reason not to spend at least one night in Tekapo, but if we had to give you one reason why you should, it would be this truly unique stargazing experience.

It includes a fully guided stargazing tour complete with a knowledgeable local guide and high powered-astro telescopes for your use in the heart of the stunning Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve (1 of only 13 in the world).

It combines an amazing stargazing and astrology experience with a late night after-hours private entry to Tekapo Springs. You’ll relax and listen to your guides' local stories and legends as you lay back looking up at the sky from the comfort of the hot pools in your water hammocks. Soak in the stars while enjoying all the comforts of this world!

Where to Stay

Lakes Edge Holiday Park

Tekapo is a small town offering huge views. Because of its small size and remoteness, accommodation options are scarce and booking in advance here is recommended. You’ll be spending the night right on the edge of Lake Tekapo's only lakeside holiday park, with world class views from your tent, motorhome, cabin or room. Its prime location makes it the perfect base camp to explore Tekapo and the surrounds. It's an easy (but scenic) )walk from here to many of Tekapo’s top attractions including Tekapo Springs and to the centre of town. What’s more, the best tourist walk runs past your door!

What to See

Lake Tekapo Walkway (1 hour, easy)

This short and well maintained track is easy to walk and is suitable for people of all ages and experience levels. Starting at the edge of town, it leads you past two of the must-see places in Tekapo.

• Church of the Good Shepherd This is one of the most photographed churches anywhere in the world. Its simple yet elegant design makes it stand out against its picturesque alpine location. The stones used for its construction come from the surrounding area, further adding to its charm, and it's been grabbing the eye of travellers since it opened in 1935. The Church of the Good Shepherd is also a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country, making it a true blend of New Zealand’s past, present and future.
• The Sheepdog Memorial Over 100 years ago, shepherds from Scotland flocked to New Zealand to work on the large farms of the high country. They faced a tough job - and it would have been impossible without their border collie sheep dogs. Visit the statue in honour of the sheepdogs of New Zealand who truly are man's best friend here.

After admiring these sites and the incredible views across the lake, continue across the footbridge and along the shore where in summer the famous wild lupins grow. The track leads all the way to Tekapo Springs and Lakes Edge Holiday Park for ease of access.

With its top quality accommodation and activities with world class day and night views, there is much to love about visiting and staying at Lake Tekapo. For many travellers, it ranks as their top stopover destination in New Zealand and a place not to be missed.

Take your foot off the gas the next time you're on State Highway 8 and make a stop off on the Starlight Highway at Lake Tekapo.