Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo Tours and Tickets

1,143 reviews

A glacial lake on New Zealand’s South Island, Lake Tekapo is an adventurer’s playground by day—and a stargazer’s heaven at night. On a clear night, southern hemisphere constellations, plus the Milky Way and the southern lights, shine spectacularly in the UNESCO-listed Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

  • Canterbury

Tours and Tickets to Experience Lake Tekapo

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Christchurch Categories
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$500+
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48 results

What are people saying about Lake Tekapo

Alejandra_S, Nov 2023
Great tour
The guide came very punctual, he was very informative and the overall experience was great! We loved the landscape
SANDRA_M, Nov 2023
The whole trip was...
The whole trip was memorable. Our driver was professional, courteous, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable - an asset to the company.
LAURA_D, Nov 2023
Great day out.
Had a great day, Sarah first leg to Mt Cook, and Diane for 2nd leg to Christchurch. Both great and informative drivers. Had a little bus trouble on 2nd leg but Diane was amazing and sorted out quickly. Great views and quite cold.
KOKMENG_N, Aug 2023
A must visit destination!
Tony our driver and guide for this trip. The mt cook is magnificent and amazed with lake tekapo. The winter view is stunning! definitely a must visit destination in NZ. Thanks kiwitravel for the arrangement:)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Should I book Lake Tekapo tickets in advance?
A:
We recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot since Lake Tekapo can get crowded. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
Q:How much does it cost to visit Lake Tekapo 2024?
A:
Currently, an entrance ticket to Lake Tekapo costs USD 31.16. Guided Lake Tekapo tours start around USD 31.16 per person.
People Also Ask
Q:Is it worth going to Lake Tekapo?
A:Yes, Lake Tekapo is worth visiting, especially if you’re driving between Christchurch and Queenstown. It’s a beautiful lake with mountains behind it and a pretty little stone church–the Church of the Good Shepherd–on the southern shore. In spring and summer, the lakeshore is beautiful with colorful wildflowers.
Q:How long should I spend at Lake Tekapo?
A:Two days is an ideal amount of time to spend at Lake Tekapo. You can visit the relaxing Tekapo Springs, stargaze at night, and go hiking, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding, among other active adventures. Lake Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, so it’s worth waiting for a clear night.
Q:What is there to see between Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/ Mount Cook?
A:The main attraction between Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/ Mount Cook is Lake Pukaki. State Highway 8 passes along its southern shore, where there’s a scenic viewpoint. Then, State Highway 80 runs north up the western coast of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/ Mount Cook Village. There are more viewpoints along the way.
Q:Which is better: Lake Pukaki or Lake Tekapo?
A:Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo are beautiful places, but Lake Pukaki might have the edge. Lake Tekapo has a small town on its southern shore, but Lake Pukaki is less developed. And while the highway just skirts the south shore of Lake Tekapo, the road to Aoraki/ Mount Cook travels the length of its western shore.
Q:Is it better to stay in Lake Tekapo or Twizel?
A:There are good reasons to stay at both Lake Tekapo and Twizel. Lake Tekapo offers more accommodation and dining options, as well as activities and beautiful views directly from the small town. Twizel is further from any lake, so it is less scenic but more convenient if traveling to or from Queenstown without going via Aoraki.
Q:Which is the best season for visiting Lake Tekapo?
A:The best seasons to visit Lake Tekapo are late spring and early summer (November–December). The weather may be a little wet, but temperatures will be mild, and colorful wildflowers, especially lupines, will be in bloom. Midsummer is warm but busier with tourists, autumn is generally pleasant, and winter is beautiful but cold.