There are many attractions in Lake Tekapo, from the stunning mountain scenery, the outdoor walks and nearby hiking activities, and the hot pools at Tekapo springs. Here are five highlights of Lake Tekapo.
- The Lake
The Lake itself is a jewel in the crown of New Zealand’s South Island. Stunning and surrounded by dramatic scenery it’s a highlight location for many travelers, nature lovers, and of course, photographers.
- Stargazing
A big drawcard to the township is the night time stargazing activities that take place at the Lake Tekapo hot pools. Stargazers can lie down in the hot pools and gaze into the heavens. Lake Tekapo is well known for its pollution free skies and during stargazing on clear nights planets are clearly visible and even starlink satellites are often visible.
- Nature walks
Lake Tekapo has an amazing regional park (Lake Tekapo regional park) with fantastic rugged and landscape set amongst a dramatic landscape. A highlight of the nature that Lake Tekapo has to offer is the Mt John Summit track. Challenging in parts, it’s an hour and a half track through tussock hills and will give you views of wide open vistas of the Mackenzie District.
- Mt John observatory
Another great place for stargazing. You will find the Mt John observatory at the top of the Mt John summit track. This place is the University of Canterbury observatory and is strategically placed to take advantage of the pollution free night skies and houses powerful telescopes to view into the heavens. There are often guided events where you can see this equipment in action and even use some of it yourself.
- Tekapo Springs
Relax in the Mountain hot pools at Lake Tekapo with stunning elevated views of the Lake and Southern Alps.
Bonus – Chill and Photographers
The best bonus activity at Lake Tekapo is what a great place to chill out it is. In my opinion few things are as relaxing and peaceful as this small mountain township. And if you’re into landscape photography you’ve got it made here.
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