https://https://uk.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/lake-tekapo/best-things-to-do/10070057959090
Best Things to Do
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo [2025]
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The Church of the Good Shepherd
4.8
/5
463 reviews
7.5
Based on 2,142 reviews
453m from downtown
Phone +6436858389
Address: Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
Highlights:
Lake views & sheepdog statue
Lake view at Cook Mountain
Saved by 157 users166 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The stone church is only the size of a classroom, but when you push the door open, wow, the whole milky blue lake and snow-capped mountains are right in front of the French window, like a postcard come alive. The old stones on the wall hurt my hands, but the tour guide said it was built in 1935, and I immediately felt that the broken stones were fairy-like.
I bumped into the bronze statue of a shepherd dog at the corner, and its nose was shiny (it was touched), and then I knew that the church was built to thank the shepherd dog for helping to open up the wasteland. Suddenly I understood why the locals have such pious eyes. When I squatted by the lake and ate a sandwich, lupine rubbed against my trouser legs (only in the right season), the lake was so clear that I could count the stones, and the reflection of the snow-capped mountains in the distance was swaying - what kind of internet celebrity check-in, it’s better to be in a daze for a while, cool!
> Tips: If you want to take empty shots, you have to get up early, because once the tour group arrives, it’s full of people. You are not allowed to take pictures inside, but your eyes remember better than the lens, and the lake and mountains seen from that window are amazing!
The Good Shepherd Church is really beautiful! It is located by the tranquil lake, surrounded by continuous snowy mountains and green meadows, and is picturesque. The architectural style of the church is simple and elegant, and the transparent stained glass is soft in the sun. Standing in front of the church, looking at Mount Cook in the distance, feeling the breeze, the heart is extremely quiet. This is not only a good place to take pictures, but also a pure land that can relax the mind and make people linger.
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Lake Tekapo
4.7
/5
342 reviews
7.2
Based on 2,719 reviews
11.2 km from downtown
Phone +6480023538283
Address: Canterbury Region 7999, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.1 of Spring Outings in Lake Tekapo
Highlights:
Expert guides lead you to explore the night sky's mysteries
International Dark Sky Reserve: A Premier Stargazing Haven
Saved by 117 users110 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Standing on the shore of Lake Tekapo, I was shocked by the deep blue, as if the earth cracked a gap, the sky was poured into the lake. The lake surrounded by snowy mountains was calm as a mirror, reflecting the changes of clouds and light. When participating in Earth & Sky stargazing, the Milky Way poured down, the stars were within reach, and the guide's explanation brought the mystery of the universe close to you. Walking along the lake, the white figure of the Shepherd's Church blended with nature, and the tranquility was divine. This is not only a feast of vision, but also a destination for the soul, every moment makes people intoxicated with the pure and tranquil nature.
After descending Mount Eden, we flew from the North Island of New Zealand to Christchurch on the South Island. It took a 3-hour drive to Lake Dekapo and the town of Tekapo, located between Christchurch and Queenstown. It is known as the sapphire of the South Island.
The western side of the lake is the Southern Alps. When the snow on the mountain melts, it washes down minerals and accumulates at the bottom of the lake. Under the sunlight, it forms a dreamy milky blue color.
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Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
4.6
/5
220 reviews
7.1
48.7 km from downtown
Phone +6434351186
Address: Canterbury 7999, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 days
No.2 of Spring Outings in Lake Tekapo
Highlights:
Hooker Valley Trail: Glacier & Mountain Views
22 peaks over 10,000 feet
26% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Stepping into Mount Cook, breathing stalled at the top of the snowy mountain. Mount Cook pierced the sky like a sword in the clouds, and the glacier cracked a diamond-like glow in the sun. On the Hook Valley Trail, the gravel underfoot accompanied by the whisper of the glacier, every step like walking in a painting. The echoes of the Maori legend Aoraki echoed through the valley, reminding the ancient soul of the land. The changing weather made the journey full of surprises, and when the clouds were scattered, the glaciers floating in the lake made me feel like a fairyland, which is the most primitive shock of nature.
The weather in Mount Cook was very good, but the activity of going on a snow plane and returning by helicopter was cancelled due to bad weather on the mountain. It was a pity for two consecutive days. I drove from the Twizel base to the airport at the foot of the snow mountain to inquire and wait, and took the shortest hiking route by the way. The scenery was also pretty good.
No.
4
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Tekapo Springs
4.5
/5
63 reviews
6.8
From £16.58
Based on 1,390 reviews
1.7 km from downtown
Phone +6436806550
Address: 300 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo 7945, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Hot Springs Attractions
Highlights:
Soak & enjoy Lake Tekapo
Hot springs & Lake Tekapo views
43% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Lake Tekapo was formed by volcanic eruptions, so it also has very rich geothermal resources. There are many hot springs here, and there is misty smoke in the middle. You can enjoy the warmth and therapeutic effects of these hot springs to the body. It is very comfortable and definitely worth experiencing.
Tekapo Hot Springs is a truly relaxing and pleasurable experience. The beautiful snow-capped lake Tekapo, the famous starry sky town, soaking in the hot springs here is truly a heavenly life!
No.
5
Dark Sky Project
4.7
/5
6 reviews
4.6
151m from downtown
Phone +6436806960
Address: 1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Stargazing: snowy mountains & lake
Top 3 Lake Tekapo attractions
Verified user reviews
The land and sky of Lake Tekapo are extremely pure. The blue sky, snow-capped mountains, icy lakes and grasslands combine to form a beautiful picture here, and the area around the Church of the Good Shepherd is the best place to view the scenery. At night, the starry sky is equally magnificent. Even if you don't join a professional viewing group, you can still see the starry sky with your naked eyes in the town on a sunny day. The street lights on the road are specially made and will not affect the shooting. I was fortunate to stay in the Blue Water Resort with the best conditions in the area, with a beautiful lake view, but the summer in New Zealand is very long, so it will be late to wait until it is completely dark.
Earth and sky is the perfect way to describe this place. The starry sky town, with the Southern Cross as the center, is close to the sky. The snow-capped mountains and blue lakes, the scenery on the surface of the earth is also intoxicating!
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