Lake Tekapo
Tekapo is New Zealand's highest lake, and it is renowned for its astonishing turquoise waters. This vibrant hue is due to fine rock particles suspended in the glacier-fed lake, reflecting light. A highlight for visitors is the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a stone building dedicated in 1935, which incorporates timber from the old Tekapo bridge. Nearby, a bronze sheepdog statue honors the vital role of these animals in the local farming community. For breathtaking panoramic views, drive up or walk up Mt John to the Canterbury University Observatory. A short distance away, Lake Alexandrina offers a peaceful retreat as a wildlife reserve with no motorized crafts allowed. For an unforgettable perspective, consider a scenic flight over Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier.
Dark Sky Project Summit Experience
Experience the cosmos like never before with the Summit Experience at Lake Takapō (Tekapo), one of the best places on Earth for stargazing. Located on the summit of Mount John within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, this is your exclusive opportunity to explore the night sky from New Zealand’s only professional research observatory. Guided by passionate astronomy experts, you'll delve deep into the universe using powerful telescopes, including a 16” telescope within a private dome. Discover distant galaxies, constellations, planets, and star clusters while gaining a richer understanding of both Māori and Western knowledge systems. You'll leave with a new perspective on the stars, all while surrounded by the stunning landscape and the clearest, darkest skies in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Grand Traverse Scenic Flight with Air Safaris
The flight of a lifetime, the "Grand Traverse" is a spectacular scenic flight seeing experience allowing you to explore the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. This magnificent flight encompasses two World Heritage National Parks and 200 km of New Zealand's most memorable and spectacular scenery. The contrast of colours is beautiful with the turquoise glacial lake against the tussock covered sheep stations. Your journey will bring you over Aoraki Mt Cook National park where you view New Zealand's longest glacier, The Tasman. From there you cross the main divide into the Westland National Park encompassing the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers which spill down to the rainforests of the west coast. Their large and varied fleet especially selected for New Zealand air tour sightseeing ensures that every passenger has a window seat and all aircraft have wings-above to ensure optimum viewing below. Pilots provide a full and informative commentary with multi language commentary brochures supplied.
Tekapo Springs Stargazing
The ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand! The tour begins with a guided indoor and/or outdoor session combining astronomy and storytelling to introduce you to the spectacular night skies. The experience culminates in exclusive use of a soul-warming hot pool (approx. 37.5 – 38.5-degrees) where you can lie on a floating hammock, feeling as if you are soaking directly in the stars while exploring the wonder of the night sky.
Dark Sky Project - Crater Experience
Navigating your way through the Southern Sky using various telescopes and the naked eye, you will see amazing sights such as our own Milky Way Galaxy, the Southern Cross, Alpha-Centauri - our closest neighbouring star at only 4.3 light-years away, and Sirius - the brightest star in our sky. Behold and learn about our closest neighbouring galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds, which grace our night sky along with constellations such as Orion the Hunter and Scorpius. You may also have the opportunity to see star clusters like the beautiful Jewel Box; awe-inspiring planets; nebulae, immense clouds of gas and dust; and distant galaxies which test the limits of human imagination.
Braemar Station Backcountry Tour with Tekapo Adventures
Enjoy a remote backcountry Scenic 4WD Tour through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful High Country Stations of The Mackenzie Country. Private access to Braemar Station offers guests the best views of unique landscapes and incredible scenery overlooking Mt Cook, Mt Tasman, Lake Pukaki and the Ben Ohau mountain range. Journey through remote 4WD tracks, across some of the most unforgettable High Country and experience the heart of Tekapo’s backcountry landscapes at their finest.
It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.
Tekapo to Twizel with Cycle Journeys
Begin from Lake Tekapo Village and enjoy an easy cycle following the canal as it flows from Lake Tekapo to Lake Pukaki. The first highlight is passing the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon farm located in the canal itself, and a few minutes later you will reach the top of Tekapo B Power Station. The 130-metre elevation above Lake Pukaki provides brilliant views of the Southern Alps and surrounding Mackenzie Basin. A few km from here and the trail around the lower section of Lake Pukaki begins. The trail then diverts away from Lake Pukaki and crosses the ‘Twizel Flats’ alpine tussock plain en route to Twizel township itself.