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Lake Tekapo Travel Guide

Lake Tekapo accommodation, Lake Tekapo activities and attractions, Lake Tekapo maps, transportation to and around Lake Tekapo - the Jasons Lake Tekapo Destination Travel Guide is your complete visitor guide for Lake Tekapo.

Church of the Good Shepherd, Tekapo © Christchurch & Canterbury TourismClean air, snow-capped mountains and a turquoise lake are the key features of the alpine settlement of Lake Tekapo.  Backed by the Southern Alps, the township shares its name with the lake, which owes its unique colour to finely ground particles of rock suspended in the water. This small town services the local sheep farming and power station industries. It accesses the magnificent Mt Cook National Park and offers scenic flights over the mountain. 

Attractions include the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, a tiny lakeside church built of stone and oak in 1935, an outdoor ice skating rink overlooking the lake and skiing at the Two Thumb Range, along with trout fishing, hiking, horse trekking, cycling and climbing. Fly-fishers gather during summer and the town's restaurants make the most of the salmon found in its rivers and streams. There is an international observatory located on nearby Mt John. 

Geographic Location

Located on the southern shore of Lake Tekapo, 43km northwest of Fairlie 

Population

350

Climate

Summer average: 20°C
Winter Average: 7°C

Average Rainfall
600mm/year 

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Find Lake Tekapo Accommodation
  • Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park, Lake Tekapo Camping & Holiday Parks
    Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park
    Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park offers holiday park and camping ground accommodation in Lake Tekapo. It is set in the Mackenzie basin amongst trees overlooking Lake Tekapo and the mountains beyond. Accommodation includes 13...
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  • The Residence, Lake Tekapo Motels & Motor Lodges
    The Residence
    The Residence offers luxury accommodation at Lake Tekapo. The Residence has been designed to integrate with nature in a landscaped alpine setting. It promises luxury, comfort and privacy in an idyllic location. Accommodation...
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  • Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort, Lake Tekapo Resorts
    Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort
    Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort is a Qualmark 4-star Self-contained & Serviced motel. It has 19 units and guests can choose from 12 lakeview studios or 5x2brm. Lake Tekapo is the second largest lake in the Mackenzie Basin in...
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