Lake Tekapo Area

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Spectacular views over Lake Tekapo
Spectacular views over Lake Tekapo
Historic church at Lake Tekapo
Historic church at Lake Tekapo
Round Hill ski area is very close to Lake Tekapo
Round Hill ski area is very close to Lake Tekapo
The huge ski face at Round Hill has amazing views.
The huge ski face at Round Hill has amazing views.
Peppers Resort at Lake Tekapo
Peppers Resort at Lake Tekapo
The town was more of a way-side stop but now becoming a destination
The town was more of a way-side stop but now becoming a destination
There are a few nice restaurants & bars at Lake Tekapo
There are a few nice restaurants & bars at Lake Tekapo
Looking across the lake at the big face at Round Hill ski area
Looking across the lake at the big face at Round Hill ski area
The Lake Tekapo hots springs is a popular activity
The Lake Tekapo hots springs is a popular activity
The views at Lake Tekapo
The views at Lake Tekapo
The locals certainly have great views at Lake Tekapo
The locals certainly have great views at Lake Tekapo
Mt Dobson is a popular family ski area with some good side country
Mt Dobson is a popular family ski area with some good side country
Mount Dobson is just 44km from Lake Tekapo
Mount Dobson is just 44km from Lake Tekapo
Scenic flights to Mt Cook are a popular activity from Lake Tekapo
Scenic flights to Mt Cook are a popular activity from Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is famous for its observatories
Lake Tekapo is famous for its observatories
Some more of the locals at Lake Tekapo
Some more of the locals at Lake Tekapo
Ohau is a fabulous ski area located 94km from Lake Tekapo
Ohau is a fabulous ski area located 94km from Lake Tekapo
Sunset at Lake Tekapo
Sunset at Lake Tekapo
Gigantic moon over the historic church at Lake Tekapo
Gigantic moon over the historic church at Lake Tekapo
Be sure to stay a few nights in Lake Tekapo...you will love it!
Be sure to stay a few nights in Lake Tekapo...you will love it!

Lake Tekapo Area

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Lake Tekapo

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Lake Tekapo New Zealand

Tekapo aka Lake Tekapo was once a little village that is fast growing into a popular tourist town. The highlight of the town is the spectacular backdrop of the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the nearby snow-capped mountains.

Where is Lake Tekapo?

The town of Lake Tekapo (which is often just called Tekapo) is situated at the southern end of the lake of the same name. Both are located in the Mackenzie District of the South Island of New Zealand. The main street of the town is on highway 8, a popular tourist route between Queenstown and Christchurch, with Tekapo being the approximate half way point. Tekapo is 227km southwest of Christchurch and 257km northeast of Queenstown.

As the crow flies, Tekapo is close to the Mt Cook area, although by road the Mount Cook village is 105km away.

Tekapo Ski Fields

Lake Tekapo is a popular place to stay in any season, but during winter it’s a common holiday destination for skiers and snowboarders. Lake Tekapo is well located to access four NZ ski fields as a day trip; one club field and three small commercial ski resorts. The four ski fields are very inexpensive and uncrowded.

Roundhill is the closest ski field, only 32km from Tekapo (a half hour drive away), so it's often called the Tekapo Ski Field. Roundhill is a great place for families, beginners and intermediates, and the new mega ropetow has also made the ski field very attractive to advanced and expert riders.

Tekapo is also a good base for skiing at Mt Dobson, 44km to the east. The town of Fairlie is closer to Mt Dobson, but many prefer to stay at Lake Tekapo because it’s more “happening”.

Ohau ski field is also nearby. From Tekapo it is 94km to the Lake Ohau Lodge and then a further 9.6km (15-20 minute drive) to the Ohau snow field.

Fox Peak is a primitive club field that is 78km (75 minute drive) from Lake Tekapo. Fox Peak is completely deserted and the steep slopes are ideal for advanced riders..

Lake Tekapo is also well situated to go heli skiing at Mt Cook with Mt Cook Heliski (previously Wilderness Heliski and guided by Alpine Guides) or Harris Mountains. Heli skiing in the Mt Cook region is renowned for providing higher and longer runs than heli skiing in the Queenstown and Wanaka areas.

Mt Cook Ski Planes offer the famous “Ski or Snowboard the Tasman” tour which is plane accessed skiing/snowboarding on the majestic Tasman Glacier. Skiing/snowboarding is really only a small part of the experience, with the grandeur of the Tasman Glacier being the main event. Or Alpine Guides run a Ski the Tasman tour where the Tasman Glacier is accessed via helicopter and 2 long ski runs are included. The Tasman Glacier slopes are quite mellow so these tours are ideal for intermediates.

A couple of companies also offer guided ski touring trips in the Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook area.

Lake Tekapo Accommodation

It seems apt to stay in Tekapo considering that the name “Tekapo” originated from the Maori words “Taka” and “Po” meaning “sleeping mat” and “night” respectively. Thankfully the quality of Lake Tekapo accommodation is many steps up from just a sleeping mat and includes a few hotels, motels, apartments, backpackers, bed and breakfasts, and rental houses. Some of the Tekapo accommodation is very reasonably priced.

Lake Tekapo Activities

Taking a look at the Church of the Good Shepherd and the famous sheep dog statue on the shores of Lake Tekapo may only take 5 minutes, but it seems to be a mandatory experience whilst in the area.

Other Lake Tekapo activities include boat trips on the lake, scenic flights across the Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier areas, and a soak in the Tekapo hot springs. Tekapo also has some astro-tourism considering that the clear night skies make Tekapo are an epicentre of astronomy activity.

Why Visit Lake Tekapo?

With only a population of less than 500 locals, Lake Tekapo is a small picturesque town that offers a very laid-back and family friendly holiday.

Heli Skiing Tours

Ski The Tasman - Classic 2 Run Day
MT COOK HELI GLACIER SKIING
2 massive runs of 8 - 10 km each
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
A Ski the Tasman odyssey should definitely be on your bucket list! The inimitable opportunity to go heli skiing on a glacier with two million years of history is an activity not to be missed. This is without doubt one of the most incredible experiences you will ever have!!!
Price p/p Price is per person Ex Mt Cook.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 813
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Harris Mountains Heliski Private Charters
PRIVATE CHARTER HELI SKIING QUEENSTOWN, WANAKA, MT COOK
Fully customisable
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Private heli skiing charters offer the ultimate in flexibility and freedom to explore the vast heli skiing terrain, set your own pace, and ski or snowboard as much as you want, and wherever conditions permit. Get together your own group of up to 4 (single load) or 5-10 (double load).
Price p/p Per person price based on a group of 10 with 2 hours of helicopter flight time for 2024 season.
Base/invoice currency is in NZD inclusive of tax.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 862
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See all Heli Skiing tours that visit Lake Tekapo here
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