Lake Tekapo Family Adventure Holiday Guide

The amazing turquoise Lake Tekapo is the gateway to the Mackenzie Basin when entering from the north. Surrounded on three sides by towering, jagged mountain peaks it has a truly alpine feel, with big skies and an extraordinary feeling of space.

Lake Tekapo village is located at the southern end of the lake and is a perfect base for adventures in the area. Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, because its night skies are exceptionally clear and unpolluted by artificial light. 

Lake Tekapo was formed by retreating glaciers the end of the last ice age 20,000 years ago. Its striking turquoise colour is by glacial 'rock flour,' which are fine particles of ground-up rock suspended in the meltwater flowing down from glaciers in the Godley and Macaulay valleys at the northern end of the lake 

The lake is 24 km from long, up to 6km wide, and up to 190 metres deep. The elevation is a bit over 700 metres above sea level – much higher than Lake Wanaka or Whakatipu – which contributes to the cold nights and heavy snow that often blankets the area in winter. 

This is a pretty much flat, bike and buggy friendly track with glorious lake and mountain view and plenty of space for kids to explore along the way. 

The iconic Lake Tekapo photo op. If you want a shot of the Church in magnificent isolation, go early as it’s a very popular spot with tour groups. 

It’s stoney but good for paddling and splashing around and safe for swimming. But don’t swim near the hydro dam outlet as there are currently. Look out for the warning signs and never go past the buoy line. 

An easy loop track with amazing views of the lake and mountains that’s within the capabilities of active young children.  

Get out there before the wind gets up for a tranquil paddle. You can hire on the lakeshore.

Tucked in under the hill at the western side of the lake, alog from the village, this is the perfect place to wind down and soothe tired muscles after a day or adventure, or anytime with the kids. There is a selection of pools to try and epic views to soak up. In winter there is snow tubing and ice skating as well. 

Older kids can manage the lake-to-summit track; younger ones often enjoy the summit loop if you drive up. The walk is just under 3km each way, and the reward is incredible 360° views. 

Flat forest trails suitable for kids’ bikes — quiet, sheltered, and great for family cycling. 

A beautiful lakeside track with gentle terrain and lots of picnic spots. 

Excellent for younger children; close to cafés and flat walking areas. 

Tekapo is world-famous for its night sky. If you take a tour, you’ll be introduced to all the constellations, but even looking up on a clear night at Tekapo is an amazing experience. If you decide to take a tour, make sure to wrap up warmly as it can get very cold at night, even in summer. 

This is a little peaceful lake about 10 minute’s drive from Tekapo that features easy walking tracks, picnic spots, and you can even cast a line out for trout from the shore. 

Our Tekapo store in Matariki Lane has all the top international brands like Arc’teryx, Patagonia, The North Face, Picture Organic Clothing, Norrona, Icebreaker, Salomon, On Running, and many more in one place.  

We also have Tekapo’s best selection of premium brand hiking and running footwear plus the world’s finest hiking gear, tents and sleep systems. 

If you’re getting out on the lake for fun with your watercraft or to do a spot of fishing, we can help you with both of those activities too.  We also have a selection of bikes for hire so you can ride the scenic trails near the lake.