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City guide

Lake Tekapo, NZ

Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north–south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand. It covers an area of 83 km2 (32 sq mi) and is at an altitude of 710 m (2,330 ft) above sea level.

Type Town

Why go

  • Lake in the South Island of New Zealand.
  • Known for Mount Cook (Mt Cook).
  • 1 curated must-see attraction on record, including Lake Tekapo.
  • Served by Tekapo Aerodrome.

History

Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north–south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand. It covers an area of 83 km2 (32 sq mi) and is at an altitude of 710 m (2,330 ft) above sea level.

Must-see attractions

Outdoor

Airports

Glentanner Airport (GTN) 31 km to the centre
Glentanner Station, CAN, NZ — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Pukaki Airport (TWZ) 39 km to the centre
Twitzel, CAN, NZ — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Mount Cook Airport (MON) 39 km to the centre
CAN, NZ — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Tekapo Aerodrome 3.2 km to the centre
CAN, NZ
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
October – March

The warmer, longer-day half of the southern-hemisphere year.

Shoulder season
April – May, September

Milder and quieter, with better value.

Worth avoiding
June – August

The southern winter — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Tekapo Aerodrome. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Lake Tekapo, NZ. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

Coaches & shuttles

Intercity coach
Intercity coach

Tours & experiences

Sightseeing