Title: Things to Do in Tekapo in 2026 | Expedia.com [Hotels in Tekapo](https://expedia.com/Tekapo-Hotels.d553248635975858448.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Tekapo](https://expedia.com/Cheap-Flights-To-Tekapo.d553248635975858448.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Car Rentals in Tekapo](https://expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Tekapo.d553248635975858448.Car-Rental-Guide)[Tekapo Vacation Packages](https://expedia.com/Tekapo.d553248635975858448.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Things to do in Tekapo ## Find and book activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Tekapo Types of activities [Tekapo Travel Guide](https://expedia.com/Tekapo.dx553248635975858448) ![Even though it was a bit cloudy it was quite impressive to see the sunset light effects on the changing landscape from the Astro Cafe in the Mt John Observatory.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635975858448/4a646921-d13e-4164-b4dd-452359c09dd5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Even though it was a bit cloudy it was quite impressive to see the sunset light effects on the changing landscape from the Astro Cafe in the Mt John Observatory.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635975858448/4a646921-d13e-4164-b4dd-452359c09dd5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Sunset stone skipping #springfun ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635975858448/8d51bcd3-f4e7-401e-b13a-fb0f41e07bf2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Just after you've passed through Tekapo, or just before you get to Tekapo depending on what way you're driving, you'll have the opportunity to turn down a road that leads you here. This is the view from the Astro Cafe set at the top of Mount John with stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. It does cost $8 to drive up to the observatory, but when you're presented with views like this, then it becomes a bit of a no brainer.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635975858448/4e1cd1f9-52c1-46b9-bdb1-ef89ca9f3f63.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Part of the South Island Hydro Electricity scheme these canals are a great place to fish for salmon and trout. It runs between Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki and if you can't catch a fish you can go to the local fish farm and buy one.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635975858448/6bacbe18-a93c-422d-8ae1-6e101143af1c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals. [Learn about One Key](https://www.expedia.com/welcome-one-key) --- ## Tekapo must see attractions ### 1\. Mount Cook National Park Mount Cook National Park is a fantastic place to enjoy New Zealand’s winter, with skiing and snow sports, hot springs, and snow-capped mountains and glaciers sparkling in the sun. During summer, water sports and hiking are popular. Enjoy the scenic beauty while hiking near mountain peaks, beech forests and a landscape carved by glacial movement. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Mount-Cook-National-Park-Mount-Cook.d6139475.Vacation-Attraction) ![Mount Cook National Park showing mountains, tranquil scenes and snow](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621532610225/1b2670b0-fa6b-44ef-8352-ddf708944c35.jpg) ### 2\. Lake Pukaki Lake Pukaki sits below New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Combined the lake and mountain create one of the country’s most awe-inspiring vistas. When you see the ethereal, turquoise color of the water, which turns milky when the clouds roll in, you may want to pinch yourself to check if you aren’t dreaming. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Lake-Pukaki-Canterbury.d6113036.Vacation-Attraction) ![Lake Pukaki showing mountains, snow and a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113036/6ac179f3-120d-4df9-aab1-f03035c55613.jpg) ### 3\. Tekapo Springs Soak in soothing heated pools or pamper yourself with a remedial treatment at the Tekapo Springs spa. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Tekapo-Springs-Lake-Tekapo.d6239359.Vacation-Attraction) ![In the shoulder season the pools are very quiet. Since they're hot, it really doesn't matter what the weather does. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6239359/7cb66e1f-4295-4a73-b76a-ca96b37abc20.jpg) ### 4\. Church of the Good Shepherd Take in the exceptional views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains with a visit to the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd. Explore the small building’s simple but charming main chamber and chat with the vicar about the history of the local area. Be sure to walk around the grounds, taking in magnificent alpine views. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Church-Of-The-Good-Shepherd-Lake-Tekapo.d6113030.Vacation-Attraction) ![Church of the Good Shepherd](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113030/bdbca11c-fb30-4582-a971-343f277a330f.jpg) ### 5\. Mount John Observatory Mount John Observatory is one of New Zealand’s leading observatories. Being located on a hilltop overlooking the mesmerizing Lake Tekapo, it’s also hugely popular for its day-time views. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Mount-John-Observatory-Tekapo.d6239366.Vacation-Attraction) ![Mount John Observatory showing tranquil scenes, a lake or waterhole and landscape views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6239366/2f79f4fb-2dc1-45c3-9712-c3bacb25c8cc.jpg) ### 6\. Roundhill Ski Area Overlooking the beautiful azure stretch of Lake Tekapo in Mackenzie Country, Roundhill Ski Area is an exciting and family-friendly ski field amid breathtaking South Island scenery. From an extensive learners’ area to a freestyle terrain park and Australasia’s biggest vertical drop, this little ski field covers a wide range of skill levels. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.com/Roundhill-Ski-Area-Tekapo.d6241344.Vacation-Attraction) ![Roundhill Ski Area featuring snow and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6241344/1586366c-7d87-4329-b093-57642bbb90c1.jpg) ## Recommended things to do in Tekapo | Number of things to do | 53 | | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Lake Tekapo: Single Day Multiple Entry Pass for Hot Pools](/things-to-do/lake-tekapo-single-day-pass-for-hot-pools.a50138640.activity-details): $25 | | Top 5 things to do | [Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience](/things-to-do/lake-tekapo-stargazing-experience.a48201909.activity-details)[Lake Tekapo: Mountaintop Stargazing at Mount John Summit](/things-to-do/lake-tekapo-mount-john-observatory-stargazing-tour.a44622207.activity-details)[Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo](/things-to-do/summit-experience-university-of-canterbury-mt-john-observatory.a45272584.activity-details)[Mount Cook Day Tour from Queenstown](/things-to-do/mount-cook-day-tour-from-queenstown.a1393863.activity-details)[Lake Tekapo: Single Day Multiple Entry Pass for Hot Pools](/things-to-do/lake-tekapo-single-day-pass-for-hot-pools.a50138640.activity-details) | | Under $25 | [Lake Tekapo: Single Day Multiple Entry Pass for Hot Pools](/things-to-do/lake-tekapo-single-day-pass-for-hot-pools.a50138640.activity-details) | | With kids | [Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience](/things-to-do/lake-tekapo-stargazing-experience.a48201909.activity-details)[Lake Tekapo: Mountaintop Stargazing at Mount John Summit](/things-to-do/lake-tekapo-mount-john-observatory-stargazing-tour.a44622207.activity-details)[Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo](/things-to-do/summit-experience-university-of-canterbury-mt-john-observatory.a45272584.activity-details)[Mount Cook Day Tour from Queenstown](/things-to-do/mount-cook-day-tour-from-queenstown.a1393863.activity-details)[Lake Tekapo: Single Day Multiple Entry Pass for Hot Pools](/things-to-do/lake-tekapo-single-day-pass-for-hot-pools.a50138640.activity-details) | ## What to do in Tekapo --- Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Tekapo? [Search event tickets](https://www.expedia.com/event-tickets/) to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend! --- --- ### Discover the most popular places to visit in Tekapo ![Mount John Observatory which includes tranquil scenes, a river or creek and landscape views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6239366/a6ed96e8-977d-41b3-aa7a-ccb499733a31.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Mount John Observatory 4.5/5(22 reviews) Take an evening tour to see the wonders of the night sky or visit during the day to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. [](https://expedia.com/Mount-John-Observatory-Tekapo.d6239366.Vacation-Attraction) ![Roundhill Ski Area featuring snow and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6241344/1586366c-7d87-4329-b093-57642bbb90c1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Roundhill Ski Area 5/5(1 review) Spend the day discovering this ski field above Lake Tekapo, which provides beginner-friendly runs alongside the steepest vertical drop in the country. [](https://expedia.com/Roundhill-Ski-Area-Tekapo.d6241344.Vacation-Attraction) #### Mount John Lookout 4.5/5(11 reviews) You can learn about the history of Tekapo with a trip to Mount John Lookout. Stroll along the lakeside in this quaint area, or check out its top-notch restaurants. [](https://expedia.com/Mount-John-Lookout-Tekapo.d6113034.Vacation-Attraction) #### Lake Tekapō Regional Park Explore the great outdoors at Lake Tekapō Regional Park, a lovely green space in Tekapo. [](https://expedia.com/Lake-Tekapo-Regional-Park-Tekapo.d665885054246178816.Vacation-Attraction) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.com/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ## Popular day trips from Tekapo ![Adobe](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2390/aad18e3f-97c5-4f0a-921c-6e8bd9bb204a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Mount Cook ![Lake Tekapo which includes mountains, a lake or waterhole and wildflowers](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/55352/9626f0bc-adb8-4e57-beb7-ed13002647f9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Lake Tekapo ![Lake Pukaki showing mountains, a lake or waterhole and snow](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6113036/c7b687e1-785a-440a-97c0-fc9d3175f575.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Pukaki ![In the mountains of New Zealand, it's just breath-taking!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6344455/bf60ec11-8b4c-4eef-a913-ad572feb538a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Peel Forest ![Two wooden poles create natural picture frame with New Zealand Southern Alps mountain panorama at Dog Kennel Corner](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6351516/af3b0b1f-dc1d-4225-b24a-35623b1feafe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Burkes Pass ![If you're lucky enough to be near Mount Cook on a sunny day, taking a scenic flight around New Zealand's highest mountains is one of my most exhilarating vacation experiences ever. The flights circle the mountain and my pro tip is to choose a seat where your views will be on the opposite side as Mount Cook. You'll see so many different mountains and glaciers, and you'll still get a couple great views of Mount Cook. #LifeAtExpediaGroup](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/692484981145403392/6fa204c9-ea64-43a7-b2bc-a8547729931e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Sibbald ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Tekapo worth visiting? ### How do I spend a day in Tekapo? ### What is the top tourist attraction in Tekapo? ### Is three days enough to stay in Tekapo? ### What are some activities to do in Tekapo with kids? > - [Lake Tekapo: Stargazing Experience](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/lake-tekapo-stargazing-experience.a48201909.activity-details) > - [Lake Tekapo: Mountaintop Stargazing at Mount John Summit](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/lake-tekapo-mount-john-observatory-stargazing-tour.a44622207.activity-details) > - [Mount John Observatory Stargazing Experience, Tekapo](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/summit-experience-university-of-canterbury-mt-john-observatory.a45272584.activity-details) > - [Mount Cook Day Tour from Queenstown](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/mount-cook-day-tour-from-queenstown.a1393863.activity-details) > - [Lake Tekapo: Single Day Multiple Entry Pass for Hot Pools](https://expedia.com/things-to-do/lake-tekapo-single-day-pass-for-hot-pools.a50138640.activity-details) ### What to do in Tekapo for adults? ### Are there free things to do in Tekapo? ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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