Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Lake Tekapo?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Lake Tekapo?
Many visitors spend one to two days in Lake Tekapo during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This town offers a number of attractions to explore, including the hiking, the beautiful scenery, and the small town charm.
Lake Tekapo is a small town that sits on the southern edge of Lake Tekapo. The town is very simple with a few restaurants, tour operators, and some motels. There are hot springs as well as hiking trails and beautiful stargazing in the evening.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Lake Tekapo? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Lake Tekapo?
With three days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Lake Tekapo has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel, spend more time hiking, or use Lake Tekapo as a base for day trips to nearby mountain towns. You'll be able to relax while enjoying the hiking, the beautiful scenery, and the small town charm at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 3 days in Lake Tekapo
Known for it's hiking, Lake Tekapo sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are many beautiful hikes in the area with some of the most popular being the Mount John Summit Track, the Richmond Trail, and Cowan's Hill Walkway.
Lake Tekapo is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. You really want to get out of town and explore the area's stunning natural beauty.
Perhaps the most famous place in Lake Tekapo is the Church of the Good Shepherd, so don't miss it. It might not be at the top of your list, but it's worth experiencing during your trip.
The small-town atmosphere of Lake Tekapo is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. This is a small town with a couple of restaurants, a gas station, and a few motels.
Is 4 days enough time in Lake Tekapo?
Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Lake Tekapo, giving you the freedom to set your own pace while you explore the town and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the chance to discover the nearby hiking trails, admire the wonderful scenery, and wander through the small town on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel, take on some extra hikes, or use Lake Tekapo as a hub for some nice day trips to nearby towns.
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
How to spend 4 days in Lake Tekapo
With 4 days in Lake Tekapo, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.
After you've explored most of Lake Tekapo, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Day Trip: Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook National Park ($104)
Is 5 days enough time in Lake Tekapo?
Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Lake Tekapo has to offer such as the scenic town and gorgeous mountains. Many visitors prefer to spend one to two days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the hiking, the beautiful scenery, and the small town charm at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, especially for families. You can also take a day trip to nearby mountain towns if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend 5 days in Lake Tekapo
If you have more than 5 days in Lake Tekapo, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the town has to offer.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Lake Tekapo, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Lake Tekapo, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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