Are you thinking about visiting Lake Tekapo, New Zealand? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Lake Tekapo worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this town for one to two days because of the many great activities. 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.
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Reasons to Visit Lake Tekapo
Hiking
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.
Authenticity
Lake Tekapo has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Lake Tekapo
Nightlife
Most people don't associate Lake Tekapo with a lively nightlife scene. This is a very small town and there isn't a real nightlife scene. The night sky is incredible though, and you should absolutely do some stargazing.
Shopping
Lake Tekapo isn't exactly a shopper's destination. There are a couple of shops where you can pick up basic necessities.
Food: Lake Tekapo doesn't top the list for most foodies. The town is very small with just a couple of restaurants and fast food joints.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Lake Tekapo might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Lake Tekapo here or see if Lake Tekapo is expensive here.
Related
What is Lake Tekapo most famous for?
Lake Tekapo is most famous for its hot springs, remote location, and beautiful night sky. It is often described as basic, small, and remote.
What is the most famous sight in Lake Tekapo?
The most popular sight in Lake Tekapo is the Church of the Good Shepherd. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Lake Tekapo on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Church of the Good Shepherd and other attractions here.
How touristy is Lake Tekapo? Is it a popular town to visit?
Lake Tekapo is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Chameleon Stargazing Shared Tour: $60
- 45 Minutes Virtual Stargazing Experience in Lake Tekapo: $43
- Scenic 4WD Tour Lake Tekapo Backcountry: $181
- Lake Tekapo Tour Scenic 4WD Mountains & Glaciers: $182
- Mt Cook Day Tour From Tekapo (Small Group, Carbon Neutral): $151
- Summit Experience - University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory: $115
- Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience: $31
- Crater Experience at Cowan's Observatory: $85
How long should I spend in Lake Tekapo?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Lake Tekapo is one to two days. Since Lake Tekapo has activities such as hiking, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Lake Tekapo? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Lake Tekapo?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.