Yes the water is that blue. Yes the stars shine that bright. And yes Lake Tekapo,New Zealand no matter how popular or busy it gets is a site to see. Surrounded by mountains, the turquoise blue water glimmers in the sun and on any given afternoon the town site is flooded with people from all over the world. Photos are being snapped capturing memories that will last a lifetime and people are soaking in the beauty of this part of the country.
I feel so lucky to live only a few hours away from this stunning lake so I decided one morning to drive to Tekapo and explore. There seemed to be lots to do and I was ready to find out.
The air was fresh, sun bright and the sky was clear. There was barely a breeze and just a perfect day. I started out on the Peninsula walkway talking to the sheep as I went, because yes I do that…
The path was on open pasture land and for the most part a fairly easy walk. I walked the coastline looking for an opening to get down to the shore. Last year when I was on a boat on the lake we were able to see the big white cliffs that lined the shore and I heard you could walk down to them. I found what I thought was the path down but it was very steep and loose rock. The water was also quite high from the fall rain that there really wasn’t much of a shore left. I didn’t particularly want to take an icy dip that day. I had met a local on the trail who said when the water was low, generally in the summer time you can walk out to the peninsula and actually walk the shore of lake right into town. A much better and less dangerous option.
Mt John was also a good walk close by to do. I was out walking for almost 2 hours on the peninsula though and was still sick from the previous week, I was feeling a bit puffed. I wanted to walk up Mt John but knew I had to save it for another day. If you go though, you could get to it from town and I would suggest to go early to avoid crowds. It was quite busy from what I saw.
There were two ways to get up. One a steep path taking an hour and half or so. The other takes a bit longer but is less steep. If you didn’t want to walk you could drive up for $8. A lot of people were driving up especially since there was a cafe at the top. I did consider it but didn’t want my car to overheat!
I had saw on a map that there were actually two lakes right by Lake Tekapo, Lake Alexandrina and Lake Mcgregor. You don’t hear about them often but they were only about 10 minutes from town so of course I couldn’t not go. They were quiet when I visited with a few fisherman looking for their catch and some campers. I loved this spot. There was a walk along the lake, just so peaceful.
The surrounding mountains were standing tall with trails ready to be explored. There were a few cyclists out and for my fellow horse lovers a ranch offering trail rides to the public. Something I look forward to doing the next time I go down!
Tekapo hot pools were buzzing as per usual. I didn’t go in on this particular day but had been the previous year. I would encourage anyone to take a dip and experience them. So relaxing and so worth it!
There’s of course were lots of little shops, supermarkets, restaurants and quite a few places to stay. I enjoyed going in fall time instead of the peak of summer, mostly because of the leaves changing colour. I found it a little less busy in town but to be honest, it always will be.
Despite that though, between the mountain views and the surrounding lakes I really enjoyed myself. Being such a popular place, I was happy to find some spots that I pretty much had all to myself. It was just such a lovely day I can’t wait to go back, maybe find some trails in the mountains nearby. Any suggestions!?
Check out some other beautiful lakes in the south island of New Zealand here
Have you ever been to Tekapo or do you have plans to go? What are your favourite spots or where do you want to go?
Save this!
43 Responses
Wow, your pictures are amazing! That is some impressive scenery, I can’t believe how blue the lake is. Living in New Zealand must be a dream x
Its certainly amazing! Always such beautiful things to see and do 🙂
I loooooved visiting lake Tekapo!
When we visited we arrived in the rain, so the lake didn’t look blue at all, and there was basically no-one on the walkways. We went for a hike anyway, and when the sun came out I was sooo surprised by the total change in scenery with that crazy blue water!!
p.s Did you try the Japanese restaurant in town? Their salmon donburi (and Tekapo rolls) were soooooo good! We were considering detouring on our way to our next stop just to go back there for lunch because it was so tasty!! If you live close, you should totally go back and try it!
I haven’t stopped there for lunch! I will next time! I can’t wait to go back to see the snowy mountains down there! Thats so good you got to see the beautiful bluey water. The water levels were high so the water was actually a little more milky than usual.
I know I’m missing the point of this post, but THOSE SHEEP ARE SO CUTE!
This area looks absolutely gorgeous though, and even though I’ve done some touring in New Zealand, I’ve never heard of Lake Tekapo. Thank you for sharing!
I totally believe about how blue that water is. Im sure the pictures dont even do it justice! I went to a lake in the south of Chile where the water was that blue too and I couldnt believe it!
Yes! It really is so cool and breathtaking!
Your photos are so pretty. Lake Tekapo seems so peaceful. I would love going to a place like this all alone to just reflect and be with nature. Thanks for the beautiful share.
Thank you! There are so many places in NZ that let you reflect with nature. Its beautiful!
The Lake Tekapo is so beautiful. Loved your photographs, awesome combination of colors. The surrounding golden and brown colors of mountains making it look serene. It is nice to know there are hot pools around this awesome lake.
Thank you! I can’t wait to go back in winter to see the snow capped mountains!
Just 1 word “WOW” what an amazing landscape. So jealous you could visit this place. Have been thinking of visitng New Zealand and Australia for a long time!
Oh you’ve got to! Both are so amazing!
New Zealand is a dream destination for all nature lovers. You’re really lucky to explore Lake Tekapo. What a color of waters!!!! All mind-blowing shots!!
I feel so lucky that this is so close to where I live. We have such beautiful areas everywhere!
NZ is soo breathtakingly gorgeous! Those pics are like scenes out of the Lord of the Rings. I can’t wait to visit in the near future!
It is so beautiful! Everywhere I go I feel like I’m in a movie!
Beautiful photos. Definitely keeping this in mind as I plan my NZ trip
Thank you! Yes its very beautiful to see! If you’re in the south island going south to Wanka or Queenstown you wont miss it!
I love hot springs and would probably go just for this. But I also love hiking and New Zealand has so much beauty to explore. And don’t worry, I talk to sheep too.
I’m in awe of your pics Lauren! They’re honestly stunning.
I really am dying to go to New Zealand (I’m only in Australia so its kind of pathetic that I haven’t already made the trip!). How did you find the scenery compared to Canada in general? I’m off there in a few months and I’ve only ever seen stunning photos of the lakes and hikes.
Steph
Thank you so so much!
Oh yes you HAVE to get over to NZ! Its actually so similar to Canada. I always think of it as a mini Canada without the wildlife lol Ive only really been west in Canada. The scenery is amazing, similar to NZ but also very different in places too. Where abouts are you going to in Canada!?
Your photos are stunning, they look like postcards! I haven’t been to New Zealand yet, but I have NZ friends and serious plans of visiting-someday, and my list of places to see keeps on growing. I would be, same as you, interested in those smaller lakes by lake Tekapo, because there’s just nothing better than getting away from the crowds. 🙂 I am curious now about the hot pools!
Oh yes you must go!! There are so many beautiful lakes and quite a few of them! I’ve been in the hot pools once and they’re so nice! I would recommend doing a hot pools star gazing tour. I dont think its too much money but they let you stay in the hotel pools at night under the stars. That area is a nice sky reserve so you’ll get views of the milky way! its incredible!
Oh cool, thanks so much for the tip! 🙂
Ohhh wowww! What a perfect view! Thanks for sharing this wonderful post of yours! Lake Tekapo is so so gorgeous! I really love looking at your photos of the majestic mountains and the calm lake. Looking at it makes me feel relaxed. I wish I could go and visit this lake someday.
Thank you for such wonderful comments! It really is beautiful and yes very relaxing!
WOW! Youre so lucky to be living so close to this Lake! It is stunning!!!! We have pretty lakes here in Minnesota, but NOTHING of this color!!
Oh Minnesota!! Im originially from Manitoba in Canada! No our lakes aren’t the beautiful blue colour but Id have to say our beaches are a bit nicer than south island ones! Shocking i know but a lot of beaches in the south island of NZ are rocky, not nice sand!
I remember standing at the Lake Tekapo and thinking…this is not real, its a dream. New Zealand has some unbelievable landscapes and sights. You just reminded me that I have to make a second trip.
Oh I’m glad I reminded you because yes you have to 😛 Thats exactly what I feel going anywhere in NZ… this can’t be real!
Hey Lauren, Lake Tekapo is a true beauty of nature! I had the chance to see it twice during my New Zealand Working Holiday. Had road trips twice in South Island so I’m blessed to witness Lake Tekapo in two different season. But sadly, I wasn’t in New Zealand when the Lupins bloom.
Oh thats so good to hear! Yes its just so beautiful there! You’ll have to go back with the lupins are out!
I have never been here and it looks so calming and breathtaking. I love how blue the water is! I’d definitely like to check out the Tekapo hot pools. I’m down for anything that is relaxing 🙂
Yes the pools are wonderful!!
I am ashamed to admit that while I am a Kiwi, I have never made it down to Lake Tekapo yet. I hope to remedy that over the summer though, although it will be much more ‘touristy’ then! I love reading other bloggers write about NZ, we are a proud bunch as you have probably realised by now! You have some stunning photos that showcase the area well and it sounds like you had a wonderful, soulful exerience.
WHatt! thats crazy! Thats ok theres a lot of south islanders that havent been to the north… Glad you’re able to get down there in the summer! Touristy yes, but still beautiful!
Wow! Your photos are so lovely. I especially love the sheep- such thick wool! The scenery around the lake is unbelievably beautiful. I can see why it would draw you out for a morning exploration. I hope you get back there to climb Mt. John. It looks like it is a great hike.
Thank you!Yes i can’t wait to climb it, maybe try it in winter!
Probably I would go up for a cuppa in the cafe .. Love having coffee at the most beautiful places. The sheeps are very cute . The photos are looking very nice 🙂
Haha yes that would be lovely lol! Thank you!
Hi Lauren, How are you?
How is life in NZ?
We are on the oposite site. I am originally from New Zealand and in Copenhagen Denmark as my man is Danish. ha..ha..
I miss NZ soo much.
Anyway, your photos are beautiful and very nice blog.
Hi there!
Oh thats fun! Hows Denmark! NZ is amazing!
thank you!