Exploring Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

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?

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