Top 10 Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo

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  • The Church of the Good Shepherdtop_1
    󰺂7.5
    Lake Tekapo453m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Church of the Good Shepherd, More Than Just a Starry Church
    Highlights:
    󱓊Lake views & sheepdog statue
    󱓊Lake view at Cook Mountain
    󱨠Saved by 189 users󱨠147 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    西沙群岛司马亮西沙群岛司马亮

    The stone church is only the size of a classroom, but when you push the door open, wow, the whole milky blue lake and snow-capped mountains are right in front of the French window, like a postcard come alive. The old stones on the wall hurt my hands, but the tour guide said it was built in 1935, and I immediately felt that the broken stones were fairy-like. I bumped into the bronze statue of a shepherd dog at the corner, and its nose was shiny (it was touched), and then I knew that the church was built to thank the shepherd dog for helping to open up the wasteland. Suddenly I understood why the locals have such pious eyes. When I squatted by the lake and ate a sandwich, lupine rubbed against my trouser legs (only in the right season), the lake was so clear that I could count the stones, and the reflection of the snow-capped mountains in the distance was swaying - what kind of internet celebrity check-in, it’s better to be in a daze for a while, cool! > Tips: If you want to take empty shots, you have to get up early, because once the tour group arrives, it’s full of people. You are not allowed to take pictures inside, but your eyes remember better than the lens, and the lake and mountains seen from that window are amazing!

  • Lake Tekapotop_2
    󰺂7.3
    Tekapo11.2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoA dreamy summer trip to Lake Tekapo | Nov 2025-Feb 2026
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Lake Tekapo
    Highlights:
    Expert guides lead you to explore the night sky's mysteries
    󰋄International Dark Sky Reserve: A Premier Stargazing Haven
    󱨠Saved by 151 users󱨠105 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    Standing on the shore of Lake Tekapo, I was shocked by the deep blue, as if the earth cracked a gap, the sky was poured into the lake. The lake surrounded by snowy mountains was calm as a mirror, reflecting the changes of clouds and light. When participating in Earth & Sky stargazing, the Milky Way poured down, the stars were within reach, and the guide's explanation brought the mystery of the universe close to you. Walking along the lake, the white figure of the Shepherd's Church blended with nature, and the tranquility was divine. This is not only a feast of vision, but also a destination for the soul, every moment makes people intoxicated with the pure and tranquil nature.

  • Aoraki/Mount Cook National Parktop_3
    󰺂7.0
    Gammack48.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Hooker Valley Trail: Glacier & Mountain Views
    󱓊22 peaks over 10,000 feet
    4.5/5
    iQOO🐮iQOO🐮

    Stepping into Mount Cook, breathing stalled at the top of the snowy mountain. Mount Cook pierced the sky like a sword in the clouds, and the glacier cracked a diamond-like glow in the sun. On the Hook Valley Trail, the gravel underfoot accompanied by the whisper of the glacier, every step like walking in a painting. The echoes of the Maori legend Aoraki echoed through the valley, reminding the ancient soul of the land. The changing weather made the journey full of surprises, and when the clouds were scattered, the glaciers floating in the lake made me feel like a fairyland, which is the most primitive shock of nature.

  • Tekapo Springs
    4
    󰺂6.5
    Lake Tekapo1.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Soak & enjoy Lake Tekapo
    󰋄Hot springs & Lake Tekapo views
    󱨠43% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    🎀 张珍🐾🎀 张珍🐾

    Lake Tekapo was formed by volcanic eruptions, so it also has very rich geothermal resources. There are many hot springs here, and there is misty smoke in the middle. You can enjoy the warmth and therapeutic effects of these hot springs to the body. It is very comfortable and definitely worth experiencing.

  • Dark Sky Project
    5
    󰺂4.6
    Lake Tekapo151m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Lake Tekapo
    Highlights:
    󱓊Stargazing: snowy mountains & lake
    Top 3 Lake Tekapo attractions
    4.7/5
    广州丁满广州丁满

    The land and sky of Lake Tekapo are extremely pure. The blue sky, snow-capped mountains, icy lakes and grasslands combine to form a beautiful picture here, and the area around the Church of the Good Shepherd is the best place to view the scenery. At night, the starry sky is equally magnificent. Even if you don't join a professional viewing group, you can still see the starry sky with your naked eyes in the town on a sunny day. The street lights on the road are specially made and will not affect the shooting. I was fortunate to stay in the Blue Water Resort with the best conditions in the area, with a beautiful lake view, but the summer in New Zealand is very long, so it will be late to wait until it is completely dark.

Best things to do in Lake Tekapo (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Lake Tekapo? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Lake Tekapo offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Lake Tekapo

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Lake Tekapo experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

The Church of the Good Shepherd

• Lake Tekapo | 453m from downtown

• : Lake views & sheepdog statue,Lake view at Cook Mountain

Lake Tekapo

• Tekapo | 11.2 km from downtown

• : Expert guides lead you to explore the night sky's mysteries,International Dark Sky Reserve: A Premier Stargazing Haven

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

• Gammack | 48.7 km from downtown

• : Hooker Valley Trail: Glacier & Mountain Views,22 peaks over 10,000 feet

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Lake Tekapo

If you want to explore attractions just outside Lake Tekapo, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Lake Tekapo, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Lake Tekapo special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Lake Tekapo

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Lake Tekapo

Ready to explore the best of Lake Tekapo? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Lake Tekapo?
These are all Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo:The Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Tekapo Springs, Dark Sky Project
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo include:The Church of the Good Shepherd:4.8, Lake Tekapo:4.7, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park:4.5, Tekapo Springs:4.5, Dark Sky Project:4.7
At what locations in Lake Tekapo can Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo be found?
The Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo are mainly located in:The Church of the Good Shepherd:Lake Tekapo, Lake Tekapo:Tekapo, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park:Gammack, Tekapo Springs:Lake Tekapo, Dark Sky Project:Lake Tekapo
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