The jewel of the Mackenzie Country, Lake Tekapo is a delightful alpine village in the heart of the South Island high country. A ski resort in winter and aquatic playground in summer, Lake Tekapo sits at the edge of its 20 kilometer glacial lake namesake, completely surrounded by mountains, including  New Zealand’s impressive Southern Alps.

The landscape is outstanding, sculpted by successive Ice Age glaciers, the remnants of which continue to discharge fine ‘rock flour’, giving the lake its intense turquoise hue. The sky is huge and of extraordinary clarity, making Lake Tekapo one of the world’s best locations to probe the heavens from its observatories atop Mt John.

This striking landform of solid rock, Mt John, providing 360° views of the uplands, lakes and mountains from its summit,  has stood firm against the onslaught of glacial action over thousands of years. Mt John, home to the Observatory,  shelters a lake shore camping ground, and the Alpine Springs Hot Pools and Spa complex. In winter the complex also features state of the art ice skating facilities. Just along the beach there is a launching bay for boaties to enjoy family fun, fishing and waterskiing.

All of this, combined with the very stable fine weather patterns that Tekapo enjoys make for an unforgettable stay. Lake Tekapo has the second longest recorded sunshine hours in New Zealand, combined with the lowest average wind speed. Fine weather is guaranteed (almost).