Located in the heart of New Zealand’s Mackenzie Region, Lake Tekapo is fast becoming one of the country’s top destinations for cycling, stargazing, and outdoor adventure. In summer, visitors flock to the region to ride its scenic canal roads, explore forested trails in the regional park, and tackle epic high-country gravel routes. Tekapo is also the official starting point of the world-renowned Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, making it a must-visit for bikepackers and touring cyclists alike.

Photographers love the lake’s surreal turquoise hues and sweeping alpine vistas, while adventure-seekers can add 4WD tours or guided backcountry treks to their itinerary. In winter, the region shifts gears into a snowy playground for ski touring, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. Tekapo is also part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, offering some of the clearest, most awe-inspiring night skies in the world.

You’ve probably arrived in Tekapo ready for an adventure — and if you’ve got a few hours to spare or a rest day in your itinerary, a ride on one of our local bike and cycle trails is the perfect way to explore. It's also a great way to stretch your legs and get warmed up before taking on one of our alpine hikes and treks, mountaineering instruction courses or guided ascents, or ski and split-board tours. We've put together a list of our top cycle routes and day rides around Tekapo — many are accessible from Alpine Recreation’s Edelweiss Lodge or just a short drive away.