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Lake Tekapo
The Tekapo Village map shows many of the accommodation, services and activities available.
Accommodation
Our recommendations on where to stay in Lake Tekapo Village.
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Alpine Recreation recommends you stay the nights before and after your trip at our Edelweiss Lodge, which is our base for the required gear checks at the start of each trip. However, if you prefer to stay elsewhere here are some options we recommend in Tekapo Village (you will still need to come to Edelweiss Lodge for the gear check):
Transport
Our recommendations on how to get to/from Lake Tekapo Village.
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Fly to either Christchurch International Airport or Queenstown International Airport (Tekapo is midway between) and then take the bus or a rental car from there. Lake Tekapo is a 3 hour drive south from Christchurch, or a 3 hour drive north from Queenstown.
+Recommended bus services
Lake Tekapo is on the Christchurch-Queenstown bus route, about mid-way, 3 hours drive from either Christchurch or Queenstown. The latest bus leaving Christchurch each day is about 10am from Christchurch airport, so if your plane arrives later than 9am you will need to overnight in Christchurch and catch the bus the next day. If you are doing a Ball Pass Crossing you are advised to travel the day after completing your trek. Please book your bus well in advance as buses fill up at peak times and timetables often change .
+Recommended car and campervan rentals
Please note there are no designated freedom camping areas in Lake Tekapo Village. We recommend staying at the Lake Tekapo Motels & Holiday Park.
SPACESHIPS - Campervan Hire NZ
Spaceships campervan hire New Zealand offer the ultimate vehicle custom-fitted with amazing features to explore New Zealand.
Pick up and drop offs available from Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown.
www.spaceshipsrentals.co.nz | Ph: +64 (0)9 526 2130 | Freephone: 0800 SPACESHIPS | info@spaceshipsrentals.co.nz |
JUCY RENTALS - Car rental & Campervan Hire
Airport pickups available.
www.jucy.co.nz | Ph: +64 (0)9 374 4360 | Freephone: 0800 339 736 | res@jucy.co.nz |
Activities
Suggestions of things to see and do on rest days in Lake Tekapo Village.
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The Lake Tekapo region has many great activities and natural attractions to offer and has recently been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve.
AIR SAFARIS
Scenic flightseeing tours into the spectacular Mount Cook and Westland National Parks.
Air Safaris has operated alpine flight seeing throughout the world heritage national parks of Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland Tai Poutini since 1970. The iconic Air Safaris Grand Traverse scenic flight provides the opportunity to view New Zealand's highest peaks and longest glaciers. Air Safaris also operate charter flights within New Zealand. These flights provide a personalised service that take in New Zealand's stunning scenery while linking flexibly with a number of destinations including Christchurch, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Milford Sound.
www.airsafaris.co.nz
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TEKAPO HELICOPTERS
Scenic flights and snow landings in Mount Cook and Westland National Parks.
One of the most breathtaking ways to make the most of your visit here is by helicopter, with each client having comfortable seating with spectacular views. Standard tours will take you on a choice of three different paths into the Mount Cook region and glaciers. Pilots will provide you with informative commentary on the area, plus a snow-landing for you to "Take it all in".
Tekapo Helicopters operate a modern fleet of four and six seated turbine helicopters.
www.tekapohelicopters.co.nz
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EARTH & SKY
Star-gazing tours and astrophotorgraphy in New Zealand's International Dark Sky Reserve.
Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie District is renowned for the clarity of its sky and freedom from light pollution, which is why the area was recently designated a gold-level International Dark Sky Reserve. Earth & Sky offer guided daytime tours around Mount John Observatory as well as nighttime stargazing tours at Mount John and Cowan's Hill. Drive or hike up to the observatory on the summit of Mount John and treat yourself to gorgeous views and a relaxing escape at the Astro Café some 300 metres above the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo.
www.earthandskynz.com
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TEKAPO SPRINGS & SPA
Hot pools, day spa, massage, sauna, skating rink & tube park.
Situated at the base of Mt John in Lake Tekapo, Tekapo Springs offers a range of fun activities for the whole family, including Hot Pools, Ice Skating Rink, Day Spa, Tube Park featuring a Magic Carpet and the fully licensed Tahr Bar & Café'.
Open daily from 10am - 9pm the Hot Pools provide a welcome place to relax and enjoy the views over Lake Tekapo. Indulge in the Sauna/Steam Room or take a dip in the Plunge Pool. The outdoor Skating Rink is open 10am - 9pm offering views over Lake Tekapo.
www.alpinesprings.co.nz
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New Zealand
Outdoor Clothing & Equipment
Brands and retailers we recommend.
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Alpine Recreation recommends the following New Zealand clothing and equipment retailers:
Tourism Services & Operators
New Zealand tourism operators we recommend.
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Alpine Recreation recommends the following New Zealand tourist services and companies:
International
Tourism Services & Operators
International tourism operators we recommend.
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Alpine Recreation recommends the following tourist services and companies:
