Lake Tekapo

Dark Sky Project Summit Experience

Earth and Sky Stargazing tour departs nightly from the office in the Lake Tekapo township. Travel to the Mt John observatory high above the village where you will explore features of the majestic Southern Sky. You will be provided with equipment and guidance, all you need to bring are keen eyes, warm clothes and a desire to see, learn, and experience.
Navigating your way through the Southern Sky using various telescopes and the naked eye, you will see amazing sights such as our own Milky Way Galaxy, the Southern Cross, Alpha-Centauri - our closest neighbouring star at only 4.3 light years away, and Sirius - the brightest star in our sky.
Behold and learn about our closest neighbouring galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds, which grace our night sky along with constellations such as Orion the Hunter and Scorpius.
You may also have the opportunity to see star clusters like the beautiful Jewel Box; awe inspiring planets; nebulae, immense clouds of gas and dust; and distant galaxies which test the limits of human imagination.

Tekapo Springs Stargazing

The ultimate in stellar relaxation, Tekapo Star Gazing is the only guided hot pools and star gazing experience in New Zealand! A two-hour experience, the first half of this guided indoor / outdoor tour introduces you to Tekapo's amazing night skies with a unique combination of astronomy and storytelling. The second half of the tour takes place in a 38-degree hot pool; relax on a floating hammock and feel like you're soaking in the stars as you explore the wonder of night skies.

The Grand Traverse Scenic Flight with Air Safaris

The flight of a lifetime, the "Grand Traverse" is a spectacular scenic flight seeing experience allowing you to explore the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. This magnificent flight encompasses two World Heritage National Parks and 200 km of New Zealand's most memorable and spectacular scenery. The contrast of colours is beautiful with the turquoise glacial lake against the tussock covered sheep stations. Your journey will bring you over Aoraki Mt Cook National park where you view New Zealand's longest glacier, The Tasman. From there you cross the main divide into the Westland National Park encompassing the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers which spill down to the rainforests of the west coast. Their large and varied fleet especially selected for New Zealand air tour sightseeing ensures that every passenger has a window seat and all aircraft have wings-above to ensure optimum viewing below. Pilots provide a full and informative commentary with multi language commentary brochures supplied.

Dark Sky Project - Crater Experience

Navigating your way through the Southern Sky using various telescopes and the naked eye, you will see amazing sights such as our own Milky Way Galaxy, the Southern Cross, Alpha-Centauri - our closest neighbouring star at only 4.3 light-years away, and Sirius - the brightest star in our sky. Behold and learn about our closest neighbouring galaxies, the Magellanic Clouds, which grace our night sky along with constellations such as Orion the Hunter and Scorpius. You may also have the opportunity to see star clusters like the beautiful Jewel Box; awe-inspiring planets; nebulae, immense clouds of gas and dust; and distant galaxies which test the limits of human imagination.

Braemar Station Backcountry Tour with Tekapo Adventures

Enjoy a remote backcountry Scenic 4WD Tour through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful High Country Stations of The Mackenzie Country. Private access to Braemar Station offers guests the best views of unique landscapes and incredible scenery overlooking Mt Cook, Mt Tasman, Lake Pukaki and the Ben Ohau mountain range. Journey through remote 4WD tracks, across some of the most unforgettable High Country and experience the heart of Tekapo’s backcountry landscapes at their finest.

It is important you read and understand the risks associated with this activity. For more information please see here.

Virtual Stargazing Experience with Dark Sky Project

Get ready to embark on a journey 13.8 billion years in the making. A treat for the senses, the Dark Sky Experience brings science, tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) and fascinating multi-media installations together in a ‘Big Bang’ of awe and inspiration. Thought-provoking, educational and entertaining, this journey is sure to change your outlook in the best possible way.

Tekapo to Twizel with Cycle Journeys

Begin from Lake Tekapo Village and enjoy an easy cycle following the canal as it flows from Lake Tekapo to Lake Pukaki. The first highlight is passing the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon farm located in the canal itself, and a few minutes later you will reach the top of Tekapo B Power Station. The 130-metre elevation above Lake Pukaki provides brilliant views of the Southern Alps and surrounding Mackenzie Basin. A few km from here and the trail around the lower section of Lake Pukaki begins. The trail then diverts away from Lake Pukaki and crosses the ‘Twizel Flats’ alpine tussock plain en route to Twizel township itself.

Fishing at Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, in the heart of the Makenzie Country, is a very beautiful, turquoise coloured lake that provides good fishing for both brown and rainbow trout. It is the Northern most lake in the upper Waitaki basin and is mostly fed by snow melt, causing the light turquoise colour from the glacial silt. Lake Tekapo holds good numbers of trout and some reaching very impressive weights. There are a number of small creeks and rivers which generally flow clear providing excellent fishing at the point they enter the lake.
For the shoreline angler, some of the best fishing is to be found around the mouths of these small streams. Most anglers however prefer to troll a lure from a boat. There is good access to the southern shore via State Highway 8. The Lilybank road provides good access at several points along the eastern shore and the Godley Peaks road provides access near Lake McGregor and towards the northern end of the lake.

High - Altitude Whisky Hut with Mackenzie Helicopters

You will be taken on a majestic flight to New Zealand's most exclusive whisky hut. Experience a stunning scenic flight deep into the Southern Alps, a majestic snow topped wilderness of New Zealand's longest glaciers and tallest peaks. You will enjoy a selection of fine whiskies, pure mountain air, 360 - degree vistas and the world at your feet. Admire the spectacular alpine scenery as you unwind in serenity, surrounded by towering mountains and majestic Valley's. This tiny alpine hut is a unique retreat perched at 2072m on a high mountain saddle and offers truly authentic experience.                                  

Lavish West Coast Cuisine Adventure with Mackenzie Helicopters (Private Charter)

Climb on board your own private helicopter and fly over New Zealand largest glaciers and tallest peaks with your experienced pilot. Get up close to New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki and explore the ancient blue ice of the glaciers. Once you've flown over the mighty Alps you will discover the magic of the West Coast landscape, snow capped mountains descend into lush green coastal rainforests as you come into land on a secluded West Coast beach. Sip drinks beside your own private bonfire as your pilot dons a wetsuit and catches fresh crayfish straight from the sea. Climb back onboard for another exhilarating scenic flight before your own private dining experience high in the alpine with freshly caught crayfish.

Mackenzie & Lakes Alpine Excursion with Mackenzie Helicopters

This short scenic flight will take you over spectacular lakes, mountains and glacial valleys. You will see stunning turquoise gem - Lake Tekapo, snowcapped mountains of the Southern Alps, golden tussock, rolling hills and deeply glaciated valleys. You will fly over this iconic high country, dramatic landscape of the Mackenzie, the rugged wilderness, landing at a private spot in the mountains for panoramic views of alpine lakes and valleys carved out by ancient glaciers.                                                                                                                                                             

Mt. John

Just west of Tekapo is Mt. John and located on top is the University of Canterbury's astronomical observatory. Located here due to the large number of clear night skies the region enjoys. As well as offering tours of the Observatory during the day you can also enjoy an evening tour to view the night skies. A detour from the main road to take the steep windy road to the top is well worth the effort with incredible 360 degree views of Lakes Tekapo, Alexandrina and McGregor as well as the vast Mackenzie high country and the Tekapo basin. The Astro Cafe is a great place to enjoy coffee and the best views in the region. If you have the time then the Mt John walkway is a enjoyable short hike starting in Tekapo.