Lake Tekapo Tours and Tickets
89 results
What are people saying about Lake Tekapo
randy_o, Apr 2026
Excpetional Tour Experience
The tour guide was very nice and knowledgeable about the places.
My wife and I had a wonderful experience. We loved the scenery going to Lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook.
We will definitely recommend this tour.
Ankita_P, Apr 2026
This is a very convenient...
This is a very convenient option for people who don’t want to drive around.
The hosts are very knowledgeable and kind. The whole experience was comfortable.
However, the stop at lake tekapo is brief. The tour can be organised to provide more time and experience there
Sunny_K, Dec 2025
Wonderful tour
A wonderful tour with a great driver and narrator! The drive was comfortable and scenery was very beautiful. We appreciated the frequent stops and recommendations for clean restrooms, warm coffee and delicious cafe snacks, not to mention the chocolates and chips on the bus. Thank you again. We would highly recommend!
Grace_A, Apr 2026
Seamless transfer
Smooth ride. We got an unexpected late start due to some mix up with other passengers. This ate up 30 minutes and we ended up running half of a short trek to Tasman jetty when we realized we would be late to the vehicle. Driver Grant was very knowledgeable and gave us a mini geology lesson from Christchurch to Mt. Cook. He was very accomodating.
janet_t, Mar 2026
wonderful
wonderful day trip. very friendly and informative guide. you can do or as little as you want. the scenery was stunning
Aimee_O, Mar 2026
Barbara was a wonderful...
Barbara was a wonderful driver and guide. I felt very safe and she was very informative.
Definitely one the my highlights of my trip!
Jean_S, Mar 2026
A Canadian
Mt. Cook was stunning. Grant, the driver’s commentary was excellent. As a retired teacher and geologist his wealth of information was fascinating.
Brian_R, Mar 2026
A long day, but it goes quickly
We were picked up on time by Ollie. A funny guy who got us to Mt Cook on time. There, we changed driver to Renee. She was great too. Some people have said that the 2nd leg was rushed. It was in a way, but this is down to the drivers reaching their max hours. The only aspect that could be trimmed is the glacier lookout. Perhaps give more time for the easy trails at Mt Cook.
Overall, it is more expensive than the public bus. But you are collected and dropped off where you need to be.
Laura_H, Mar 2026
Amazing day. Tour guide...
Amazing day. Tour guide was great. Lots of information. So many snacks! And very friendly. Views were spectacular.
Jarid_M, Jan 2026
Great trip; amazing company
I took this shuttle because I was flying out of Christchurch. The shuttle and service are good, you go through all the tourist spots. Lake tekapo, the church and the road with the mountain. Worth the combination of a bus and yet sightseeing the touristy stuff. A big thanks to cheeky kiwi as I left my credit card in Queenstown and they kindly arranged for it to be brought to Christchurch. Many many thanks, you guys rock!
YICHI_C, Mar 2026
I just wanted to say a...
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the incredible day trip to Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook!
Words can't describe how beautiful those places are. The lake is like a gem, and Mount Cook looked so majestic. It was the perfect day, thanks in large part to your fantastic guiding. You made the tour so much fun and shared so many interesting facts that made the experience even more special.
I had the best time ever.
Jim_M, Feb 2026
Wonderful experience
Chris was an outstanding guide with volumes of information. We even stopped for are coffee and chocolate break. Yummy. Great outing!
Lake Tekapo
5.0
(2,721)
Know before you go
Ways to explore
How to get there
When to visit

Lake Tekapo is a must for outdoors lovers and stargazers.
If walking or hiking the popular Summit Circuit Trek, wear sturdy shoes. And wear warm clothes in all seasons—it can get very cold at night.
Bring your swimsuit for a soak at Tekapo Springs.
Don’t forget your camera!
People Also Ask
Is it worth going to Lake Tekapo?
Yes, Lake Tekapo is worth visiting, especially if you’re driving between Christchurch and Queenstown. It’s a beautiful lake with mountains behind it and a pretty little stone church–the Church of the Good Shepherd–on the southern shore. In spring and summer, the lakeshore is beautiful with colorful wildflowers.
How long should I spend at Lake Tekapo?
Two days is an ideal amount of time to spend at Lake Tekapo. You can visit the relaxing Tekapo Springs, stargaze at night, and go hiking, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding, among other active adventures. Lake Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, so it’s worth waiting for a clear night.
What is there to see between Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/ Mount Cook?
The main attraction between Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/ Mount Cook is Lake Pukaki. State Highway 8 passes along its southern shore, where there’s a scenic viewpoint. Then, State Highway 80 runs north up the western coast of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/ Mount Cook Village. There are more viewpoints along the way.
Which is better: Lake Pukaki or Lake Tekapo?
Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo are beautiful places, but Lake Pukaki might have the edge. Lake Tekapo has a small town on its southern shore, but Lake Pukaki is less developed. And while the highway just skirts the south shore of Lake Tekapo, the road to Aoraki/ Mount Cook travels the length of its western shore.
Is it better to stay in Lake Tekapo or Twizel?
There are good reasons to stay at both Lake Tekapo and Twizel. Lake Tekapo offers more accommodation and dining options, as well as activities and beautiful views directly from the small town. Twizel is further from any lake, so it is less scenic but more convenient if traveling to or from Queenstown without going via Aoraki.
Which is the best season for visiting Lake Tekapo?
The best seasons to visit Lake Tekapo are late spring and early summer (November–December). The weather may be a little wet, but temperatures will be mild, and colorful wildflowers, especially lupines, will be in bloom. Midsummer is warm but busier with tourists, autumn is generally pleasant, and winter is beautiful but cold.
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