Lake Tekapo hotels

Top reasons to visit Lake Tekapo

• Breathtaking Scenery: Lake Tekapo boasts stunning landscapes, including the iconic turquoise lake and the surrounding mountains, perfect for photography and nature walks.
• Stargazing Opportunities: Recognised as a Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo is ideal for stargazing, offering incredible views of the night sky.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy activities such as skiing, hiking, and cycling, catering to both thrill-seekers and leisurely explorers.
• Historic Landmarks: Visit the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd and the famous statue of a sheepdog, adding cultural charm to your visit.
• Relaxation Retreats: Indulge in unique hot spring experiences and tranquil resorts that provide a perfect escape.

Find great hotels in Lake Tekapo

Discover a variety of accommodation options in the picturesque Lake Tekapo, where adventure meets relaxation. From charming motels to well-appointed hotels, you’ll find pet-friendly lodgings and unique hot spring experiences. Whether you seek a lodge by the serene lake or a comfortable hotel for your getaway, Lake Tekapo offers a delightful range of choices to suit every traveller's needs.

• Lake Tekapo Village Motel: This 3.5-star motel offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a ski and hot spring-themed vacation. Guests appreciate its convenient location within Lake Tekapo, allowing easy access to nearby ski shuttles and lifts. The motel’s proximity to natural hot springs adds a unique touch to your stay, providing opportunities for relaxation after a day of adventure. With a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10, it is an excellent choice for travellers looking to unwind and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
• The Godley Hotel: With a 3-star rating and a guest rating of 8.2 out of 10, The Godley Hotel is designed for adventure seekers. Nestled in Lake Tekapo, this hotel is close to various outdoor activities, including snowboarding, kayaking, and horse riding. The nearby natural hot springs provide a perfect retreat after an active day. The hotel’s focus on adventure sports makes it an attractive option for those keen on exploring the region's exhilarating offerings while enjoying comfortable accommodation.
• Lakes Edge Holiday Park: Recognised as a budget-friendly option with a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, Lakes Edge Holiday Park is an eco-certified accommodation that caters to environmentally conscious travellers. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Tekapo, this holiday park offers a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation and connection with nature. Its eco-friendly ethos and commitment to sustainability make it a standout choice for those wishing to minimise their environmental impact while enjoying a memorable holiday experience.

Where to stay near Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo offers a stunning blend of outdoor adventure and serene beauty, making it an ideal destination for a romantic getaway or family-friendly holiday. With its superb location, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, tranquil resorts, and scenic walks that immerse them in nature's splendour. The friendly atmosphere and picturesque surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experiences, ensuring that every traveller leaves with cherished memories of this enchanting region.

• Tekapo: Situated a mere mile from the stunning Lake Tekapo, this charming suburb offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures and serene landscapes. With visitor numbers peaking from November to January, Tekapo becomes a hub for those seeking a romantic getaway or breathtaking scenery. The area boasts a variety of recreational activities, shopping venues, and wellness treatments. Notable landmarks nearby include the picturesque lake, expansive national parks, and majestic mountains, all contributing to Tekapo’s reputation as a must-visit destination.
• South Island: Located approximately 11km from Lake Tekapo, South Island is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, making it a prime location for outdoor enthusiasts and couples alike. This island experiences a steady flow of tourists year-round, with peak seasons occurring from December to February. Visitors can engage in skiing at local ski fields, explore recreational areas, or simply revel in the stunning scenery. With iconic landmarks such as lakes, mountains, and national parks nearby, South Island offers an unforgettable travel experience.
• Mackenzie Basin: Just 13km from Lake Tekapo, the Mackenzie Basin is a spectacular region that draws visitors for its outdoor pursuits and stunning vistas. While tourist numbers vary throughout the year, peak visits occur in September and during the summer months. This area is perfect for those looking to enjoy activities like tree top walks and relaxing spas. The nearby attractions, including hot springs, lakes, and national parks, present a wealth of opportunities for exploration and relaxation amid nature's splendor.

Things to do in Lake Tekapo

Shopping

In Lake Tekapo, you can find charming local shops offering unique gifts and souvenirs, such as the Tekapo Village shopping area, which features delightful handmade crafts and regional products. If you're up for a drive, visit Twizel, located about 40km away, where you'll discover more shopping options and local boutiques.

Recreation

Tekapo Springs offers rejuvenating hot pools and stunning views of the lake and mountains. You can indulge in soothing spa treatments and enjoy outdoor ice skating in winter or relaxing nature walks in summer. The serene atmosphere enhances your overall wellness experience amidst breathtaking landscapes.

The Lake Tekapo Spa Retreat provides a tranquil setting for holistic therapies, such as massages and facials. Surrounded by the beauty of the Southern Alps, you can unwind and reconnect with nature while enjoying personalised wellness treatments tailored to your needs.

Adventure

Experience the stunning landscapes of Lake Tekapo through hiking trails like the Mount John Track, offering panoramic views. For thrill-seekers, jet boating on the turquoise waters provides an exhilarating ride, while stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve reveals a spectacular night sky full of stars.

Nightlife

In Lake Tekapo, the dark skies provide a stunning backdrop for stargazing at the Dark Sky Reserve. The local pub offers a relaxed atmosphere with craft beers and hearty meals, while various cafés often host live music, creating a vibrant yet laid-back nightlife experience.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is an affordable destination with free entry to sites like the Church of the Good Shepherd. To save on accommodation, consider visiting in June or August to September when prices are lower, and book about a month in advance for the best rates. Saturdays tend to be cheaper for stays compared to Tuesdays. Use Expedia to filter for budget-friendly options and eco-certified lodges, and consider package deals for flights and activities to reduce costs further. Public transport options include buses, but hiring a car can offer more flexibility.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Lake Tekapo are June and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Lake Tekapo about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Lake Tekapo is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Lake Tekapo is Tuesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation in Lake Tekapo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and romantics alike, offering stunning scenery and unique attractions such as hot springs, the iconic church, and the famous statue. Visitors can explore breathtaking viewpoints and experience the area's rich culture while enjoying incredible vistas of Lake Tekapo and its surrounding landscapes. Whether you're seeking adventure or a serene escape, this picturesque location promises unforgettable moments.

• Tekapo Springs: Unwind in the soothing waters of Tekapo Springs, where you can enjoy outdoor thermal pools amidst stunning alpine scenery. This tranquil oasis offers wellness and relaxation experiences, making it an ideal spot to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.
• Church of the Good Shepherd: Immerse yourself in the culture of the region at the Church of the Good Shepherd, a picturesque stone church that stands as a testament to the area's heritage. Its stunning architecture and serene lakeside location provide a perfect backdrop for reflection and appreciation.
• Mount John Lookout: Venture to Mount John Lookout, located a mile from Lake Tekapo, for breathtaking panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo. This outdoor adventure spot is a fantastic choice for a romantic outing or an exhilarating hike.

Best time to go to Lake Tekapo

The best time to visit Lake Tekapo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Lake Tekapo falls in February, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature in Lake Tekapo falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with frequent rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	45.9°F (7.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	46.2°F (7.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	43.2°F (6.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	32.4°F (0.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	27.1°F (-2.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	25.0°F (-3.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	26.4°F (-3.1°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
September	28.9°F (-1.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	32.5°F (0.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	38.1°F (3.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Lake Tekapo

Accessing Lake Tekapo is convenient via two major airports. Hokitika Airport (HKK) is approximately 150km away, with nearby accommodation options such as the 5-star Rimu Lodge, located 6km from the airport, and the 4.5-star Awatuna Sunset Lodge, 11km away. Transportation services from these hotels to HKK include limited-hour airport shuttles and complimentary transfers. Alternatively, Timaru Airport (TIU-Richard Pearse) is about 68km from Lake Tekapo, with excellent choices like the 4.5-star Aspen on King Motel, situated 11km from the airport, and the 4-star Ashbury Park Motel, 8km away, providing easy access for travellers.