Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is New Zealand's highest lake and it's turquoise colour astounds visitors. The unusual colour of the water comes from fine rock particles suspended in the glacier fed waters reflecting the light. One of the most popular - and most photographed - landmarks in the region is the Church of the Good Shepherd. This iconic stone building was dedicated in 1935 and utilises part of the wood from the demolished Tekapo bridge.
Nearby a statue of a Bronze Sheepdog pays tribute to the strong contribution these animals have made to the farming community. West of Lake Tekapo is Mt John, and it's here you will find the Canterbury University Observatory. Driving to the summit of this mountain is well worth the soaring views you'll get from the top. Drive a little further towards Lake Alexandrina, a wildlife reserve home to many birds. No motorised craft are allowed on the water, making for a very peaceful visit. For a different view of this stunning landscape, catch a scenic flight over Mt Cook National Park and the West Coast Glaciers - Fox and Franz Joseph.
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.
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.
Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking
The Mackenzie Country's Lake Tekapo contains some of New Zealand's most picturesque and natural scenery. Teal blue lake water and chiselled mountains are amongst Mackenzie's jewels. Join Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking by sharing the natural beauty in one of the most natural forms of transport available, in a saddle.
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.
Dark Sky Experience
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.
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.
Tekapo Springs Hot Pools & Waterslide
Tekapo Springs offers three adjoining main Hot Pools for you to sit back, relax and enjoy yourself while looking out to the beautiful Two Thumb range and stunning Lake Tekapo. Pool temperatures range from forty degrees celsius to thirty-six degrees celsius and each pool offers something different - massage jets to assist in taking away any aches and pains and fountains to splash under. For an adrenaline rush, you can also experience the 150-metre downhill waterslide! Experience this classic Kiwi summer activity and slip, slide and splash all day long amidst the stunning beauty of Tekapo.
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.
Aoraki Mt Cook Trek with Alpine Recreation
A stunning 2 day trek among New Zealand's highest mountains. Trek through amazing alpine terrain, surrounded by New Zealand's highest peaks and longest glaciers. Enjoy a night in the private Caroline Hut, savouring the fabulous views of the 2000m high Caroline Face of Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest ice face. Relax in its wonderful setting on the Ball Ridge, high above the Tasman Glacier, and be awed by the ice avalanches rumbling down Mt Cook. Sunsets in this high alpine environment can be incredible!
Climb Fergan's Knob with your guide in the morning for even more stunning views before beginning your descent. Enjoy the unique alpine flora and bird life on your way back down to the Tasman Valley and out to Mt Cook Village. The views out over the Tasman Glacier are even better in the return direction.
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.
Lake Tekapo to Aoraki Mt Cook Odyssey with Mackenzie Helicopters
You will be taken on a spectacular flight from surreal Lake Tekapo to iconic Aoraki Mt Cook. You will fly over stunning turquoise waters and golden tussocks of the Mackenzie Basin, before heading towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps. The flight path travels over the deep glaciated valleys of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. You will get close to Tasman Glacier, which is a New Zealand's longest glacier with dynamic ancient river, fascinating blue ice formations and magnificent Hochstetter Icefall. You will land in the snow high alpine location for breathtaking views, snap few stunning pictures or just stand in awe.
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.
Mountains to Sea Ultimate Scenic Flight with Mackenzie Helicopters
You will experience mountains to ocean via glaciers and rainforest on this ultimate one-hour scenic experience. You will fly towards Mount Cook and the glaciers to the wild West Coast and Tasman Sea. Prepare to be amazed by stunning nature at every view and by some of the world's most spectacular scenery. You will see beautiful alpine lakes, famous glaciers, remote coastal rainforest and stunning secluded beaches. You will land on snow where you can step out of the helicopter to experience the wonder of this magnificent wilderness.
Mt Cook Franz and Fox Magic
This 60 minute helicopter flight will take you from Tekapo through remote alpine valleys right close to mighty Mt Cook. Enjoy stunning views of the New Zealand highest peaks and longest glaciers. You will traverse over the Southern Alps and soak up views of Franz and Fox glaciers, before crossing back east for the snow landing on Liebig Dome to enjoy panorama view of Mt Cook and surrounding mountains.
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.
Sunrise Flight above Mount Cook with Mackenzie Helicopters
You will take a scenic flight with a single landing for an extraordinary opportunity to experience New Zealand highest mountains at their most breathtaking time.The flight is scheduled during the sun rising golden hour to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. Photographers speak of the golden hour - the first hour after sunrise as being magical due to the light changes and the snowy peaks and sky appears bathed in pink and gold.
Sunset Flight above Mount Cook with Mackenzie Helicopters
You will take a scenic flight with a single landing for an extraordinary opportunity to experience New Zealand highest mountains at their most breathtaking time.The flight is scheduled during the sun setting golden hour to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. Photographers speak of the golden hour - the last hour before sunset as being magical due to the light changes and the snowy peaks and sky appears bathed in pink and gold.
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.
Tekapo Trek with Alpine Recreation
Hike above worry level in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Be inspired by the magic light of the Mackenzie High Country across golden tussock, snow-capped peaks and the turquoise of Lake Tekapo. Climb a 2070m peak and return to a cosy mountain hut to savour the sun setting behind mountain silhouettes and a star-studded sky - one of the clearest and darkest skies in the southern hemisphere.
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