Search hotels in Lake Tekapo

I'd come here for a day trip. The restaurants and accommodation is overpriced. The food was poor quality for the price. We did like the greedy cow. The walks are amazing and the lake is stunning. The people are very friendly and it's a great atmosphere. But good luck paying less than $30 for a main meal. You'll pay more like $40 or $50. It's worse than the airport. It seems to be a tourist trap with its prices... but I still have to say that it's worth the visit. If you can save yourself to eat before or after the town and only spend the day there it's definitely worth it. There is a great little salmon shop called the Mt Cook alpine salmon shop south. If you are heading north, we stopped at Geraldine to visit Barker's Foodstore & eatery. Both of these are fantastic. However if you don't like sashimi don't go to Mt Cook alpine salmon shop. If you've never tried, I highly recommend.

The walk from the observatory down to the lake is a must! The views are so worth it. Lovely quiet friendly town. Good pizza from Dolce Pizza caravan. 4 square is well stocked. Can practically walk everywhere.

An absolute gem if a place any time of the year, Winter for Aoraki Mt Cook Hooker track nearby and the Hot pools- ice skating. Summer for the lake activities available, if you have access to a jet ski that would be ideal too!

The view of Lake Tekapo is breathtaking no matter where you stay. Should spent at least 2 days there. If you're a photo lover like me, then can't see everything in 1 day. Minimum 2days or more stay I would recommend especially for those traveling with family or have baby. Even if you don't sight see, you can sit by the lake, sip a cuppa to wind down & take a relaxing break. Tekapo/Takapo is very small & very easy to go around by foot. All the food places are close to each other. But most of them closes by 8pm. Only 1 place open until 10pm. Check out the hot pools. It's an unique experience. While on the pools & it's snowing, the snowflake melts when it touches your skin. The pools were warm when we got there. They have family passes too. Don't book the star gazing if it's overcast, chances you can't see the stars. They have 3D option, but I know know if it'd be worth it. We ate at Fishtail Indian & Nepalese food (halal). They're food is average compared to Auckland. We also ate at the Mckenzie cafe. Their fiish & chips, really yumm, good portions & fish tasted fresh. Both places was over $100. Lake tekapo is centre of South Island. It's fairly an easy drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo. When booking your stay would recommend to book either an insurance or book accommodation on the day you arrive. Because of snowing the roads are closed & some properties if you don't show up they'll charge you regardless. Be prepared & make sure to have backup money & food. Foods, gas, snacks and sight seeing are very expensive. There's only one Four Square in lake tekapo & that also closes at 8pm. If it snows you can get stuck in here for more than a week. So be prepared for anything.

Beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. We ate at McKenzies. Had a wonderful stone grill. Do it yourself at the table. Prices high but noted so were the other restaurants in town. The Greedy Cow superb for coffee and breakfast.

One day is all you need in winter! There is not much to do. We did star gazing at night and the next day visited the Church of the Good Shepherd and walked around for some pictures. It has a useful supermarket to stock up on everything you need before you leave.