Top 10 Things to Do Near Lakes Edge Holiday Park
Overlooking stunning Lake Tekapo, Lakes Edge Holiday Park's enviable location makes it a firm favourite with visiting backpackers, families, and people wanting to get back to nature. But it’s not just Lake Tekapo’s turquoise waters and mountain scenery that draw visitors, we also have a great range of local attractions that blend adventure with relaxation.
Thanks to the climate in our part of the world, we have a great mix of bright, sunny days and crisp, clear nights, meaning you have endless opportunities to explore and experience everything Lake Tekapo has to offer. We’ve asked our staff to share their top picks for things to do near Lakes Edge Holiday Park, and collated the best into a list to make sure you get the most from your visit.
Want more information on any of the excursions listed below? Just ask our friendly team at reception.
#1 Tekapo Springs
Fun for the whole family, a visit to the Lake Tekapo hot pools is not to be missed. With uninterrupted views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains, this is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a full day of adventure. There are three hot pools of varying temperatures, as well as an Aqua Play Area with cooler pools for children. Tekapo Springs also has a range of other activities available, including year-round ice skating, snow tubing in winter and an inflatable water park in the summer months. Make sure to check out #4 on our list for another must-do activity featuring Lake Tekapo Springs.
#2 Stargazing at the Dark Sky Reserve
The Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve is the largest in the world, and it is protected by UNESCO status. With minimal light pollution, Lake Tekapo stargazing is some of the best on the planet, making it an unmissable experience during your stay. There are various guided tours available through different operators, or visit on your own and spend as long as you want stargazing. On a clear night, you’ll spot the Southern Cross, Magellanic Clouds and even the Milky Way in all its glory.
https://www.darkskyreserve.org.nz/
#3 Mount John Observatory
If you want to take your Lake Tekapo stargazing experience to the next level, consider a visit to the Mount John Observatory, situated at the top of Mount John with 360 views across the Mackenzie Basin. The southernmost professional research observatory on Earth, it offers a rare chance to see the galaxy through high-powered telescopes. Visit during the day and enjoy one of the trails, with lunch at the Astro Cafe, or arrange a stargazing tour for the evening, which includes return transport. With a range of experiences available, there truly is something for everyone, so take a look at the website and choose the best package for your needs.
https://www.darkskyproject.co.nz/choose-your-experience/
#4 Star Gazing at Tekapo Springs
Combine stargazing with a soak in the pools with Tekapo Stargazing. A 90-minute experience, you’ll start with a guided tour that takes in the night skies of Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. After learning about the stars and some local storytelling, you’ll then enjoy exclusive use of the Tekapo Springs hot pools, floating on inflatable hammocks with a view of the stars. Suitable for those aged six and above, this option is a great way to enjoy both stargazing and the Lake Tekapo hot pools in one convenient package.
https://tekapostargazing.co.nz/booking/
#5 Church of the Good Shepherd
Built in 1935 as a tribute to the pioneers of the Mackenzie region, the Church of the Good Shephard remains an active place of worship and is a site to behold. Made of local stone and oak, it is a picturesque spot that is a perfect photo opportunity. We recommend visiting at dawn or dusk to capture a breathtaking picture.
https://www.churchofthegoodshepherd.org.nz/
#6 Mackenzie Sheepdog Statue
Overlooking the Church of the Good Shephard, the Mackenzie Sheepdog Statue was erected in 1968 to honour the role of sheepdogs in the region’s farming history. Acknowledging the essential role that sheepdogs have played between shepherds, sheep and the land, the statue is a piece of our local heritage.
Both the statue and the church can be visited in one trip thanks to their close proximity.
https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/201/the-sheepdog-memorial-lake-tekapo
#7 Lake Tekapo Scenic Walks
If you feel like stretching your legs, there is a wide range of walks in the area, from short options like the Tekapo Peninsula Walkway to longer treks, including the Cowans Hill Walkway. If you’re visiting in late spring or early summer, you may spot the famous lupins that bloom along the Lake Tekapo foreshore. At other times of year, keep an eye out for native birds and rare species, like the black stilt.
https://www.mackenzienz.com/short-walks-at-lake-tekapo/
#8 Go Fishing in Lake Tekapo
Try your luck on Lake Tekapo, with some of the best salmon and trout fishing in the world! The positioning of the Tekapo Hydro Canal brings monster fish to the area, making for a great day out of fishing for amateurs and experts alike. The team at Fish Tekapo provide all the gear, so all you have to bring along is a bit of patience and a keen sense of adventure. Canal, river and lakeside fishing tours available.
#9 Scenic Flights over the Southern Alps
If you’re tired of looking up, why not experience the beauty of the region from an entirely different angle? There are several companies that offer scenic flights over the region, including Air Safaris and Mackenzie Helicopters. From 30-minute flights to longer tours that take in a wider area, nothing quite compares to flying over glaciers, mountains, and the iconic Mount Cook. Be sure to book in advance, as seats are limited and fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons.
#10 Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail
Last but certainly not least, the Alps 2 Ocean is a mammoth cycle trail that attracts people from all over the world thanks to its stunning scenery and scenic diversity. Starting at Lake Tekapo and ending in Oamaru, the trail spans over 300km and includes lakes, mountains, and coastal plains. The trail is usually done over 5-7 days, but many of our guests do a single section as a day trip, allowing them to experience the landscape without the time commitment. Cycle from Lake Tekapo to Twizel, a Grade 2/Easy trail that covers 54km and takes in golden tussocks, blue canals, and one of the best lookouts, overlooking Lake Pukaki and the Alps.
https://www.nzcycletrail.com/find-your-ride/23-great-rides/alps-2-ocean/
