Top 5 Family Activities in Tekapo: Fun for the Whole Whānau

Planning a family trip to Lake Tekapo? You’re in for a treat. Nestled in the heart of the Mackenzie District, Tekapo is one of New Zealand’s most stunning alpine destinations – and it’s packed with family-friendly things to do all year round.

Whether you’re staying for the weekend or the school holidays, here are our Top 5 Family Activities in Tekapo – all within easy reach of Lakes Edge Holiday Park, your base for adventure.

1. Soak, Skate or Slide at Tekapo Springs

Tekapo Springs is a go-to for families visiting Tekapo. Located just a short walk from Lakes Edge Holiday Park, this all-seasons complex has something for everyone. In summer, enjoy hot pools with epic lake views, a cooler pool for kids, and a giant inflatable water slide. In winter, the snow tube park and outdoor skating rink bring hours of fun. For parents needing a breather, there’s an on-site day spa and café too.

Why it’s great for families:

• Multiple pools with different temperatures

• Kid-friendly water play and seasonal snow activities

• Food, drink, and changing facilities on-site

• Easy walking distance from the holiday park

Pro Tip: Weekends or school holidays are busy so head there early!

2. Stargaze at the Dark Sky Project

Tekapo sits in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Head to the Dark Sky Project for a family-friendly tour that brings the stars to life. Their guided nighttime experiences use powerful telescopes and expert commentary to show off constellations, planets, and galaxies. During the day, the indoor Matariki Experience offers an engaging intro to Māori astronomy and the southern skies – perfect for curious young minds.

There are also plenty of other stargazing tour groups in the area, contact us for more information.

Why it’s great for families:

• Educational and awe-inspiring

• Indoor and outdoor options available

• Engaging for both kids and adults

• Stunning night skies (weather permitting!)

Pro Tip: Layer up – even in summer, it gets chilly after dark.

3. Walk or Ride the Lake Tekapo Trails

For free, outdoor fun the whole family will enjoy, hit the walking and cycling trails around Tekapo. The Lake Tekapo Walkway is an easy, scenic route perfect for little legs, scooters, and prams. More adventurous families can try sections of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, which begins in Tekapo and offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Bike hire is available in town if you don’t bring your own.

Why it’s great for families:

• Free and accessible

• Safe, wide trails with amazing views

• Plenty of picnic stops and photo ops

• Bike hire and trail maps available locally

Pro Tip: Start early in summer – it gets hot out there!

4. Challenge the Family at Lake Tekapo Disc Golf

Looking for a fun and affordable outdoor activity that’s great for all ages? Try your hand at disc golf in Takapō Regional Park. This growing sport is a hit with families, and the park offers two nine-hole courses – one for beginners and one more advanced. The family-friendly course starts from the Homestead carpark and is an easy walk. All you need is a frisbee-style disc, which you can hire from Lakes Edge Holiday Park reception. Aim for the metal baskets, keep score (or not), and enjoy a bit of friendly competition with incredible lake and mountain views as your backdrop.

Why it’s great for families:

• Easy to learn and play

• Open, scenic space with lake views

• Budget-friendly with disc hire available

• Gets everyone moving outdoors

Pro Tip: Bring some snacks and turn it into a park picnic!

5. Enjoy a Classic Kiwi Picnic by the Lake

You don’t need a schedule to enjoy Tekapo. Sometimes the best family moments happen with a few simple ingredients: sunshine, snacks, and a great view. Lake Tekapo’s lakefront is perfect for an impromptu picnic. There’s plenty of space to spread out, room for games or stone-skipping, and a front-row seat to the ever-changing colours of the lake. You can grab supplies from Four Square or grab takeaway from a local café.

Why it’s great for families:

• Free, flexible fun

• Beautiful picnic spots with lake and mountain views

• Easy access to food and town

• Room for kids to run and explore

Pro Tip: Stay until sunset – Tekapo skies put on a show.

 

Stay at Lakes Edge Holiday Park – The Perfect Base for Families

With a range of family-friendly accommodation, including cabins, motel units, and powered sites, Lakes Edge Holiday Park is the ideal place to stay in Tekapo with kids.

Our clean, modern facilities, friendly team, and unbeatable lakefront location make it easy to unwind, explore, and enjoy everything Tekapo has to offer – all just steps from your door.