Lake Tekapo Travel Guides & Itineraries

The beautiful Lake Tekapo region is famous for its breathtaking night skies, impressive alpine landscapes, and excellent climate! Situated high in the middle of New Zealand’s South Island, this alpine lake and township sits at the core of the picturesque Mackenzie District, encircled by a wide expanse of golden tussock grass.

Positioned 710 metres (2300 feet) above sea level, the finely ground rock suspended in the melted glacial waters gives Lake Tekapo its stunning turquoise hue.

The Māori were the initial explorers of the Mackenzie region, whose lakes were part of a large food gathering area known within tribes for weka and eels. The lake’s traditional Māori name is Takapō, which means “to leave quickly at night.”

According to Māori legend, two chiefs were departing the lake under the cover of darkness but were caught by the rising sun and transformed into the two pillars that now stand at the entrance to Lindis Pass.

In 1855, Scottish settler James McKenzie was caught while moving “a thousand stolen sheep” with his dog through a remote mountain pass leading to “a vast plain.”

His adventures became legendary, and his name—though spelled differently—has been linked to these highlands ever since. His loyal sheepdog, ‘Friday,’ is commemorated with a monument by the lake.

Lake Tekapo’s central and geographical position is shielded from harsh coastal weather by the Southern Alps to the west and the Two Thumb Range to the east.

This alpine setting benefits from some of New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours and the lowest average wind speeds. The area receives only 575 millimeters (23 inches) of rainfall each year.

Whether in summer or winter, with snow-capped peaks or golden hues, the surrounding mountains and turquoise lake create a stunning backdrop for the village resting on the water’s edge.