Lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook National Park are two incredibly scenic spots not to miss on a trip to South Island, New Zealand. Famous for its milky turquoise waters, Lake Tekapo is a glittering jewel of the Mackenzie Basin. While only a short drive away, Mt. Cook/Aoraki is an alpine wonderland which is home to several glaciers on its snow-covered peaks. In this article, I'll show you how to enjoy 3 days in these beautiful destinations.
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Planning a Visit to Lake Tekapo / Mt. Cook
A Little about Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo (Māori name: Takapō) is one of three parallel lakes in the Mackenzie Basin and lies just north of the Southern Alps (Māori name: Kā Tiritiri o te Moana). Its stunning milky-turquoise color is due to the fine silt particles, or glacial flour, which are suspended in the water. Many of New Zealand's lakes and rivers are this color and I never got over how beautiful the color is!
Just beside the lake, the small settlement town of Tekapo is a great place to stay with a nice range of accommodations, restaurants, and activities. Hike the many walking tracks with lake views, relax in the hot pools at Tekapo Springs, and enjoy epic stargazing after dark.
Getting to Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is fairly equidistant from several major cities on South Island, so it's equally convenient to drive from any of them.
A Little about Mt. Cook / Aoraki
Mt. Cook (Māori name: Aoraki) is home to some of New Zealand's highest mountains and longest glaciers, with 23 peaks that are over 3,000 meters in elevation. Far from any city light pollution, Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is a large part of New Zealand's International Dark Sky Reserve and the stargazing is absolutely incredible.
While you're in Mount Cook, enjoy the incredible hiking options, from challenging peak summits to easy valley walks. For an adventure, take a helicopter tour to walk on a glacier. Or, just admire the beautiful views while soaking in the pure mountain air.
Getting to Mt. Cook/Aoraki
Mt. Cook / Aoraki is only a short drive (1-hr, 15 min) from Lake Tekapo. If you're starting in Queenstown, expect it to take ~3.5 hours. From Christchurch, it's about a 4-hour drive.
Aoraki / Mt. Cook Village is a small town with limited conveniences and places to stay. To stock up on supplies, find cheap accommodations, or use the dump station (for motorhomes), check out the nearest town, Twizel, which is ~50-min drive away.
When to Visit Lake Tekapo / Mt. Cook
Summer (December to February) is typically the best time to visit Lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook. Temperatures are warmer and the weather is better overall. Mid-November to December is lupin season and a popular time for photographers to capture these beautiful blooms. Since summer is high season, prices will be higher and accommodations get booked up months in advance.
If you'd like to avoid peak season, the shoulder seasons - autumn (March-April) and spring (September-October) are good seasons to visit as it's less crowded. In autumn, the fall colors are beautiful and create a vibrant landscape. In spring, the snow is melting is temperatures rise and days become longer. Plus, flowers begin blooming in late-spring.
Finally, if you're into snow sports, winter (June-August) might be perfect for you. Lake Tekapo offers a range of adventures, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. In Mt. Cook, winter is a magical time to visit, but many of the peak trails are closed due to avalanche risk. However, you can still do the valley walks at lower elevation.
Renting a Car or Motorhome
Undoubtedly, the best way to explore South Island is to self-drive around the island. Whether you rent a car, campervan, or RV will depend on your travel preferences. Regardless of the type of vehicle, self-driving allows you to take in the scenery, stop at scenic viewpoints, and set your own pace as you explore.
Renting a Motorhome
In my opinion, renting a campervan / RV is the way to go when visiting South Island. We rented our RV from a family-run company called Kiwi Motorhomes (model: Liberty). They only have a limited number of vehicles, but they keep them in great condition and I'd highly recommend them.
As you drive around South Island, you'll see lots of campervans and RVs branded with their company name. Some of the ones we saw regularly include maui Motorhomes (RVs), Happy Campers, and Jucy (campervans). These larger companies have offices in many cities around New Zealand for convenient pick-up and drop-off options.
To compare prices across companies, check out the Motorhome Republic website.
Renting a Car
If you aren't comfortable with renting a campervan or RV, traveling by car around South Island is the next-best option. To start searching for cars, I recommend using Rental Cars and Expedia rental cars to compare prices.
Day Tours to Lake Tekapo / Mt. Cook
If you only have a short amount of time to spend in the area and do not want to rent a car, you could take a day tour from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook. It's a lot to fit into one day and you won't have chance to do more than admire the scenery. However, it's a great way to get a taste of the beautiful landscapes.
Or, if you're staying in Lake Tekapo already, this day trip to Mount Cook might interest you. This small group trip even allows time for you to hike one of the beautiful trails in Mount Cook National Park.
3-Day Itinerary for Lake Tekapo & Mt. Cook
In the following section, I'll share a complete 3-day itinerary for Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook. Several stops along Lake Pukaki, the largest of the three lakes in the Mackenzie Basin, are also included in the itinerary.
Day 1 - Drive to Lake Tekapo, Explore the Town
Start out this Lake Tekapo/Mount Cook itinerary with a drive to Lake Tekapo. Lake Tekapo was our first stop on a 15-day South Island road trip. As a result, we came straight from Christchurch after picking up our motorhome rental.
Scheduling Note: You'll notice that this 3-day itinerary does not exactly match what we did on our trip. We only spent 2 days in Lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook. As a result, we weren't able to do as much in Lake Tekapo as I'd wanted. This is why I've expanded on what we did for this 3-day itinerary.
Driving to Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is roughly 222 km (138 mi) from the Christchurch International Airport and it took us ~3 hours to drive there. Leave in the morning in order to arrive by lunchtime.
The drive from Christchurch is an easy one through farm country. The sprawling plains reminded me of the middle of the U.S. Not my favorite scenery, but it got us to our destination.
Exploring Tekapo
As you approach Tekapo, you start to catch glimpses of the mountains and then the stunning turquoise lake. Grab lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes in the main shopping plaza. Then, take a walk around town and the lake to see some of the sights.
The Church of the Good Shepherd and Sheepdog Monument
One of these sights is the Church of the Good Shepherd. Built in 1935 for pioneer families and still used today as a place of worship, it's also a popular spot to take photos.
Steps from the church, you'll also spot the sheepdog monument, which recognizes these adorable canines for their part in grazing this district's mountainous countryside.
Relax at Tekapo Springs
For a fun and relaxing activity, head to Tekapo Springs to enjoy its three hot pools filled from an underground source near Tekapo. The pools have plenty of bench seating where you can enjoy scenic mountain views.
In summer, enjoy the cooler pools while the kids frolic in the Aqua Play Area or play a round of mini golf. In winter, try out the snow tubing and ice skating in addition to relaxing in the hot pools.
Dinner in Tekapo
For dinner, head back to town to try out another of its excellent restaurants. If you love craft beer, check out Burkes Brewing at the Blue Lake Eatery & Bar. Advance bookings for the main dining room are recommended.
Lake Tekapo Stargazing
After dark, the best activity in Lake Tekapo is stargazing as it's part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve. If you're staying on the outskirts of town, you should be able to see the stars with the naked eye. For an even better look, consider booking one of the tours below.
Where to Stay in Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo has many nice places to stay both in town and on the outskirts. You can find motels, apartments, and entire houses to rent. However, this area is quite popular so things book up quickly. Below are a few accommodations that I'd consider booking in Lake Tekapo:
Campground: Lakes Edge Holiday Park
If you're in a campervan or motorhome, I recommend Lakes Edge Holiday Park. Located on the shores of Lake Tekapo, it's a ~15-minute walk east of town and has a number of powered and non-powered campsites, plus motel and cabins. The toilet and shower facilities were clean and heated, plus they provided hair dryers.
The view from our campground of Lake Tekapo
Day 2 - Lake Pukaki, Driving to Aoraki/Mt. Cook
The next day, start the morning with a hike up Mt. John for an incredible view of Tekapo. Then, head west to Lake Pukaki, stopping at scenic viewpoints and a couple of unique shops. Finally, continue onto Mt. Cook / Aoraki to spend the night.
Mount John Summit Hike
A great way to start the morning and appreciate those beautiful lake views, is to set out on the Mount John Summit Circuit Track. Starting at Tekapo Springs, this loop track takes roughly 3 hours to complete. The trail gains ~300 m (985 ft) in elevation and is very exposed, so be sure to wear your sunscreen.
Alternatively, you can drive up to the summit for a small fee. Grab a coffee at the cafe while enjoying the beautiful views.
Drive up Godley Peaks Road
Another alternative to Mount John is to continue driving along Godley Peaks Road to the Lake Tekapo Peninsula Walkway. This gentle trail meanders through the meadows overlooking Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains.
After enjoying some time in nature in Tekapo, head west towards Lake Pukaki. It's a ~40-minute drive from Lake Tekapo to reach the first viewpoints.
Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki is the largest of the three parallel lakes in the Mackenzie Basin. Due to the glacial flour, it has the same stunning turquoise color as Lake Tekapo.
As you drive from Lake Tekapo on Route 8, don't miss the scenic viewpoints along the way. On a clear day, you can see the Southern Alps across Lake Pukaki, including Mount Cook.
Unfortunately, it was a bit stormy on the day we visited so Mt. Cook was hidden. By February when we visited, the lupins were already brown. However, from mid-November to December, the vibrant purple blooms against the turquoise water is stunning.
Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop and Lake Pukaki Visitor Center
If you're a salmon-lover like me, you definitely don't want to miss the Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon Shop. We bought a couple of smoked salmons for dinner in the RV and I had a sashimi snack along Lake Pukaki. Delicious!
At the same spot is the visitor center for Lake Pukaki where you can find information and clean restrooms. Plus, it's where the Himalayan Tahr statue is located.
Places to Stay at Lake Pukaki
If you're looking for a bit of luxury on your trip, you might consider staying along Lake Pukaki. Unlike Lake Tekapo, there are no towns along Lake Pukaki. However, there are few luxurious lodges and lake houses perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Driving to Aoraki / Mount Cook
After leaving Lake Pukaki Visitor Center, turn onto route 80, to begin the drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook. Along this route, you'll also find many scenic viewpoints where you can stop for photos.
New Zealand Alpine Lavender Farm
Shortly after the turnoff onto route 80, I'd recommend a stop at NZ Alpine Lavender. It's a gorgeous lavender farm with a shop selling various lavender goodies (i.e. hand cream) and lavender ice cream. You can also pay a small fee to get closer to the lavender fields where they have various props set up for photos.
Arriving in Aoraki / Mt. Cook
Driving into Aoraki / Mount Cook is honestly one of those moments I'll remember forever. Although I'd heard it was a beautiful spot, nothing prepared me for how jaw-droppingly gorgeous the Southern Alps would be. Photos truly do not do this area justice.
After a full day of activities, you'll most likely just want to check in to your accommodations and relax a bit.
Where to Stay in Aoraki/Mt. Cook
If you can find available accommodations that fit your budget, I highly recommend staying in picturesque Mount Cook. Mount Cook Village offers several motels and lodges. Given the limited options and popularity of the national park, however, these accommodations tend to be on the pricey side and do sell out.
Pro Tip: If you cannot find a place to stay that is available on your dates and fits your budget, consider looking in Twizel. About a 50-minute drive to Mount Cook, it's the closest town and has more accommodation options.
Campground: White Horse Hill Campground (DOC)
One of my favorite campgrounds on the entire trip, White Horse Hill Campground is a DOC campground with unpowered sites, a full kitchen with drinking water, and flush toilets. Located in the heart of Aoraki / Mount Cook, it's conveniently located at the start of many hiking trails and the mountain views are unbeatable.
Evening Walk to Mount Cook Village
After we arrived in Mount Cook, we decided to take a walk to enjoy the beautiful views. The easy walking path between White Horse Hill Campground and Mount Cook Village was a great introduction to the gorgeous scenery.
Drinks at The Hermitage Hotel
Stepping into The Hermitage Hotel, the lobby had a cozy and welcoming vibe. We explored the gift shop, then enjoyed a local craft beer at the Sir Edmund Hillary Café & Bar. The mountain views from this bar are spectacular.
Since we didn't want to walk back to the campground after dark, we returned to make dinner in our motorhome. However, if you're staying in Mt. Cook Village, you could also eat either in the bar or enjoy one of the restaurants at The Hermitage Hotel.
Weather Tip: Due to its alpine climate, Mount Cook is many degrees cooler than Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. As you drive, you'll feel the temperature plummet as you get closer to Aoraki. Be prepared for it to be cold, even during the summer months. One night, it hit freezing and snowed on the peaks. I was incredibly thankful for the heater in our RV.
Day 3 - Hiking in Aoraki/Mt. Cook
Spend your third day fully enjoying the pristine natural beauty of Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park by hiking on a couple of the gorgeous trails. The park has many from which to choose, but I've included descriptions of the two hikes we completed in case you want to give them a try.
Mount Cook Glacier Helicopter Tours
If you're not a big hiker and have room in your budget, I recommend substituting a helicopter ride in place of the Sealy Tarns hike. I'd still suggest the Hooker Valley Track for the afternoon (or morning depending on preference). It's an easier, flatter walk than Sealy Tarns and most people will be able to do.
Sealy Tarns Track
We began the Sealy Tarns Track from the White Horse Hill Campground at 11:00 am. By that time, it had warmed up a bit and the sun was shining brightly.
Dubbed "the stairway to Heaven," this steep trail of 2,200 steps takes you almost straight up the 600 m / 1,967 ft climb. The DOC classifies this hike as "easy," but they must be rating on a different scale than me. I'd say it's at least "moderate" unless you're in peak physical shape and great with stairs.
As you make your way up the never-ending stairs, you'll have magnificent views of Hooker Valley and various peaks, such as Mt. Cook / Aoraki and Mount Sefton.
At the top are a couple of freshwater lakes and more stunning views. We stopped to have a snack once we reached Sealy Tarns at 1:00 pm.
Sealy Tarns viewpoint and alpine lake
Views from Sealy Tarns
If you're feeling ambitious, you can continue on the Mueller Hut Route, a steep trail with loose gravel that climbs more than double the altitude of Sealy Tarns. You can stay in Mueller Hut overnight but bookings are required. After "assessing my fitness at Sealy Tarns" as DOC recommends, I decided it wasn't as great as I'd hoped! Plus, I didn't want to kill my legs on our first hike so we did not continue.
The descent went much quicker, especially as we watched the storms roll in and hurried more than we might have otherwise. We reached the campsite at 2:30 pm, just before it began to hail. It's crazy how quickly the weather changes in New Zealand!
Lunch Break and Recovery Time
One of the things we loved about having the RV is that we had a built in spot to relax and eat lunch whenever we wanted. After finishing the Sealy Tarns Track, we hunkered down with our PB&Js while the storm raged outside.
If you're not camping, you can return to the village to one of the restaurants for lunch and a bit of a break. Unfortunately, the village is a bit further from the trailheads so you'll have a longer walk. There's a parking lot at the campground for cars, but it does fill up early during peak season.
Hooker Valley Track
By 5:00 pm, the storms had cleared, our legs were rested, and the evening was looking beautiful. Long summer days meant we still had time to hike the Hooker Valley Track.
In this case, I agree with DOC that this 10-km roundtrip track is an "easy" hike as it's mostly flat, on a wide trail, and meanders through Hooker Valley. It's insanely popular in the morning, but seemed less crowded in the evening.
The views throughout the hike are spectacular as you pass alpine streams and have views of several glaciers. You'll cross three swinging bridges along the way.
We reached Hooker Lake, the turnaround point, at 6:30 pm and took a bunch of photos. From there, you have great views of Mount Cook / Aoraki. If you look closely, you can also spot Mount Cook Glacier at the end of the lake, though it's quite dirty.
Zoomed in view of glacier at other end of the lake
As we walked back, the clouds rolled in again and it got rather chilly as the wind whipped through the valley. We made it back to our campground by 8:15 pm.
Dinner in Mt. Cook
As we did many nights on our New Zealand trip, we cooked our dinner in the RV. However, if you're staying in Mt. Cook Village, you might enjoy a meal at the Old Mountaineers Café, Bar & Restaurant. This iconic restaurant was opened by Sir Edmund Hillary, has an extensive historic photographic gallery, great food, and great views of Mt. Cook.
Stargazing in Aoraki / Mt. Cook
Hopefully on one of your nights in Aoraki / Mt Cook, you'll have clear skies. This happened for us on our second night at White Horse Hill Campground. The sky finally cleared and the stargazing was amazing! I'd never seen stars like that before. Unfortunately, we didn't have a camera that could capture it.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook are incredible places to visit on a trip to New Zealand. Offering a wide range of activities and majestic scenery, filling three days is pretty easy. Even if you have fewer days, I'd still recommend driving through this beautiful region as its beauty is something you'll never forget!
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Happy travels!
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