Tekapo and Mt Cook - Complete Guide

Best accommodation in Tekapo and Mt Cook

There is a great range of accommodation options in both Tekapo and in and around Mt Cook. From luxury hotels to camping, Airbnbs to cheap and cheerful motels. It is possible to explore Mt Cook from a base in Tekapo – it’s a bit of a drive to get out there but it can definitely be done. Most people, however, will stay for a couple of nights in Tekapo and then push on to Mt Cook for at least one more night before carrying on with your South Island adventure. No matter what you do, here are some of the best accommodation option in Tekapo and Mt Cook.

Lake Tekapo Village Motel - Tekapo

A top tip from GO Explorer Carly after her South Island Adventure, the Lake Tekapo Village Motel is an awesome place to base yourself for exploring the area. Located right in the heart of the town, the Lake Tekapo Village Motel is just a short walk away from the Church of the Good Shepherd. From here, you can also access some great walking paths that will take you around the shores of the lake. The rooms all come with kitchen facilities and free WiFi making it a great option for those travelling on a budget.

Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge - Mt Cook

There aren’t loads of accommodation options out at Mt Cook but there are some great ones! The Aoraki Alpine Lodge is a favourite amongst our GO Explorers that head out to Mt Cook and for good reason. The lodge offers lots of different accommodation options including hotel rooms, studios, apartments and bunk rooms making it great for all budgets. The fact that the lodge is within walking distance of the Hooker Track is a definite bonus for those wanting to explore this awesome region.

The Godley Hotel - Tekapo

Another popular spot in Tekapo is the Godley Hotel. With 70 guest rooms available and located right in the heart of the town, the Godley Hotel also has a swimming pool and spa which are extremely popular with families and those looking to kick back and relax. Located just a stone’s throw from the Church of the Good Shepherd and with impressive views of the mountains, this is a great option for the budget conscious traveller.

Mt Cook Lodge and Motels - Mt Cook

Another lodge located in Mt Cook Village is Mt Cook Lodge and Motels. This place is perfect for all types of travellers – from families to backpackers to those looking for something a bit more fancy. The lodge enjoys spectacular views out over the Mt Cook National Park and has an onsite bar and restaurant that is popular with guests and visitors alike. There is an awesome BBQ area and beer garden which is the perfect place to sit back and relax after a day out walking in the park.

The Mackenzie Apartments - Tekapo

If you are looking for something a bit more up market when you head to Tekapo, make sure you check out The Mackenzie Apartments and Suites. This boutique accommodation has truly stunning views out across Lake Tekapo and is set back away from the shores and the main town. The apartments and suites are the perfect home away from home and great for those planning on staying for a few days or longer with laundry facilities, garaging for the car and gas log fires for those cold winter days.

YHA Aoraki Mt Cook Backpackers - Mt Cook

You have got to hand it to the YHA – they have some amazing locations for their hostels! This one is definitely no exception. The YHA Aoraki Mt Cook Backpackers is a cosy, log-cabin style building which was recently refurbished with new bedrooms and a new kitchen. The lounge has an amazing log burning fire which is perfect after a day spent out exploring the park. With 2GB of free WiFi every day and a wide selection of rooms from 7-bed dorms to private doubles, this is a popular spot all year round.

Best places to eat out in Tekapo and Mt Cook

Tekapo is not the biggest town in New Zealand but for a relatively small destination, it’s not short on great places to eat out. Mt Cook Village is another place that bats above its average when it comes to choices for eating out. What both of these places do enjoy is stunning vistas. Whether it’s looking out over the turquoise lake or staring up at the mountains, you will never be short of a view for dinner in either location. Here are some of the top tips from our GO Explorers:

Best walks in Tekapo and Mt Cook

As you would imagine, there are some pretty amazing walks to be found in both Tekapo and in particular, in Mt Cook National Park. Most people who head down here come for the amazing outdoor opportunities – skiing in the winter and other snow activities and some great walking tracks in the summer. Here are some of the best walks in Tekapo and Mt Cook and some of the amazing views you are rewarded with:

Hooker Valley Track - Mt Cook

Mt John Summit Track - Tekapo

Governors Bush Walk - Mt Cook

Cowans Hill Walkway - Tekapo

Red Tarns Track - Mt Cook

Lake Tekapo Walkway - Tekapo

Tasman Glacier View Track - Mt Cook

Roundhill Walkway - Tekapo

Best Activities in Tekapo and Mt Cook

The central South Island is an absolute playground for those who love the outdoors. From the spectacular turquoise lakes to the huge range of tramping tracks to the majesty of the scenery – the Southern Alps provide an amazing backdrop to most of the activities in this region. Here are some of the best suggestions for things to do as well as a few activities from our exclusive GO Play programme.

Scenic Flight

If you truly want to get the best view of the amazing Southern Alps and Mt Cook, then a scenic flight is the way to go. Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters are an exclusive GO Play partner and will take you up in one of their ski planes or helicopters to check out Mount Cook and Westland National Parks from the air. The flight also includes a glacier landing which is pretty amazing and when you rent your car with GO Rentals, you’ll save $30.

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Hooker Valley Track

New Zealand has its fair share of amazing walking tracks but this one is up there with the best of them. It’s also got to be up there with some of the most Instagrammed placed in New Zealand! The Hooker Valley Track is a really accessible walking track in the Mt Cook National Park. It’s a 10km return track which offers up some amazing views of Mueller Glacier, Hooker Lake and Mount Cook. The track will take you around 3 hours to get there and back and is a great way to spend the day.

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Mt John Observatory

The Mt John Observatory is a must on any visit to Tekapo. You can either take a hike up there from a track that sets off from Tekapo Springs or you can take your car up to the top. Once you’re up there, you will find amazing views down over Lake Tekapo as well as 360 panoramic views of the whole region. The observatory is a working University site and they do open up for stargazing at certain times which is always well worth it!

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Tekapo Springs

If you are looking for some relaxation or maybe the kids are looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon, then you could do far worse than head to Tekapo Springs. With three-tiered hot pool landscaped into the local rock and surrounded by native plants, this is one of the most relaxing, natural hot springs in New Zealand. There’s a tube park and waterslides for the kids making a great place for the whole family.

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Stargazing

If you are looking for a place to check out the stars, you have come to the right part of the world. The Aoraki National Park is home to a 4,300 sq km chunk of land that was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012. It’s the world’s largest IDSR and the first to be awarded ‘gold’ status meaning it doesn’t get much better than this! Walk out on any clear evening and you will be mesmerised by the truly remarkable skyscape. Find out more here.

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Trek | Climb | Ski

Trek, climb and ski with the professionals. Alpine Recreation is a small, friendly family-run company based in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand, specialising in guided outdoor adventures throughout New Zealand’s Southern Alps. This includes alpine trekking and hiking, climbing courses and guided ascents, ski touring and snowshoeing trips. Their professional and enthusiastic team will create a custom itinerary to suit you – plan your next trip with Alpine Recreation today!

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Church of the Good Shepherd

This is an activity that’s completely FREE! Any trip to Tekapo is not complete without a visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd. The small, picturesque stone church enjoys the perfect location on the shores of Lake Tekapo. The foundation stone was laid in 1935 and the church was completed around 8 months later. The only issue you might have is trying to capture that perfect shot without other tourists in it!

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Alps 2 Ocean Trail

If you are feeling up for a challenge, the incredible Alps to Ocean cycling trail does exactly what it says on the tin – takes you from the Alps to the Ocean! There are a couple of different options in terms of routes however most people start off at Mt Cook and finish on the east coast at Oamaru. There are a few options in terms of how long it takes from the speedy 4 days to the relaxed 8 days. It’s around 300kms to complete the cycle and it will be up there with one of your proudest achievements!

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Air Safaris Grand Traverse

Another scenic air experience rounds off our list of activities in Mt Cook and Tekapo. This one is considered to be a ‘flight of a lifetime’ and will take you on an exploration of Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. The scenic flight includes views of turquoise glacial lakes, golden tussock lands and remote high country sheep stations. Air Safaris are also an exclusive GO Play partner so you will save 10% on the cost of the Grand Traverse. Woop woop!

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Rent the perfect car for your adventure

Recommended vehicle for exploring Tekapo

FORD EVEREST TITANIUM

0-1 year(s) old

The Ford Everest Titanium is perfect for exploring the rugged roads around Tekapo with adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

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Tekapo and Mt Cook Travel Guide

Best accommodation in Tekapo and Mt Cook

Lake Tekapo Village Motel - Tekapo

Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge - Mt Cook

The Godley Hotel - Tekapo

Mt Cook Lodge and Motels - Mt Cook

The Mackenzie Apartments - Tekapo

YHA Aoraki Mt Cook Backpackers - Mt Cook

Best places to eat out in Tekapo and Mt Cook

Best walks in Tekapo and Mt Cook

Best Activities in Tekapo and Mt Cook

Scenic Flight

Hooker Valley Track

Mt John Observatory

Tekapo Springs

Stargazing

Trek | Climb | Ski

Church of the Good Shepherd

Alps 2 Ocean Trail

Air Safaris Grand Traverse

Rent the perfect car for your adventure

FORD EVEREST TITANIUM

NEAREST BRANCHES

Trip Planner

Queenstown to Hanmer Springs Round Trip – 7 days

Queenstown to Christchurch – 6 days

Queenstown to Christchurch – 4 days

News and Social

20 New Zealand Foods and where you can try them!

The Best Time of the Year to Visit New Zealand

25 New Zealand Animals and Where You Can See Them!

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