Hotels in Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo: Where Celestial Waters Meet Majestic Peaks

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's breathtaking Mackenzie District, Lake Tekapo is a tranquil lakeside gem renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and starry night skies. This idyllic village, with its charming wooden churches and breathtaking mountain backdrops, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Explore the nearby Lake Tekapo Regional Park for hiking and stunning vistas, or unwind at the Tekapo Springs hot pools. Ideal for romantic getaways or serene escapes, Lake Tekapo invites travelers to bask in its natural beauty and create unforgettable memories in a truly enchanting setting.

Discover great hotels in Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo offers a diverse range of accommodations, from luxury lakeside hotels with stunning views to cozy budget options. Enjoy the serene beauty of the region with lakefront stays that provide easy access to outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery, making it a perfect retreat for any traveler. Here are some of our travelers' favorite hotels in Lake Tekapo:

1. Burkes Pass Country MotelOpens in a new window: This charming 2.5-star motel offers a welcoming retreat for travelers seeking a pet-friendly experience. With comfortable accommodations, this hotel allows pets on-site, ensuring that guests can enjoy their stay alongside their furry companions. The inviting atmosphere and essential amenities create a cozy environment, making it a perfect choice for leisure travelers who appreciate a relaxed vibe. Review sentiments highlight the property’s warm hospitality and accessibility for pet lovers, enhancing the overall travel experience.
2. Aorangi MotelOpens in a new window: Aorangi Motel is an impressive 4.0-star motel that captivates adventure seekers and wellness enthusiasts with its exceptional hot spring amenities. Nestled close to a natural hot spring, this hotel provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can indulge in a variety of adventure sports and recreation activities nearby, such as snowboarding, fishing, and horseback riding. The combination of thrilling outdoor experiences and soothing spa-like features creates an unforgettable getaway, with travelers appreciating the hotel's commitment to providing invigorating adventures and tranquil retreats.
3. Mackenzie MotelsOpens in a new window: Mackenzie Motels, a delightful 2.5-star motel, presents an enjoyable stay with modern entertainment options designed for tech-savvy leisure travelers. The accommodations feature flat-screen televisions and digital channels, ensuring guests can unwind with their favorite shows after a day of exploration. The cozy setting and essential amenities create a comfortable space for relaxation, allowing visitors to recharge in style. Positive reviews reflect the hotel's inviting atmosphere and appealing entertainment features, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a laid-back yet engaging experience in Lake Tekapo.

Top locations to stay in Lake Tekapo

Some of the best areas to stay in Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie District, Canterbury, New Zealand, are Tekapo, South Island, and Mount Dobson. Tekapo offers stunning lakeside views and a tranquil getaway, while South Island is perfect for hiking enthusiasts. Mount Dobson provides fabulous skiing opportunities. For first-time visitors, Tekapo is the ideal choice, combining breathtaking scenery with accessibility.

1. TekapoOpens in a new window: Tekapo is a stunning destination known for its breathtaking turquoise lake and clear night skies, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts. This charming town offers a range of outdoor activities, from relaxing lakeside walks to cycling along scenic trails. Don’t miss the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a beautiful spot for photography. The area is also famed for its hot springs, providing a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. With its unique blend of natural beauty and local attractions, Tekapo is an ideal place for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
2. South IslandOpens in a new window: The South Island is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes and experiences, making it a must-visit for any traveler. Known for its majestic mountains, lush valleys, and stunning fjords, this region offers endless opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration. Highlights include visiting the picturesque town of Queenstown and the serene beauty of Fiordland National Park. The South Island is also home to vibrant local markets and charming villages, perfect for shopping and discovering artisan crafts. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, the South Island has something for everyone.
3. Mount DobsonOpens in a new window: Mount Dobson is a hidden gem for those who love the outdoors, particularly skiing and snowboarding during the winter months. This lesser-known ski area provides a more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger resorts, making it ideal for families and beginners. In the summer, it transforms into a hiking paradise, with trails offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The peaceful setting and breathtaking scenery make Mount Dobson a great choice for travelers looking to connect with nature away from the hustle and bustle.

Things to do in Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo offers stunning landscapes where turquoise waters meet majestic mountains, creating a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, relaxing at hot springs, or stargazing under some of the clearest skies in the world. With its charming small-town vibe, it’s a delightful spot for exploration and adventure.

• Mount John LookoutOpens in a new window – Climb up to Mount John Lookout for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. It's the perfect spot to capture stunning photos and take in the natural beauty of the area. The clear skies here also make it a fantastic location for stargazing at night.
• Sheepdog StatueOpens in a new window – Don’t miss the Sheepdog Statue, a tribute to the hardworking dogs that help manage the sheep in this rural landscape. Located near the lake, this charming statue is a great photo opportunity and a reminder of the region's farming heritage.
• Church of the Good ShepherdOpens in a new window – Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, an iconic stone church that offers a serene atmosphere and stunning views of the lake and mountains. Step inside to admire the beautiful stained glass windows and take a moment to reflect in this peaceful setting.
• Tekapo SpringsOpens in a new window – Unwind at Tekapo Springs, where you can soak in hot pools surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. This wellness oasis also offers a range of activities, including ice skating in winter and a relaxing day spa, making it a perfect retreat for visitors.

5 tips for savvy savings when booking a hotel in Lake Tekapo

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly time to visit Lake Tekapo is during June, August, and September, when hotel prices are lower. For an affordable getaway, staying for at least 1 to 2 days is recommended to fully appreciate the area’s key landmarks and cultural gems. During your visit, you can explore the stunning lake, hike scenic trails, admire the picturesque views, and visit historical sites like the charming small town and the iconic cathedral. This trip offers great value for money, allowing you to enjoy family-friendly tours and immerse yourself in Lake Tekapo's rich history and beautiful surroundings.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: To explore last-minute deals for hotels in Lake Tekapo, visit the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window sections on Hotels.com, where you may discover discounted rates as your travel date approaches. To maximize savings, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications for flash sales and special promotions. Additionally, Smart ShoppingOpens in a new window is a helpful comparison tool available in the app that allows you to compare hotel prices and amenities. This way, you'll be among the first to know if prices drop or new rooms become available, making it easier to snag the best hotel deal for your getaway.
3. Be flexible with dates: Prices can fluctuate based on factors such as the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year, so being flexible with your travel dates may help you save on your stay in a Lake Tekapo hotel. If you're seeking unique accommodations, boutique hotels often provide a more personalized experience and may offer better value. When you book through Hotels.com, we’ll inform you if the price for your chosen dates is above or below the average. If the price is on the higher side, we’ll suggest more affordable dates to increase your chances of finding a better deal.
4. Consider your location: Hotels near the city center usually tend to be pricier, but with Lake Tekapo's great public transportation options, you might discover a more affordable independent hotel a bit farther out that still offers good connectivity. If you're interested in exploring alternative, less crowded neighborhoods or even lesser-known nearby towns, you can often find excellent value for your money. Opting for these alternative destinations might provide a more authentic and budget-friendly experience.
5. Become a Member: Join for free and unlock exclusive member benefits for your next stay in Lake Tekapo! Enjoy savings on over 100,000 hotels around the globe with special member pricing. As you progress through the membership tiers, you’ll gain access to exciting perks such as complimentary room upgrades (when available) and discounts on food and beverages at select VIP Access properties. Don’t miss out on the chance to enhance your travel experience—become a member today!

Best time to go to Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo experiences its lowest average temperature in July, at 25.0°F (-3.9°C), while February is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 46.2°F (7.9°C). May is typically the wettest month. If you’re looking to soak up the lively atmosphere in Lake Tekapo, January, April, and December are the peak months to visit, bustling with fellow travelers. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny to mostly cloudy, with frequent rainfall. However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, May, August, and October are perfect for a quieter getaway, marked by frequent rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.