How many days do you need in Lake Tekapo?
While there are not a load of activities and attractions, there are enough to easily fill 2 or 3 days, or more if you enjoy outdoor activities.
Can you drive around Lake Tekapo?
New Zealand has many beautiful scenic drives throughout the country. One of the best is the 47-km (29-mile) stretch between Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. If you take Highway 8 through the heart of the Mackenzie Basin, you will be treated to many wonderful sights along the way. The road you take is fairly straight.
What is special about Lake Tekapo?
What is Lake Tekapo known for? Lake Tekapo is known for its beautiful watercolor as well as its proximity and access to the Southern Alps. The town is close to Mount Cook National Park and home to lots of great attractions including one of New Zealand’s only Dark Sky Reserves.
Where is the Mackenzie Basin?
South Island of New Zealand
The Mackenzie Country is an intermontane basin located in the Mackenzie and Waitaki Districts, near the centre of the South Island of New Zealand. It is the largest basin of its kind in New Zealand.
Is it worth staying in Lake Tekapo?
Definitely worth a visit. Drive along the Eastern edge of the lake and the road turns into a gravel track (4WD recommended) and eventually arrives at a ford though the Mackenzie river. If you get this far it will be quiet, you’ll be surrounded by the most beautiful mountains. Find some shade and have a picnic.
Can you see Mt Cook from Tekapo?
Another great location to see Mount Cook from the road is the road from Twizel, SH8 (Tekapo-Twizel Road). I’ve taken this road several times during my visits to New Zealand and every time the views have blown me away. Then again, cloud cover tends to spoil the view in the afternoons.
What is there to do between Tekapo and Queenstown?
14 Best Stops Between Queenstown and Lake Tekapo
- Lake Hayes. Mirror-like reflections at Lake Hayes!
- Arrow Junction Lookout. Just one of the views at the very start of Crown Range Road at a pull over bay.
- Crown Range summit.
- Cardona Hotel.
- Bradrona.
- Wanaka.
- Lindis Pass Lookout.
- Hot Tubs Omarama.
What is there to do in Lake Tekapo at night?
10 Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo
- Stargaze in a Dark Sky Reserve.
- Get an Obligatory Photo with the Church of the Good Shepherd.
- Frolic in Fields of Lupins.
- Take a Scenic Flight Over the Southern Alps.
- Hike Up Mt John.
- Relax in Some Hot Pools.
- Give the Dog Statue Some Attention.
- Hike or Bike the Cowans Hill Walkway.
Who owns the Mackenzie Basin?
Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage said the 11,800 hectare area is made up of land purchased by the Nature Heritage Fund, land transferred by Land Information to DOC, and land which has come back to full Crown ownership.
Is Mt Cook in MacKenzie Country?
Mt Cook and the MacKenzie Country are located to the east of the Southern Alps, in New Zealand’s South Island. Mount Cook National Park was gazetted in October 1953 and was established to protect the area’s landscape, flora and fauna. At 3,754 metres, Mt Cook (Aoraki) is New Zealand’s highest mountain.
What do you wear to Lake Tekapo?
Layers. Ideally merino, but anything lightweight/wool will do. The weather in Tekapo goes from extremes season to season, but it pays not to get caught out (especially if you are visiting in between seasons). The occasional 5 °C day can, and will strike outside of the winter months.
Is Mount Cook worth visiting?
Is it Mount Cook worth visiting? Absolutely! Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand, and as such, is seriously impressive. There are tons of beautiful walks and hikes to do in Mount Cook National Park that lead to stunning viewpoints of Mount Cook and nearby glaciers.
Can you drive up Mount Cook?
Driving to Mount Cook The road to Mount Cook starts just outside of Twizel. It takes around 45 minutes to reach Mount Cook Village, but you’ll probably spend longer on the journey. The road is fairly straight and easy to drive, although you may need chains if it has snowed recently.
Do you need chains Lake Tekapo?
Our snow report will indicate if chains are required and for what type of vehicle. There will be a sign on the access road showing where to fit them. We do not hire or sell chains so it is essential that you have them before leaving Lake Tekapo Village.
Where should I stop between Lake Tekapo and Wanaka?
Best stops along Lake Tekapo to Wanaka drive
- The Sheepdog Memorial. Sculpture.
- The Church of the Good Shepherd. On 4 lists.
- Lake Tekapo. On 8 lists.
- University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory. Observatory.
- Glacier Explorers.
- Department of Conservation, Aoraki Mt.
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
- The Helicopter Line, Mount Cook.
What is the meaning of Mackenzie?
Mackenzie is a Scottish name with Gaelic roots. Derived from the Gaelic surname MacCoinnich, Mackenzie means “comely,” “attractive” or “pleasant to look at.” It can also mean “child of the wise leader” and “born of fire.”
What does Aoraki mean in English?
Aoraki is the name of a person in the mythology of the Ngāi Tahu (South Island Māori) tribe. The word is said to be a compound of ao (“world, daytime, cloud”) + raki, a southern variant of rangi (“day, sky, weather”).