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Lake Tekapo

NZ Lake Tekapo lupins
NZ Lake Tekapo nightsky
NZ Lake Tekapo autumn
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Welcome to Lake Tekapo

The insider's travel guide to Lake Tekapo

A highland lake in the middle of New Zealand’s south island, Lake Tekapo is best known for its incredibly clear skies that are perfect for stargazing. However, visitors also come for hiking, boating, mountain biking and windsurfing on the water.

Overlapping with the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve and the largest such reserve in the world, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. With almost no light pollution here whatsoever (settlements are few and far between), it’s a spectacular place to stargaze. Stargazing from open-air hot springs is also offered.

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Dispatches

Guides & field notes
Active Adventures In New Zealand
Guide

Active Adventures In New Zealand

Nicole Canning
Nicole Canning

New Zealand must be in contention for title of adventure travel capital of the world. The list of white-knuckle thrills you can seek out here knows no bounds.
New Zealand's Best Road Trips
Guide

New Zealand's Best Road Trips

Elen Turner
Elen Turner

With just four million people spread over two main islands, nature and dramatic scenery rules in New Zealand.From the high Southern Alps that run the length of the South Island to the volcanic peaks of the North Island, the watery passages of the Marlborough Sounds and Fiordland to the geothermal activity of the central North Island, the golden sands of Northland beaches to the black sands of the west coast of both islands – there’s a lot to see on a self-drive route through New Zealand.
More on Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo Experiences
Things to see and do
Lake Tekapo Itineraries
Multi-day routes
Lake Tekapo Trips
Organised tours and packages
Lake Tekapo Travel Companies
Independent specialists

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