Plan an exciting trip with Lake Tekapo accommodation

Nestled in the heart of the Mackenzie Region of South Island, Lake Tekapo is a renowned destination with a turquoise lake and dramatic mountain backdrop. With the natural playground of lakes, streams, mountains and valleys, Lake Tekapo is an adventure haven with activities for all seasons. You can ski and snow tube in winter, stargaze and hike in summer or enjoy hot pools and stargazing all year round. The region offers an abundance of family activities that the kids are sure to love. Find out more about holidays in Lake Tekapo and the options for Lake Tekapo accommodation to prepare for your unforgettable alpine holiday.

Accommodation types in Lake Tekapo

From family holiday homes to charming alpine cabins, you’ll have an array of options for accommodation in Lake Tekapo. Check out Lake Tekapo budget accommodation, holiday homes, cabins and more to see what the region has to offer.

Family holiday homes

Holiday homes are the most diverse option for your trip. You can find anything from a small and cosy cabin for a solo adventure or couple’s trips to sprawling homes with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms for large groups or families. Holiday homes come in a variety of options as well, including budget accommodation and luxury houses, so you’ll have exactly what you want for your trip. You can book holiday homes with amenities as well, such as decks, pools, backyards, beach access and more. Rentals like Starlight De Heaven are the perfect choice for a family stay and include space for 8 people, a wraparound deck with stunning wilderness views, television, a collection of books and children’s toys.

Alpine cabins

If you want to take in the stunning mountain scenery in Lake Tekapo, booking an alpine cabin gives you beauty and privacy. You can find cabins all over the region that provide you with alpine or waterfront views, wilderness surrounds, outdoor entertainment space and more. Cabins also come in many sizes, ranging from studios to multiple bedrooms, so you can easily accommodate your entire travel group or family. Cabins are self-contained, giving you all the familiar comforts of home.

Hotels and serviced apartments

Hotels and serviced apartments offer a conventional holiday experience that’s perfect for all types of travellers. You can stay in your own unit and enjoy convenient services like room service and onsite dining and bars. Many hotels and apartments also offer community features like pools, fitness centres, business centres and organised tours, such as stargazing tours or outdoor adventure tours. With a serviced apartment, you’ll also have your own kitchen to prepare some meals at home for your family.

Things to do in Lake Tekapo

Offering adventure for all seasons, Lake Tekapo is a great destination any time of year. You can ski or snow tube in winter, mountain bike and hike in summer or spend time with the kids in the great outdoors. Take a look at the best things to do in Lake Tekapo to plan your itinerary.

Winter fun

Surrounded by stunning glaciers and the majestic Southern Alps, Lake Tekapo is a popular destination for winter activities. It’s home to the Roundhill Ski Area, a family-run ski field that boasts an abundance of beginner and intermediate terrain for skiing and snowboarding. You’ll also have frozen areas for ice skating and plenty of hills for snow tubing with the kids. Another great experience in Lake Tekapo in winter is bathing in hot pools that are found all over the area. While relaxing in a steaming hot pool, you’ll have incredible views of the landscape for a soothing escape.

Summer activities

One of the best experiences to have in Lake Tekapo is stargazing. Though you can stargaze all year, the temperatures are more comfortable in summer. The area receives minimal light pollution, providing some of the darkest skies in New Zealand. You can visit the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve on Mount John Summit to see amazing starry skies with the kids. In warm weather, you’ll also have the varied landscape as a natural playground for mountain treks, summit hikes and family-friendly watersports like boating, fishing, waterskiing and kayaking on the lake and rivers.

Family attractions

Lake Tekapo has an array of fun experiences for all ages. You’ll find short walks all over the region that are suitable for even the youngest of children or for you to push a stroller. Kids will also like Tekapo Springs, a hot pool complex with cooler pools for children, a tube park and ice-skating rink in winter and an inflatable waterslide to cool off in summer. Lake Tekapo has numerous wildlife experiences as well, including horse treks, alpaca petting zoos, salmon feeding and farm stays.