Lake Tekapo is one of the South Island’s most breathtaking stops – a turquoise lake ringed by the Southern Alps, golden tussock and clear skies that make it part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve. By day, it’s a place of alpine beauty and iconic landmarks like the Church of the Good Shepherd. By night, the skies above Tekapo come alive with stars, constellations and galaxies seen more vividly here than almost anywhere else on earth.
Our curated Tekapo tours include unforgettable stargazing experiences with expert astronomy guides, powerful telescopes and exclusive locations within the Dark Sky Reserve. For those travelling across the South Island, our small group scenic transfers connect Tekapo seamlessly with Queenstown, Christchurch and Mt Cook – turning the journey into a highlight with stunning stops and passionate local guides along the way.
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Getting There
Lake Tekapo lies in the heart of the Mackenzie Basin, around halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown, making it an ideal stop on a South Island journey.
From Christchurch, Tekapo is about a three-hour drive across the Canterbury Plains and into the high country, passing farmland, braided rivers and wide open skies.
From Queenstown, the journey takes around four hours, winding through the Lindis Pass and golden tussock landscapes before opening onto the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and Tekapo.
Our curated small group tours connect Tekapo seamlessly with both Christchurch and Queenstown, often via Aoraki/Mt Cook, turning what could be a transfer into a scenic highlight. You can also travel shorter distances between Tekapo and Mt Cook, with plenty of time to take in alpine lookouts, glacier-fed lakes and hidden viewpoints along the way.
With premium vehicles, passionate guides and carefully chosen scenic stops, every Tekapo journey on Retreats Abroad is designed to make the travel as rewarding as the destination.
Tours In Tekapo
Expertly curated Stargazing Experiences & Tours in Tekapo
Tekapo Stargazing Tour - (Shared Tour English)
Join a small group of night sky enthusiasts for a 90-minute guided astronomy experience under Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve. Look deep into the cosmos with high-powered telescopes as expert guides bring constellations, planets and galaxies to life.
- Location: Tekapo
- Duration: Approx. 90 Minutes
- Price: From $109 NZD per adult
Ultimate Stargazing Experience - Lake Tekapo
Indulge in a premium two-hour stargazing experience complete with telescope observations, personal photography under the stars, moon chairs, warm drinks and nibbles. The ultimate way to savour Tekapo’s world-renowned night skies!
- Location: Tekapo
- Duration: Approx. 120 Minutes
- Price: From $199 NZD per adult
Alpine Stargazing Experience - Lake Tekapo
Discover some of the darkest skies on earth with a 75-minute alpine stargazing tour. Private access to secluded viewing spots, telescope use, expert guidance and a complimentary night-sky photo make this an unforgettable Tekapo experience.
- Location: Tekapo
- Duration: Approx. 75 minutes
- Price: From $99 NZD per adult
Tours To Tekapo
Scenic small group transfers departing from Christchurch, Queenstown & Mt Cook
Christchurch to Tekapo Small Group Tour (One Way)
Travel in comfort from Christchurch to Tekapo on a guided small group tour. With premium vehicles, scenic stops and passionate local guides, this three-hour journey is a seamless and scenic way to reach the Mackenzie Basin.
- To: Tekapo (one way)
- From: Christchurch
- Duration: Approx. 3 hours
- Price: From $199 NZD per adult
Queenstown to Tekapo via Mt Cook Small Group Tour (One Way)
Link Queenstown and Tekapo on a nine-hour small group tour via Aoraki/Mt Cook. With time to explore alpine vistas, glacier-fed lakes and one of New Zealand’s most iconic national parks, the journey becomes a highlight in itself.
- To: Tekapo via Mt Cook (one way)
- From: Queenstown
- Duration: Approx. 9 hours
- Price: From $399 NZD per adult
Mt Cook to Tekapo (One Way)
Travel from Aoraki/Mt Cook to Lake Tekapo in comfort on a 90-minute small group journey. Along the way, enjoy glacier-fed lakes, alpine views and carefully chosen scenic stops that make the short transfer memorable.
- To: Tekapo (one way)
- From: Mt Cook
- Duration: Approx. 90 minutes
- Price: From $165 NZD per adult
Tours From Tekapo
Fully-guided small group transfers to Christchurch, Queenstown & Mt Cook
Tekapo to Christchurch Small Group Tour (One Way)
Journey from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch on a three-hour guided small group tour. With premium transport, expert local guides and scenic stops across the Canterbury Plains, the transfer becomes part of your South Island adventure.
- To: Christchurch (one way)
- From: Tekapo
- Duration: Approx. 3 hours
- Price: From $199 NZD per adult
Tekapo to Queenstown via Mt Cook Small Group Tour (One Way)
Link Tekapo and Queenstown on a nine-hour small group journey via Aoraki/Mt Cook. With time to explore alpine vistas, turquoise lakes and New Zealand’s highest peak, this is a spectacular way to travel between two iconic destinations.
- To: Queenstown via Mt Cook (one way)
- From: Tekapo
- Duration: Approx. 9 hours
- Price: From $399 NZD per adult
Tekapo to Mt Cook Small Group Tour (One Way)
Travel from Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook in comfort on a guided small group tour. With views of Lake Pukaki and the Southern Alps, this short journey is rich with alpine scenery and the perfect way to connect two South Island highlights.
- To: Mt Cook (one way)
- From: Tekapo
- Duration: Approx. 240 minutes
- Price: From $199 NZD per adult
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