Mount John Lake Tekapo

Start: Park under the campsite, opposite the toilets facing the lake.

(S/E) Follow the paved path alongside the lake, keeping the lake on your right. At the aquatic complex, the pavement ends. Cross the car park and carry on on a good path still running alongside the lake.

(1) At the junction, leave the track for a wide path on the left, which climbs a little. Follow this undulating path. After a while, it bends slightly to the left and climbs steeply to reach the shoulder of the mountain.

(2) Enjoy the view of the lake and mountains in the background. Continue up a switchback to reach a new viewpoint.

(3) Benches provide a place to rest and enjoy the view, then the path continues to rise, staying on the ridge.

(4) Pass a fence and continue along the path. At the foot of the summit, an orientation table tells us more about the geology of the surrounding area. Carry on along the path to reach a passageway leading to the summit and the café.

(5) Enjoy the views from the summit, go back down through the car park and cross the fence at the same area and turn right. Check out the view of Lake Tekapo town and turn right to go back down.

(6) Fairly quickly, the path enters the forest and twists and turns before overlooking the aquatic complex and joining the paved path alongside the lake. Follow it to the right to reach the starting point. (S/E)

Start: Park under the campsite, opposite the toilets facing the lake.

Facilities: Toilets are available at the start of the hike. There is also a café with toilets at the summit.

Note: The first part of the hike is without shade.

Find more information about warnings and closures on the DOC website here.

Beautiful views all along the way.