How to Explore Lake Tekapo in 24 Hours

A 24-Hour Guide to Lake Tekapo for Hong Kong Travelers! Starting from Christchurch, here’s the ultimate scenic itinerary.

As the first stop of my road trip, I departed from Christchurch and finally arrived at Lake Tekapo at 2:00 PM! If you love a laid-back trip with stunning views, save this timeline guide to avoid wasting time on unnecessary detours.

Day 1
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Hotel Check-in and Stargazing Prep

First stop: check into the pre-booked The Godley Hotel! The room was quite comfortable, though the design was a bit "quirky"—both the front and back doors were glass. Luckily, you can open the windows at night to stargaze directly, saving the cost of visiting the observatory (a budget-friendly tip for Hong Kong travelers). After dropping off my luggage, I headed out immediately!

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Pet Zoo Visit—Adorable Animal Encounters

Next, I went to the Pet Zoo, which offers several experience tours. I chose the $20 farm tour, where I got to feed New Zealand’s unique piglets, fluffy alpacas, and Merino sheep! They swarmed around me for food, looking super cute. I took so many photos that my phone ran out of battery before I was willing to leave.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Souvenir Shopping and Church of the Good Shepherd

After leaving the farm, it was time for some souvenir shopping! There are plenty of shops along the way selling wool felt products, honey, and starry sky-themed accessories. I picked a few items to commemorate the trip. Then, I headed to the must-visit Church of the Good Shepherd. The lakeside scenery was breathtaking, but the wind was so strong that it froze me to the bone. I had to take photos quickly and leave before I couldn’t stand the cold anymore.

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Local Burger Joint—A Surprise Encounter

For dinner, I chose a local burger joint and was surprised to see the farmer from the afternoon there! That’s when I knew this place was a local favorite. The burger was juicy and satisfying, warming me up and preparing me for stargazing later.

9:00 PM - 10:30 PM: Stargazing by the Lake—Unexpected Rabbit Encounter

Lake Tekapo is part of a dark sky reserve, so you don’t need to visit the observatory to enjoy the stars! I went to the lakeside to stargaze, and the sky was filled with stars, as if someone had sprinkled silver dust. It was so beautiful it made me emotional! Suddenly, something darted past my feet, scaring me into thinking it was a zombie. It turned out to be a group of wild rabbits! I later remembered that New Zealand has no wolves or lions, so I felt safe enough to stay until midnight before heading back to the hotel. The starry sky was so mesmerizing that I couldn’t get enough of it, making me realize how vast the world truly is.

Day 2
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Free Swing Fun—No Kids Around!

The next morning, I woke up early to visit the lakeside swing and slide! This is one of the most popular free attractions in the area. Arriving early meant I had the slide all to myself before the kids showed up. Sliding down while enjoying the lake view was so much fun that I didn’t want to leave.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Hiking Mt. John and Coffee at Astro Café

The final stop was Mt. John! I started with a hike, and the views became more stunning as I climbed higher. At the summit, I visited Astro Café for a cup of flat white while admiring the milky blue Lake Tekapo. It was the perfect way to wrap up my 24-hour journey.

Lake Tekapo doesn’t require several days to explore; 24 hours is enough to experience its beauty. My advice: don’t miss stargazing at night and playing on the swing in the morning—these are the most unforgettable highlights!