Things to do in Lake Tekapo
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Alpine Springs & Spa
The Alpine Springs & Spa is open all year round with hot pools scattered amid quickly growing native trees. Private pools and saunas ($24 per hour) are also available, and spa packages start at $80. ‘Skate and Soak’ combo deals are available, and there’s a good cafe for coffee and cake, or a snack and something stronger.
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Astro Café
This tiny, glass-walled pavilion atop Mt John has insanely spectacular 360-degree views across the entire Mackenzie Basin. Quite possibly one of the best locations on the planet for a cafe, and the coffee and cake is pretty good, too. On our latest visit they’d branched out into fresh ham-off-the-bone sandwiches. After dark the cafe becomes the location for astrophotography with local photographer Fraser Gunn.
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Pepe’s
With large booths and walls decorated with skiing paraphernalia, the rustic Pepe’s is a cosy little place with good pizza and pasta. Some of the names are a bit naff (Vinnie’s Venison or Spag Bol Bada Bing, anyone?), but the dishes are tasty, and later at night it becomes a good spot for a few quiet ones.
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Reflections
Grab an outdoor table with views to the lake – try and look past the minigolf course – then select from a decent menu that includes roasted venison or baked Mt Cook salmon. Lunchtime offerings are more casual (burgers and salads) and next door is the town’s pub for more nocturnal action.
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Kohan
The decor’s a bit ho-hum, but you should be gazing at the lake and mountains outside anyway. The Japanese food is actually among the South Island’s best, and with a salmon farm just up the road, you just know the sashimi is ultrafresh. Lunch specials are good value.
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Air Safaris
Does 50-minute ‘Grand Traverse’ flights over Mt Cook and its glaciers (adult/child $295/195), taking you up the Tasman Glacier, over the upper part of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, and by Mts Cook, Tasman and Elie de Beaumont. A similar flight goes from Glentanner Park, but with higher prices (adult/child $340/240).
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Church of the Good Shepherd
The diminutive, picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd beside the lake was built of stone and oak in 1935 and is a favourite for weddings given its postcard-perfect setting.
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Tekapo Helicopters
Has five options, from a 25-minute flight ($195) to a 70-minute trip taking in Mt Cook and Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers ($500). All flights include icefield landings and views of Mt Cook.
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Lake Tekapo Winter Park
At the western edge of the lake, the Lake Tekapo Winter Park features a year-round skating rink and a winter mini-snow slope for gentle snow-tubing action.
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Bakery
Pick up supplies at the Four Square supermarket and the nearby bakery
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