Vacation rentals in Lake Tekapo

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Lake Tekapo

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Top guest favorite
Guest suite in Lake Tekapo
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 288 reviews

Boujee studio with lake/mountain views

"Boujee" is a recently built, delightful self-contained studio with a kitchenette, offering a cosy retreat for couples or singles. Nestled just minutes by car from the village centre and iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, it promises warmth and tranquillity amidst breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Step outside to enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Tekapo, with its clear skies for stargazing. Boujee offers the perfect base for exploring beautiful Lake Tekapo and the Aoraki/Mt Cook area.

Top guest favorite
Cabin in Twizel
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 433 reviews

Skylark Cabin – Private Luxury Escape with Hot Tub

Skylark Cabin is a private, luxury escape, nestled serenely within the awe-inspiring landscape of the Mackenzie Region. Surrounded by soaring mountain ranges and the rugged, ethereal beauty of an expansive valley, this isn’t just a comfortable place to stay, it’s an experience in itself. Witness the mesmerising clarity of a starry night sky. Connect with nature and escape from the pace of daily life. Skylark Cabin is 10km to Twizel, 50-min to Mt Cook, 4hrs to Christchurch, & 3hrs to Queenstown.

Top guest favorite
Home in Lake Tekapo
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews

Tekapo's Jewel

Stunning 3 bedroom house in Lake Tekapo with breathtaking views of the lake and Southern Alps. Features a fully equipped kitchen, open plan living, large deck with outdoor seating. Master bedroom has a King bed, second bedroom has a queen bed and a set of single bunks (room sleeps 4), third bedroom is a queen bed. Short walk to the lake and town centre, perfect for skiing, hiking, biking or relaxing. Please be aware of scammers! This listing is NOT available on any other accomodation sites

Top guest favorite
Home in Lake Tekapo
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 512 reviews

Skylight House with luxury cedar outdoor bath#

This is a very special new Home with the most stunning skylights in the lounge and bedroom. Watch the stars at night and spot the shooting stars and satellites. A deep Luxury cedar and stainless steel outdoor bath set in a private enclosed area on deck is the most wonderful star gazing experience. Comfortable leather furniture allows you to sit back and enjoy the wonderful views to the mountains and tussocks. This home has a log burner as well as a heatpump which makes for a very cosy stay.

Top guest favorite
Apartment in Lake Tekapo
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 343 reviews

TekapoB2 Lakeview Apartment, breathtaking views

Enjoy this fully self-contained apartment (50㎡ plus deck) with breathtaking views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. Perfect for a couple, it features a bedroom with a super-king bed separate from the open-plan kitchen and dining area. Just a 5-minute walk from the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and 10 mins on foot to the village centre. WiFi, Netflix, and a private car park are included. This apartment offers comfort, convenience, and unforgettable views. Enjoy stargazing too⭐️

Top guest favorite
Cabin in Ben Ohau
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 951 reviews

High Country Cabin. Country getaway near Twizel.

High Country Cabin is a stylishly decorated cabin in the heart of the Southern Alps on the South Island of New Zealand. Inspired by the Backcountry huts throughout the area, it provides a rustic country-style experience. Situated 15 minutes outside of Twizel in the heart of the Mackenzie, it has direct access to all of the natural amenities that the area is world famous for including snow sports, mountaineering, hiking & tramping, mountain-biking, hunting & fishing among many other activities

Top guest favorite
Guest suite in Lake Tekapo
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 653 reviews

Studio at Cairnsmore (lake views)

Studio at Cairnsmore is a 40m2 apartment that offers stunning lake and mountain views. It is located next to The Cairns golf course and is a 10 minute walk to the village. The Studio has contemporary decor, including a private bathroom, kitchenette (microwave - no cooktop) dressing room and sun drenched courtyard with your own barbecue area. It offers a central, secure base from which you can explore the beautiful Lake Tekapo area and surrounding region. We know you won't be disappointed!

Guest favorite
Cottage in Lake Tekapo
4.82 out of 5 average rating, 838 reviews

Stargazer’s Luxury Retreat

For those who fancy a luxury escape; Stargaze the Milky Way from your own luxury outdoor bath, then come inside to a toasty warm fire. Enjoy the comfort of a king size bed with luxury linen, looking directly through to the lake and mountains beyond. In the bathroom, relax in our freestanding bath or enjoy a rain shower for two. Take in unobstructed views of the lake and mountains from your lounge room by day, and cosy up on the couch or wool beanbag for a movie at night. This is paradise.

Guest favorite
Cabin in Ben Ohau
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 400 reviews

Peak View Cabin - Ben Ohau - Stylish Seclusion

We invite you to enjoy the magnificent tranquility of Peak View Cabin. Nestled in 10 acres of golden tussock with expansive views of the Ben Ohau Range and beyond. Relax, unwind and de-stress in the beautiful isolation with ever changing mountain views. A short 15 minute drive from Twizel, the cabin has easy access to all the natural amenities the Mackenzie Region is renowned for. Such as - cycling & mountain biking, tramping & hiking, snow sports, hunting and fishing to name but a few.

Superhost
Apartment in Lake Tekapo
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviews

Luxury Lakeview Apartment | Lake Tekapo

Spacious and sunny, the Luxury Lakeview Apartment boasts unsurpassed breath-taking views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. An inspired architectural design welcoming you to a feeling of relaxed sophistication. Luxury combined with privacy for that special occasion or honeymoon. Designer kitchen (with Nespresso) & bathroom, sunny sheltered private courtyard entertaining area, gas fires inside & out, blue tooth music, laundry, laptop desk and even a drying room for ski gear.

Top guest favorite
Villa in Lake Tekapo
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 369 reviews

Dark Sky Villas: Mountain Views

Enjoy stunning mountain and lake views from a new modern villa in Lake Tekapo. One of two villas situated within a large property, the house is private and peaceful. • Large windows and balcony to maximise the view of the mountains and stars • Fully equipped kitchen with gas stove top • Oversized smart TV with Netflix, Neon & YouTube • Onsite washer and dryer • Ample onsite parking • Plenty of green space - Two minute walk to cafes, restaurants, bars - Five minute walk to lake and church

Guest favorite
Villa in Lake Tekapo
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 331 reviews

Dark Sky Villas: Alpine Views

Enjoy stunning mountain and lake views from a new modern villa in Lake Tekapo. One of two villas situated within a large property, the house is private and peaceful. • Large windows and balcony to maximise the view of the mountains & stars
 • Fully equipped kitchen with gas stove
 • Oversized smart TV with Netflix & Neon 
• Onsite washer & dryer
 • Ample onsite parking 
• Plenty of green space
 - Three minute walk to cafes, restaurants, bars 
- Five minute walk to lake and church

Popular amenities for Lake Tekapo vacation rentals

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Lake Tekapo

  • Total rentals

    500 properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    $70 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    46K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    300 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    20 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    80 properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to Lake Tekapo

All About Lake Tekapo

In the middle of New Zealand’s South Island, nestled in the Mackenzie Basin, is Lake Tekapo — a tiny town sitting on the shores of one of the country’s bluest lakes. The highlight of Lake Tekapo is, of course, the stunning glacier-fed lake with its eye-catching milky-turquoise hue. It’s a scene that becomes even more striking set against dense sage forest and the dramatic, often snow-capped Southern Alps.

Waterways and streams meander through town, providing fishing enthusiasts the chance to haul in trout and salmon. You can traverse Lake Tekapo’s diverse and spectacular terrain with a hike or bike ride on one of the town’s many trails, The Mount John Summit Track and Lake George Scott Track snake through pine forests and rolling hills, offering panoramic views of Lake Tekapo’s tranquil landscape. Lake Tekapo is also part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it an excellent spot for star-gazing. In the small village itself, you’ll find a supermarket, restaurants, cafes, and gift shops, where you can get local goods and wool knitwear.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Lake Tekapo

The summer months, between December and February, boast warm temperatures ideal for swimming in the lake. Mid-November is a popular time to visit Lake Tekapo, when the lupins adorn the fringes of the lake and surrounding fields in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and violet. These candy-colored blooms typically last until the end of December. During the winter months in June through August, the snow-capped mountains transform the town into a wintertime paradise. Lovers of the outdoors catch some runs on the slopes at one of many nearby ski areas, hit up an outdoor rink next to the lake for a glide on the ice, and warm up afterward with a dip in the hot pools at Tekapo Springs.


Top things to do in Lake Tekapo

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Lake Tekapo is situated within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. The pristine star-gazing conditions make it possible to simply hop in your car and pick a spot around town to admire the scintillating sky and stars. If you’d prefer a guided view of the constellations, the University of Canterbury Mt. John Observatory, Cowan’s Private Observatory, and Tekapo Springs all offer star-gazing experiences.

Church of Good Shepherd

Standing on the shores of Lake Tekapo is the Church of Good Shepherd, an iconic landmark with vistas of the Southern Alps. You can spend time perusing the grounds or, if you make arrangements beforehand, tour the interior. The church’s stone façade offers a beautiful contrast against the vibrant landscape.

Cowans Hill Walkway

Cowans Hill Walkway is a four-mile hiking and biking loop offering stunning vistas of the lake and mountains. The footpath will take you along the lakeshore, through hills blanketed in tussock, across a bridge, and through a forest plantation. The area also encompasses a few wetlands that provide opportunities for bird-watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Lake Tekapo?

    Lake Tekapo experiences a cool temperate climate. Summers, between December and February, are mild with temperatures around 64°F (18°C). Winters, between June and August, are cold with temperatures often dropping below 32°F (0°C), making it a popular time for snow activities.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Lake Tekapo?

    Popular activities in Lake Tekapo include relaxing by the lake, hiking on local trails such as the Lake Tekapo Walkway, exploring the Church of the Good Shepherd, and viewing the Southern Lights. You might also enjoy a soak at Tekapo Springs, or stargazing at the Mount John Observatory.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Lake Tekapo?

    The most popular time to visit Lake Tekapo is in the summer months, from December to February, when temperatures are around 64°F (18°C) and the lupin flowers are in full bloom. Winter, from June to August, is also popular for snow-based activities. The annual mid-winter star party in July is a notable event.

  • What are the best places to stay in Lake Tekapo?

    Most visitors choose to stay in the Lake Tekapo village, which has a range of accommodation from holiday homes to lakeside lodges. Another popular area is near the Church of the Good Shepherd, offering close proximity to the lake and easy access to local attractions.

  • What are the best places to visit in Lake Tekapo?

    The Church of the Good Shepherd, a historic stone chapel with stunning lake views, is a popular place to visit in Lake Tekapo. The Mount John Observatory is another frequently suggested spot, especially for its midnight stargazing tours. Don't forget to explore the Tekapo Springs for a day of family fun and relaxation.

  • What are some hiking trails in Lake Tekapo?

    Hiking enthusiasts often recommend the Lake Tekapo Walkway, a 3-kilometer (1.9-mile) trail around the lake, and the Mount John Walkway, a slightly challenging 8-kilometer (5-mile) hike that rewards with panoramic views. The Two Thumb Track is another popular trail, taking you deep into the Southern Alps.

  • What are some family activities to do in Lake Tekapo?

    In Lake Tekapo, you can explore the Tekapo Springs, where families can find hot pools, an ice skating rink, and a snow tube park. You may also enjoy the Mount John Observatory's stargazing tours, visit the local animal park, or take a scenic horse riding tour. Remember to spend time by the pristine lake, which is perfect for a family picnic.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Lake Tekapo?

    Day trips from Lake Tekapo often include a visit to the nearby town of Fairlie, known for its quaint shops and eateries, or exploring the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, which is just 104 kilometers (64 miles) away. Other suggestions include the Mackenzie Basin for its stunning landscapes and the Waitaki Valley for its historical Maori rock art.

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Lake Tekapo?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Lake Tekapo. Choose from more than 30 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Lake Tekapo?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 80 vacation rentals in Lake Tekapo featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

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