The short answer
- Nights
- 1 to 2
- Best walk
- Hooker Valley Track, about 3 hrs return
- Stargazing
- Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve
- Lupins
- Mid November to late December
The Mackenzie Basin, between Christchurch and Queenstown, is high, dry tussock country with milky blue lakes fed by glaciers. Most South Island routes pass through it, and it's worth at least one night for the walks and the night sky.
Things to do
- Hooker Valley Track: About 10 km return over three swing bridges to Hooker Lake, with icebergs below Aoraki/Mount Cook. Mostly flat.
- Tasman Glacier: A short walk to the viewpoint, or a boat trip among icebergs on the terminal lake.
- Scenic flights: Ski planes land on the snowfields high on the glaciers.
- Church of the Good Shepherd: A small stone church built in 1935 on the shore of Lake Tekapo.
- Stargazing: Tours from Tekapo in one of the world's largest dark sky reserves.
- Lake Pukaki: The view of Aoraki/Mount Cook across a bright turquoise lake.
Getting there
Lake Tekapo is about 3 hours from Christchurch and Mount Cook Village another 1.5 hours, a dead end road, so most visitors stay a night there before continuing to Queenstown or Wanaka.
Tip: Stay at least one night in the area: the light at sunrise and sunset, and the stars after dark, are the highlights.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the Hooker Valley Track?
About 10 km return, taking 3 hours at an easy pace, on a well formed track.
Is Lake Tekapo worth visiting?
Yes, for the lake colour, the church, stargazing and, in early summer, the lupins.
When do the lupins flower at Lake Tekapo?
Usually from mid November to late December, varying with the season.
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