Four Days to Explore Paradise
Day One
The two comments we hear most on arrival are “WOW” and “It’s even better than the pictures.” Our wonderful guests are of course referring to the stunning view from Ranginui. It’s gorgeous, from every room!
Relax on your balcony before taking the Cowans Hill Walkway to dinner in the village. After dinner walk back via the footbridge, picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd and lakefront trail.
Day Two
The beauty of basing yourself in Tekapo is you can choose which day to visit Mt Cook, as the weather is often more challenging there due to the proximity to the West Coast. (That means Day Two and Day Three of this itinerary are interchangeable – pick your weather day!) It’s a short 90-minute drive to Mt Cook, and we HIGHLY recommend the Hooker Valley Track. Top the day off with a scenic flight and landing on a glacier in a ski plane – heaven. On the way home, treat yourself to some salmon from the Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre / Mt Cook Alpine Salmon shop.
Day Three
After breakfast, drive to Tekapo Springs and take the Mt John Track to the summit for the best views in Tekapo (if you are too tired from yesterday you can also drive to the top, lazy bones!) You can either return on the same track OR take the northern track, which meanders down to the edge of Lake Tekapo and circles back to your parked car – and more importantly, to Tekapo Springs, where you can soak your aches away in their beautiful hot pools or get a deep tissue massage in their spa.
Day Four
You will be both sad to leave your wonderful hosts and stunning accommodation, and also excited to be visiting your next destination. Ann-Maree has plenty of tips for your onward travels – just ask!
Whilst in Tekapo you can also squeeze in bike riding, stargazing, 4WD backcountry tours, jetboating…or maybe you should stay another day!
