Lake Tekapo tracks
Track category
Walking track
Tramping track
Mountain bike - Easy
Mountain bike - Advanced
Description
View maps of Lake Tekapo walking and tramping tracks
These are shared-use tracks. Follow the mountain bikers code: respect others, respect the rules, respect the track.
Respect public access easements through private land: stay on the track, leave gates as you find them, do not disturb stock.
Mountain bikers on Richmond Trail
Richmond Trail
Track classification: Walking track ; Mountain bike - Advanced.
Time: 4 hrs (walking)
Distance: 13 km
You will need transport to get between the start and finish of this trail. The trail travels along an old glacial terrace providing stunning views of Lake Tekapo and surrounding mountains. It is a steep descent down the track near Boundary Stream to Lilybank Road.
Mountain biking: It is probably a better experience to ride this track in a clockwise direction as the descent near Boundary Stream is steep. Start from the carpark on Roundhill Ski Area road. For bikers to do a circuit back to the original starting point it is 26 km (via Lilybank Road).
Macaulay Hut via Macaulay Valley
Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 6 hr
Distance: 18 km
The Macaulay Valley is usually visited by 4WD or mountain bike, but if your only option is to walk then it is certainly worth the effort. After negotiating Macaulay River the track into Macaulay Hut is well formed but completely in the open with little shelter. The Mackenzie Alpine Trust are custodians of Macaulay Hut and while staying there is free, donations are readily accepted.
Camp Stream Hut
Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 3 hr
Distance: 8 km; 600 m vertical
Drive off Lilybank Road to the designated carpark area. The initial track is a marked public easement through farmland so please keep to the track. Camp Stream Hut is managed by Mackenzie Alpine Trust. Experienced trampers can continue on Te Araroa (Long Pathway) over Stag Saddle to Royal Hut.
Cowans Hill Walkway
Track classification: Walking track ; Mountain bike - Easy
Time: 1 hr (walking)
Distance: 3.2 km
This is a very convenient walk, starting within Lake Tekapo township. The track caters for both walkers and mountain bikers, however cyclists may find it easier to start at Cowans Hill entrance. The initial climb though pine trees takes you to Cowans Hill, where there are great views of Lake Tekapo and surrounding mountains on a fine day. Three small wetlands add to the atmosphere as you wander between them.
Mountain biking: Cyclists need to be aware that this short track is also very popular with walkers.
Lake Alexandrina from Mt John Summit
Circuit Track
Mt John via Summit Circuit Track
Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 1 hr 30 min return
Distance: 4.5 km, 320 m vertical
Park before the Alpine Springs complex beside Lake Tekapo. Hike up through the larch trees directly to the Summit Circuit Track. Mt John is a dominant feature of the Mackenzie Basin landscape and its summit forms a fantastic viewing platform. Separate information panels profile the mountain view and Mt John Observatory. Part of the walkway has been made possible with the assistance of Balmoral Station and University of Canterbury. Please keep to the track.
Mt John via Lakeshore Track
Track classification: Tramping track
Time: 3 hr
Distance: 8 km
Park near the start of the Summit Circuit Track and walk past the Alpine Springs complex for a longer walk. The track undulates beside Lake Tekapo and then climbs steeply up onto the north shoulder of Mt John.
Simons Hill Conservation Area
Track classification: Tramping track ; Mountain bike - Easy
Time: 1 hr 30 min (walking)
Distance: 7 km
This track is located halfway between Tekapo and Twizel towns. Keep an eye out for the Mary Burn car park as it can be hard to spot. This track wanders beside the river in places making it an enjoyable walk. A boggy wetland area features at the base of Simons Hill so most people finish their walk here and return to the car park.
Mountain biking: This ride is found between Tekapo and Twizel. Riders are on a public access easement so please keep to the track. In parts the track winds beside Mary Burn so anglers may be encountered.
Getting there
Lake Tekapo lies in the centre of the South Island in an area known as the Mackenzie Basin. It is three hours drive south of Christchurch on State Highway 8.
Plan and prepare
Topographical map for the area: BY17.
Weather: The climate in this region is traditionally very hot in summer and extremely cold in winter. New Zealand weather can change very rapidly so trampers need to be prepared for a range of conditions.
Fire: Fire restrictions apply to all public conservation land. Check with the Tekapo Information Centre or Te Manahuna Area DOC office for the current fire status.
River crossing: Be aware of weather conditions in catchment headwaters. Do not attempt to cross swollen rivers or streams.
Avalanche: Avalanche run-out zones can impact on the valley floor from May to November. Carry 457 khz transceivers, probes and shovels in avalanche terrain.
Communications: Cell phone coverage cannot be relied upon in this region. The use of satellite phones or mountain radios is recommended instead. At the very least trampers should be carrying a personal locator beacon.
Snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing: The Richmond Trail and parts of Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park are popular with winter recreationalists as they usually receive a good covering of snow. You need to be aware of avalanche run-out zones from June to November and be experienced in backcountry winter travel.
Before heading out:
- check weather conditions
- carry a map/GPS
- leave intentions with someone at home
- carry appropriate food, water and clothing
back to top