Local Trails
Cowans Hill Trail
Walk, run, MTB. Dogs must be on a lead. E-Bikes are allowed but there are two stiles to lift over. Cell phone coverage.
Distance: 6.3 km from Tekapo Township
Description Overlooking the picturesque Lake Tekapo, Cowans Hill offers visitors a tranquil escape into nature's beauty. The short hike to the top rewards hikers with panoramic views of the stunning turquoise waters of the lake, framed by the majestic Southern Alps in the distance. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply seeking a peaceful spot to unwind, Cowans Hill is a must-visit destination. This walk offers amazing views of the Mackenzie Basin.
Getting there: Start from Tekapo town. Go east over the bridge on footpath. Right onto the path, find DoC sign. Walk to info panel by river. Follow path past homes into forest to stile. Cross to grassland, then to seat and another stile. Go left along road, see DoC sign. Cross SH8 to park. Head to Lilybank Rd on park tracks. Walk along lake to Tekapo town.
Willow Bay Trail
Walk, run or MTB ( Grade 1)
Distance: 1.9 km one way
This easy, family-friendly trail follows the lakeshore to beautiful Willow Bay, where you can picnic or swim, keeping clear of the ski lane. The path is gravel. You’ll see views of the Southern Alps, Mt John, and Tekapo town, making this one of Tekapo’s most popular trails. It’s sunny even on cold winter days.
To start, use the Homestead Carpark off Lilybank Rd, or continue from the Tekapo Lakeshore Trail – Township to Pines Beach.
Tekapo Lakeshore Trails
Township to Pines Beach Trail
Walk, run or MTB (Grade 1-2).
Distance: 3.5 km one way
Description: The Lake Tekapo trail goes from town to Pines Beach, suitable for swimming and boating. It extends 1.9km to from the Old Homestead Carpark, where toilets are located. Please use toilets at Homestead Carpark, take your trash with you, and be respectful. When biking, you may want to use the road or lower track near the Dog Statue.
Getting there: From Tekapo Township, cross the footbridge and follow the lakeshore on the gravel path into the Regional Park. Return any which way and if you have small children there are plenty of places to rescue them with a vehicle when they won’t walk any further!
Township to Tekapo Springs
Walk, run or MTB (Grade 1-2).
Distance: 2.8 km one way
Description: This easy, flat and gravelled trail basically follows the Tekapo lakeshore from the Township to Tekapo Springs and the start of the Mt John Walkway.
Getting there: From Tekapo Town, walk to the supermarket. Go around the wooden fence to a gravel carpark. Continue past the BeSpoke Bikes shop onto Lakeside Drive. Contnue on the lakeshore path alongside the lake. This trail ends at the Tekapo Springs. For the more adventurous, it’s possible to continue on the Mt John walkway that starts near the Springs.
Peninsula Trail
Walk, run or MTB (Grade 2 -3).
Distance: 5.6 km
Description: This easy, popular circuit offers beautiful views of Lake Tekapo and Lake McGregor from a very different angle to what you see from Tekapo township. It is a DoC track marked with orange poles but sometimes a little hard to find amongst the rosehips so look carefully. At the northern point it is worth walking down to the lakeshore (dotted line) and turning south for a short way to get a closeup view of the white cliffs you look across at from Lilybank Rd. Their chalky texture are very striking in the morning sun. This is unmarked so just climb down the bank where it is low and easy. The trail is open all the way. You must use the public toilets in Tekapo before you venture out. All rubbish must be taken out. Leave no trace.
Closed for lambing mid-October to mid-December.
No dogs, no exceptions.
If MTBiking, it is advisable to take the right hand fork but take care on the steep descents. If going in the opposite direction, you may have to push your bike on two short uphill sections.
Getting there: From Tekapo Township, travel west and turn right onto Godley Peaks Rd. Continue 5.7 km to a small carpark.
Mt John Walkway
Walk, run. Dogs on a lead. Cell phone coverage.
Distances:
Mt John Walkway Circuit ,8.5 km
Tekapo Springs to Mt John Summit – 1.5 km
Tekapo Springs to South Summit Circuit – 2.8 km
Description: This trail is uphill all the way to the top but many zigzags make it possible for most people. The first part of the trail is through the trees to a seat overlooking the lake. Continue through the small gate, until you come out into the open. Pass another seat and either take the trail on the right to the South Summit or continue over the stile on the Mt John Walkway. A side trail marked on the right will take you to the Astro Café on the summit, or continue on the loop, crossing the road until another stile. From here follow the well worn track down the ridge and complete the circuit back to Tekapo Springs.
The circuit can be undertaken in either direction but local advice is to go clockwise and enjoy the expansive views as you head down the Mt John ridge and return along the lakeshore.
Getting there: Walking - from the Tekapo township, walk following the lake behind the supermarket and onto a concrete path. Follow this path to the start of the trail on your left just before Tekapo Springs
Driving - drive west not far on SH8 and turn right onto Lakeside Drive. The trail starts on the left before Tekapo Springs. Car-parking is available close to the trail at the end of the road.