A selection of walks in the Lake Tekapo area:

Bridge to Cowan's Lookout (1 - 2 hours)

From the village centre cross the bridge.  On your right, find the walkway map.  The walk sets off along the river bank before climbing to enter the forest behind the houses.  Leave the pine trees for open country to enjoy spectacular lake and mountain views.  Follow the marker posts on the roadside lookout.  North down the access road and cross the highway to find the stile over the fence.  Follow the track which heads downhill to end up with a lakeside walk back to the Church and village.

Domain to Mt John Lookout (2 1/2 - 3 hours)

From the village centre head towards the lake, on the road, on the river side of Godley Resort.  When you enter the Domain find the walkway map.  The walk is level through the domain past the motor camp to the foot of Mt John.   Another walkway map is found near the ice skating rink entrance.  You climb through larch forest to emerge on the loop track which circles the summit.  Enjoy the magnificent views of the Mackenzie Basin, Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo.  Please respect the privacy of the Astronomical Observatory staff.

Mount John - Lake Alexandrina Round Trip (6 - 8 hours, 26km)

Continue from the top of Mount John to the south end of Lake Alexandrina, follow the eastern shore of Lake Alexandrina to Lake McGregor, along the Peninsula back to Lake Tekapo.  Full day walk.

Peninsula Walk (2 - 3 hours)

From the Godley Peaks road, car parking near Lake McGregor.  Follow the shores of Lake Tekapo around the peninsula and then back along the Godley Peaks road to the car park.  It is also possible to start the walk from the skating rink, follow the lake shore up around the peninsula and back again (4 - 6 hours, 19km).

For more walks and hikes, or for detailed maps, contact DOC or the local visitor information centre.