Snow Activities in Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo's winter season revolves around one alpine site at the base of Mt John, where hot pools, an ice rink and a snow tube park all sit within steps of each other against a backdrop of the lake and the Southern Alps. Pair a winter afternoon there with an aerial view of the same snow capped peaks, or a clear winter night under one of the world's darkest skies, and you have covered Tekapo's cold season properly. Here is what is actually open for snow season in Tekapo right now.

Hot Pools, Ice Skating and Snow Tubing at Tekapo Springs

The Hot Pools, Ice Skating and Snow Tubing combo bundles all day access to three hot pools heated to 36.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius, unlimited skating on an outdoor rink with skates and helmets included, and an hour on a 150 metre snow tube lane served by a magic carpet lift. The snow park typically runs from mid July to mid September, snow cover depending, with an open fire at the rink's edge for warming up between sessions.

Hot Pools - Tekapo Springs

The Hot Pools at Tekapo Springs strip things back to just the soak, entry to the same three pools with views over Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains, without the ice skating and snow tubing add ons, suiting anyone who wants a purely relaxing alpine soak on a winter's day.

Mackenzie and Lakes Alpine Helicopter Excursion

The Mackenzie and Lakes Alpine Helicopter Excursion takes the snow capped scenery airborne, a 25 minute flight over golden tussock hills, glacier fed lakes and high country sheep stations, finishing with a scenic alpine landing to step out and take in the view on foot.

Mt John Observatory Stargazing Tour

The Mt John Observatory Stargazing Tour climbs to a working research observatory above Tekapo Springs, and winter's longer, clearer nights make it one of the best seasons to see the Mackenzie Basin's International Dark Sky Reserve at its sharpest.

Frequently asked questions

When does the snow tube park at Tekapo Springs operate?

Typically from mid July to mid September, snow cover depending, since the snow park is a weather dependent winter activity.

What is the difference between the two Tekapo Springs hot pools options?

The combo bundles hot pools with ice skating and snow tubing, while the standalone Hot Pools option covers just the soak across the same three pools.

Is there a minimum age for ice skating or snow tubing at Tekapo Springs?

Yes, the minimum age is 3 years old for ice skating and 5 years old for snow tubing.

Can I see snow capped mountains from the air near Lake Tekapo?

Yes, the Mackenzie and Lakes Alpine Helicopter Excursion flies over the Mackenzie Basin's snow capped peaks and glacier fed lakes, with a scenic alpine landing included.

Is winter a good time for stargazing in Lake Tekapo?

Yes, longer winter nights and typically clearer skies make it one of the best seasons to visit the Mt John Observatory in the Mackenzie Basin's Dark Sky Reserve.

Local tip: book the hot pools combo for late afternoon if you can, the light over Lake Tekapo and the mountains turns properly golden right as the snow tube park and ice rink wind down for the day.

Book your Lake Tekapo snow activity above, whether that means hot pools, ice skating and snow tubing at the base of Mt John, an alpine helicopter flight, or a clear winter night under the stars.