Tekapo Springs & Stargazing

swimming pool — Lake Tekapo · Lake Tekapo

About Tekapo Springs & Stargazing

Tekapo Springs is an award-winning alpine wellness and recreation complex located at the base of Mount John in the heart of Lake Tekapo, New Zealand's stunning South Island. The facility offers an unparalleled combination of relaxation and recreation across 364 days per year, featuring three temperature-controlled hot pools, a glacial day spa, steam and sauna facilities, and an array of seasonal winter activities. Nestled within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the complex commands prime views of iconic Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountain ranges. Beyond the relaxation-focused experiences, Tekapo Springs offers adventure activities including an 18-hole mini golf course, a 150-metre snow tube park, and a dedicated snow play area with toboggans and a snow cave. The on-site Altitude 720 Café and Bar serves food and beverages with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the landscape. A free shuttle service connects guests to Tekapo Village centre and local hotels.

Tekapo Springs: Alpine Wellness and Adventure in New Zealand's Dark Sky Capital

A Sanctuary Beneath Southern Skies

Nestled at the base of Mount John in Lake Tekapo, Tekapo Springs stands as one of New Zealand's premier alpine wellness destinations. Located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the award-winning complex combines world-class relaxation facilities with adventure activities, all set against the backdrop of stunning lake and mountain vistas. The facility operates 364 days per year, offering visitors experiences that celebrate the unique alpine environment.

Thermal Relaxation at Its Heart

The foundation of Tekapo Springs is its three distinctive hot pools, each shaped like one of the region's iconic lakes and maintained at different temperatures. The Ohau pool sits at a comfortable 36.5°C, the Pukaki at 37.5°C, and the adults-only Tekapo pool at 38°C, allowing guests to choose their preferred level of warmth. Complementing these are two cooler pools—one at 32°C for children and one at 28°C for swimming—plus the interactive Aqua Play area with water jets, showers and fountains. For deeper restoration, the steam and sauna rooms offer traditional spaces designed for complete physical and mental rejuvenation, followed by the cold plunge pool.

Spa Sanctuary with Views

The Glacial Day Spa represents the pinnacle of on-site wellness, offering a full range of beauty and body treatments from massages and facials to waxing and tinting. Every treatment room features stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains, ensuring your pampering experience connects you to the natural landscape.

Winter Thrills and Year-Round Adventures

When snow blankets the alpine region, Tekapo Springs transforms into an adventure playground. The Snow Tube Park invites visitors to ride down a thrilling 150-metre slope, with a magic carpet lift bringing tubers back to the top. The newer Snow Play area lets families create memories in the snow—building snowmen, riding toboggans, and exploring a snow cave. When warmer months arrive, the 18-hole mini golf course takes over the ice rink area, offering friendly competitive fun for all ages.

The Ultimate Stargazing Experience

As the only guided hot pools and stargazing experience in New Zealand, Tekapo Stargazing combines thermal comfort with guided astronomy tours and Māori storytelling. Operating Wednesday to Sunday, guests soak beneath one of the world's clearest night skies while learning the stories written in the stars. It is a truly unique blend of wellness and wonder found nowhere else in the country.

Signature items

  • Hot Pools Experience
  • Tekapo Stargazing
  • Glacial Day Spa
  • Snow Tube Park
  • Steam & Sauna
  • Mini Golf Course

Menu

Café & Bar

  • Altitude 720 Café & Bar — Fully licensed on-site café and bar with food and beverages. Fireplace in winter, outdoor seating with lake and mountain views in summer.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main opening hours?
Monday–Friday: 12pm–7pm. Saturday & Sunday: 11am–7pm. Individual activities have specific times; check daily status for seasonal variations.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, advance booking is recommended especially for spa treatments, stargazing tours, and peak times. Book online or call +64 (3) 680 6550.
What's included in the Tekapo Stargazing experience?
Guided astronomy tour within the Dark Sky Reserve combined with a soak in the hot pools, including Māori storytelling. Operates Wednesday–Sunday.
Is Tekapo Springs suitable for families?
Yes. Family-friendly facilities include multiple pools, Aqua Play area with cooler pools for children, mini golf, snow play, and snow tubes (seasonal).
What activities are seasonal?
Snow Tube Park (April–October), Mini Golf (summer), Snow Play (May–October), and Ice Skating Rink (winter). Check the daily status for current availability.
Is there a shuttle service?
Yes, a free shuttle service is available subject to availability to and from Tekapo Village centre and local hotels. Contact reception to arrange.
Are there lockers and changing facilities?
Yes, the complex provides facilities for guests. See the accessibility page on the website for detailed amenity information.

Tips

  • {"body":"Spa treatments and stargazing tours fill quickly. Reserve online ahead, especially for peak seasons and weekends.","title":"Book key experiences in advance"}
  • {"body":"Activities like Snow Tube and Snow Play are weather-dependent. Visit the homepage for real-time availability before heading out.","title":"Check the daily status update"}
  • {"body":"Tekapo Stargazing is the only guided experience of its kind in New Zealand. Operates Wednesday–Sunday; unforgettable beneath the Dark Sky Reserve.","title":"Try stargazing under clear skies"}
  • {"body":"Weekends open at 11am instead of noon. Arriving early avoids crowds and maximizes your time in the pools and facilities.","title":"Arrive early on weekends"}
  • {"body":"Free shuttle from village and hotels is available. Contact reception ahead of time to arrange convenient pick-up and drop-off.","title":"Request the shuttle in advance"}

Good to know

  • {"spa":"All spa treatment rooms feature lake and mountain views","family":"Multiple pools and activities for all ages; some facilities 16+ only for privacy","parking":"On-site parking available","shuttle":"Free shuttle to/from village and hotels (subject to availability)","seasonal":"Snow activities seasonal (April–October). Check daily status for real-time availability","accessibility":"Accessibility facilities available—see website for detailed information"}