Soak away your cares at Tekapo Springs
Spectacular views across Lake Tekapo are just part and parcel of a soak in the alpine hot pools
Offering magnificent views across Lake Tekapo and the Two Thumb Mountain range beyond, Tekapo Springs are the perfect alpine hot pools. Relaxation is made easy here. There are three pools in a tiered formation with native alpine plants dividing them. It is recommended to start at the bottom pool, which also happens to be the coolest, and work your way up. The hottest pool is also adults only and offers the most spectacular lake views. On a freezing, icy cold winters morning, with snowflakes fluttering in the air, there is probably no better place.
A day spa is also on site offering lots of indulgent treatments. I haven’t yet tried it but I did notice it offered a 60 minutes, hot stone massage. I will most certainly be back to treat myself as it seems too good a way to spend an hour!
There is also a café on site for much needed refreshments after your dip. It also has great views - just for a change…….
Lake Tekapo Village
View out across Lake Tekapo to the snow capped Two Thumb Mountain Ranges
As much a tourist resort these days as a village, Lake Tekapo has grown significantly over the last few years and yet still possesses much of its previous charm. Ideally situated about half way between Christchurch and Queenstown, Tekapo seems to be the stopping off point of choice. The village is positioned on the banks of the sparkling lake that bears it’s name, surrounded by the Two Thumb Mountain Ranges. The lake water itself needs to be seen to be believed being an incredible blue that shines gloriously in the sunlight.
Tekapo, as mentioned, is undergoing something of a transformation. New accommodation is being built, including a perfectly positioned YHA for the budget conscious traveller. New infrastructure is appearing in the form of a purpose built supermarket and a new ‘Dark Sky’ complex - which I will come to in a later blog. (Tekapo is home to a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve).
Nothing in my opinion can beat a walk along the lake front wrapped up on a cold winters day, or even a sweltering summers day for that matter! Of course no visit to Tekapo would be complete without checking out the picture perfect Church of the Good Shepherd. This small, stone built church is probably positioned in the most iconic of locations with a glass window to take in the absorbing views across the lake to the mountain ranges. It’s also worth taking a short walk around to the Makenzie Sheep Dog Statue just nearby. A tribute to all the dogs that made settlement and farming in this area possible.