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This trail features 360-degree scenic views of Lake Tekapo, the Southern Alps, the Mackenzie Basin flats and beyond.


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Map Key

5.2

Miles

8.3

KM

Point to Point

3,292' 1,003 m

High

2,335' 712 m

Low

1,028' 313 m

Up

1,038' 316 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

23%

Max Grade (13°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Description

The track itself is nothing special but the views from the top are spectacular. The start of the track is a formed walkway that is steep in places but climbs steadily through mixed forest. When you leave the forest, you'll arrive at a tussock grassland field. This is exposed, so be prepared for any weather.

Keep heading up until you see some steps—these are your last push before you reach the summit where you'll be rewarded with amazing views, a toilet, and a cafe. If it's really sunny, the observatory buildings provide some welcome shade.

You can head back down the way you came or complete the summit circuit track (as mapped), which will take you down the other side of the hill and back along the shoreline of Lake Tekapo.

Flora & Fauna

The track starts out in bush before opening out onto the scrubland summit.

Shared By:

Rich Field

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 6 votes

#1

in Tekapo

#10742

Overall
  4.2 from 6 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Tekapo

#108

in New Zealand

#10,742

Overall
29 Views Last Month
870 Since Dec 7, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

20%
0%
60%
0%
20%
0%

Photos

Lake Tekapo from Mt John.
Apr 13, 2018 near Mount C…, NZ
Lake Tekapo from the highpoint of trail
Nov 16, 2018 near Mount C…, NZ
Lake Tekapo.
Apr 13, 2018 near Mount C…, NZ
Approaching the summit of Mount John
Dec 7, 2017 near Mount C…, NZ

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Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Mar 3, 2020
Carson Longo
Apr 18, 2019
Joey Altchech
Mar 18, 2019
Joey Altchech
Nov 9, 2018
Matt Schmitt
hiked most of the way to the Astro cafe. cloudy unfortunately. 2mi
Oct 13, 2018
MtRunner mt
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