16 Of The Best Places To Stay In Lake Tekapo From Hotels And Motels To Airbnbs

If you froth refurbished historic interiors and the thought of a holiday with your very own library den (complete with fireplace) is enough to make you weep with joy, you’ll want to book into Aldourie Lodge, stat.

One of Tekapo’s original homes, the spaces carry spades of character and history, with modern amenities, and is just 100 metres from the lakefront. With three bedrooms the accommodation is large enough for a posse, or not—you do you.

Then there’s the garden, which is something else. Filled with florals, trees and green spaces, relaxation will come naturally. And if you’d like to take a wander through town? There’s a footbridge to the village at the bottom of the garden. 

Gaze upon the Milky Way while soaking in a modern outdoor bathtub or huddle with a loved one around the toasty indoor fireplace. The s’mores are practically making themselves at this point.

Opposite the famed Church of the Good Shepherd (which will no doubt serve as a breathtaking addition to your ‘Gram), the Stargazer’s Luxury Retreat is on the lakefront with incredible views of both Lake Tekapo and the mountains beyond.

This luxe accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen, with a coffee maker—score!; as well as WiFi, cosy bean bags, and a bathroom that has a generous shower and yet another bathtub, you know, for indoor-outdoor flow. 

One of a pair of delightfully mod-boxy abodes, Dark Sky Villas is a great shout for a getaway with several families. Located on the lakefront there’s plenty of scope for swimming at this accommodation, even in winter (if you’re game!), or you can rug up on the deck and while away the best hours gazing at the night sky.

Kids will be kept busy with a flying fox and play area just five minutes away. Even closer is a tennis court and the alternative start for the Alps 2 Ocean Trail if you’re digging an active jaunt before curling up in front of the large TV screen and having a celebratory Netflix binge.

Ideally, a five-minute walk will deliver you to a Four Square supermarket for that all-important snack run and the ultimate movie night experience. 

This epic pad has quite possibly one of the best living spaces we’ve seen, and we’re just picturing ourselves cracking open a bottle of New Zealand’s finest and hanging out there all day. This accommodation takes indoor/outdoor living to another level thanks to the huge floor-to-ceiling glass doors that you can slide back to reveal the most perfect view of Lake Tekapo and the mountains beyond.

This two-bedder sleeps five comfortably and has two bathrooms to boot. But frankly we reckon you’ll be spending all your time in that divine living space, curled up around the indoor fireplace or throwing those doors wide open and meandering between the lounge and the deck. We recommend getting the nominated chef to start cooking up a feast on the barbecue while you lounge on the couch and put some serious thought into what to do next.

Undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Lake Tekapo, especially if you dig slick hotel vibes, Peppers Bluewater Resort is exactly where you need it to be—a short walk from the famed Church of the Good Shepherd (which will no doubt serve as a breathtaking addition to your ‘Gram).

With capacity for one, two or even seven people, and with all the essential amenities, nobody need miss out on this glorious abode. Better still, most accommodation options include a balcony, perfect for revelling in mountain or lake views.

For luxe chalet vibes, look no further than a lodge at James Mackenzie Lodge (The Cairns Alpine Resort). A classic Mackenzie region musterers hut aesthetic with modern trimmings to boot, this is another one-of-a-pair situation created to balance both community and privacy.

Your accommodation, which is designed to make the most of natural light, has an open-plan kitchen, cosy fireplace and heat pump, bathtub, and deck area so you’ve got a bunch of different chill-out zones, depending on your mood.

Here, you might spend your time walking or cycling around the township, playing a round of golf, or getting amongst a Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trek. Dreamy. 

The other half of the Cairns Alpine Resort, The Red Hut is an adorable wee getaway that would make for a romantic weekend away, a snug catch-up with a bestie or even a cheeky writer’s retreat for one.

Again, this is an old-school exterior elevated with comfortable interiors. There’s a kitchenette with a microwave and stovetop, a studio-style bedroom and lounge with a cosy fire, outdoor seating for sunset and sunrise vibes, aircon and WiFi.

At this accommodation you can live a secluded, restful life or, with a short stroll, get amongst all the township has to offer. 

If that mackin’ great pool (and, yep, that’s a spa tucked in the corner there) hasn’t already got you smashing the ‘book’ button, can we reiterate that while you’re blissing out in these pools you’ll be gazing upon none other than the Southern Alps?

Yesiree, Mantra Lake Tekapo isn’t messing around. Each self-contained apartment includes a private balcony or patio, a lounge room and a fireplace to keep you cosy in the cooler months. Plus, you get complimentary wireless internet access and the flat-screen televisions come with cable channels, although we reckon you'll be out adventuring anyway.

Ok, this spot isn’t exactly in Tekapo (it’s about a half-hour drive away) but there’s something about tiny houses that gets us every time and this one with sweeping mountain views is no exception.

Everything has a place in this small but perfectly formed creation with a kitchenette (with microwave, mini oven and a gas cooktop), bathroom, a gorgeous wooden dining table with kauri chairs, and a staircase up to a loft-style bedroom with a skylight for stargazing while being WiFi-free will help you unwind.

1km from Fairlie town and a 15-minute drive from Mt Dobson ski fields, this accommodation is well worth considering. 

Add a splash of colour to your Lake Tekapo getaway with a stay at this loft-style gem in Lake Tekapo village. Arthouse Botanic is a work of art in itself, with a lovely open plan kitchen and living space which opens out to a big outdoor deck. You get a taste of the outdoors inside this accommodation too, thanks to the greenery galore and vibrant nature-themed decor.

Open the plantation shutters and let the alpine light spill in. You’ve got a smart TV at the ready if a Netflix binge is in order, plus this place sleeps six (including the king single bed on the open mezzanine level) so you can bring the whole gang along to this epic New Zealand stay.

With a name like ‘The View’, it’ll come as no surprise that this Tekapo accommodation’s standout is a jaw-dropping vista that looks out over the town, across the lake and up into spectacular mountain ranges. Just imagine how good that’s going to look at nighttime when the sky’s full of stars.

The interiors are spacious, minimalist and comfortable, with a full kitchen, a washing machine and dryer, gas fire, WiFi, board games and books. Within mere minutes a walk will get you to the heart of the township. Delightful. 

Spolier alert: This epic spot also makes it on to our list of the most romantic New Zealand stays. Surround yourself with soaring mountain ranges and the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s Mackenzie Region at this cabin around three hours from Queenstown and around 40 minutes from Lake Tekapo. Skylark Cabin is a modern home, with sleek lines and epic floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outside in.

Wake in your king size bed and you can see what the weather is doing just by gazing through the skylight. You might like to head out to the deck with a cuppa and lounge on the bean bags for a while, or if you’re feeling adventurous, the host at this place provides e-bikes for guests to use free of charge. Back at your accommodation after a day spent exploring, there’s an outdoor stainless steel bath you can fill with gas-heated hot water for a long, leisurely soak before enjoying dinner and a cheeky glass of vino by the toasty log fire.

Serving a rustic sort of fairytale vibe, the Doctor’s Retreat gives you a cabin-in-the-forest exterior which wouldn’t be out of place on a Pinterest board. While this accommodation doesn’t have a view of the lakefront, you can reach the water with just a 250-metre walk.

Charming in the summer sunlight and exquisite in the winter snow (there’s a log fire, double glazing and a portable heater to make sure you stay warm in the colder months), it’s a great pick for a getaway any time of the year. 

If hostel vibes are more your thing, Haka House Lake Tekapo is for you. Located in the town centre, you’re well-positioned for adventure in the form of hiking, cycling and skiing, and there are a bunch of local cafes and restaurants a short walk away.

Bunk beds are available from as little as $55 per night in a four-bed dormitory (with women-only dorms available too) and include bed linen, a private bathroom and access to a communal kitchen.

Importantly, all beds have nearby sockets and unlimited WiFi is available on site. Private rooms are also available and include their own bathroom and kitchenette, perfect for if you’re after a bit of seclusion without the massive price tag. The hostel also offers luggage storage for those still keen to adventure after check out. 

Another similar budget option is Tailor Made Tekapo Accommodation. There are no dorms, rather, a series of twin share and family rooms.

The sprawling grounds are the real drawcard here, with large grassy spaces, trees, a hammock, playground, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs and sheep. Needless to say, sprogs would have a total ball.

Guests have access to a shared kitchen, shared bathrooms and a ski storage room making winter holidays a breeze. The location’s pretty prime too being located five minutes’ walk from the Cairns Golf Course and a five-minute drive from Tekapo Springs and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Rad. 

Perched on one of the highest points in the area, Polaris brings with it some serious views of Lake Tepako and the surrounding mountains. You’re in a quiet spot here, but you can also hop in the car and be at the lakefront and village centre with all its shops and restaurants in just a few minutes.

This accommodation sleeps six in unrivalled privacy thanks to the soundproofing used throughout the house. Grab the group and hang out around the huge table in the living space and you’ll be surrounded by scenic views.

For lazy days, there’s a media room where you can close the curtains and watch a film in comfort, plus for sociable evenings around the barbecue there’s a big deck where you can gather, glass of wine in hand. Grand.