Important Information
About Us
These recently built suites and apartments were designed to provide more than just a place to stay. We wanted to create an experience beyond that of your regular motel or holiday home. We believe the future of high quality tourist accommodation lies in boutique operations like ours where the guests are hosted, feel looked after and leave with a memorable experience that stays with them for many years to come.
This saying couldn’t be more true to us. We have a passion for vintage furniture and have sourced the furniture in our suites and apartments from all over the South Island. Each item is hand picked for it’s beauty and exquisite craftmanship. In addition to the stunning furniture we have added a few other extra touches to really make our guests comfortable. For example The duvet inners on our beds in the one bedroom suites are pure Alpaca fibre and in the two bedroom apartments we have merino wool fibre.
We do all the laundry onsite and our 100% cotton bed linen is sundried whenever possible.
We hope you enjoy staying with us !
Regards Cathy Ivan and Hesti !
History Of The Mackenzie
Shaped by extreme forces of nature, massive glaciers have scoured the land leaving a trail of lakes and rivers across the landscape. Today you will see awesome mountain ranges – the snow-capped Southern Alps stretching across the western horizon. Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3,724 metres above sea level, towers over the expansive countryside.
The Mackenzie District has something for everyone, from astonishingly blue lakes to sweeping plains and snow capped mountains. Our accommodation allows you to stay in the heart of this incredible landscape where you will discover true relaxation. We look forward to hosting you.
Things you can do &
places to visit
The Cairns golf course
The Cairns Golf Course is designed to be a fun 18-hole golf course with strategy being a key objective whilst taking in some stunning views of both the McKenzie Basin and the Tekapo area. This is golf at its purest, reminiscent of golf in Scotland where the game has its orgins. The greens were ‘discovered’ where there is some shelter and good grass was already established.
You will struggle to find better golf course views anywhere in the world, !
GO TEKAPO
For all of your adventure Tourism opportunities visit www.GoTekapo.com
They are a family owned local business who have lots of things for you to do and places to go including
:- Fish Tekapo Tours
:- Mount Hay 4WD Tours
:-Small animal Hunting Tours
:- Large animal Hunting Tours
: Tekapo Hiking Tours
Most tours are for up to 2 hours and provide great value !
Church of the good shepherd
Situated on the shores of Lake Takapō amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains, the Church of the Good Shepherd was built to the glory of God and as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.
The foundation stone for the church was laid by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, on 16 January 1935, in the presence of the bishop of Christchurch, Campbell West-Watson, and vicar Davies.The building committee had decided that the church should blend into the environment. The grounds surrounding the church were deliberately left with their native vegetation. The church was clad in local stone and lichen was left on the stone to give it a natural look.
Silver river stargazing
Silver River™ Stargazing offer epic stargazing tours in Lake Tekapo that won’t cost the earth. Their experiences are located on 25,000 acres of farmland, all of which fall within the boundaries of the gold rated Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve…aka some of the darkest skies in the world. Another awesome bonus? They have little to no light pollution and are committed to leaving the lightest footprint on our land and night sky.
Call 03 6806866 to make a booking !
Tekapo Springs
Tekapo Springs is dedicated to lifting your spirits by providing the ultimate in relaxation and recreation amongst the natural beauty of a pristine, alpine environment.
Current hours of Operation are 1000 to 1900 hours.
You are welcome to take the coloured towels in your apartment to the hotsprings.
Mackenzie alpine horse trekking
The Mackenzie Country’s Lake Tekapo contains some of New Zealand’s most picturesque and natural scenery. Teal blue lake water and chiselled mountains are amongst Mackenzie’s jewels.
Join Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking by sharing the natural beauty in one of the most natural forms of transport available, in a saddle. Choose from four different horseback rides here in Lake Tekapo.
Call free 0800 628269 to make a booking.
Lake Tekapo farm tours
Explore the Mackenzie Country with Lake Tekapo Farm Tours. Established in 2018 by a long-standing local family, Lake Tekapo Farm Tours focuses on providing an authentic Kiwi experience in the heart of the Mackenzie Region. Tours operate on wide open spaces of 25,000 acres (10,117 hectares) over two amazing high country farms, the historic Mt. John and Balmoral Stations. With breathtaking views and real animal encounters, this is a tour the entire family will love.
Call 0800782742 to make a booking !
Lupins
When the Lupin flowers in Lake Tekapo are in bloom there is really no destination that can compare, it's one of the prettiest and most sought after times of the year to visit The Mackenzie Country. Lupin flowers are in full bloom in The Mackenzie Country’s mid spring to early summer in the month of November in the Southern Hemisphere.
Lake Tekapo is breathtaking throughout the year with every season bringing new light, snow, sun and different colours. However if you are after the glorious purples and blues of the lupins then the best time to visit is in November and December.
Air safaris
To appreciate the beauty and scale of the majestic Mackenzie region, there is nothing better than seeing it from the air with Air Safaris, who have been flying aircraft in and around the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks since 1970.
The Grand Traverse is a magnificent flight encompassing over 200 km of New Zealand’s most memorable and spectacular scenery. With approximately 50 minutes flying time, The Grand Traverse reveals golden tussock lands, turquoise glacier lakes, remote high country sheep stations amongst New Zealand’s highest mountains (Mt Cook & Mt Tasman), largest glaciers (Tasman & Murchison glacier) and west coast glaciers (Franz Josef & Fox glacier).
Call 03 6806880 to make a booking !
Mount John Walk
Take the beautiful Mount John walk which starts beside the Hot Springs Carpark. It takes about 45 minutes to walk up and 30 minutes to wander back down.
The 360 degree views are spectacular once you get up there but beware of the wind on a windy day. It can get really wild up there!
Paddle Tekapo
Paddle Tekapo is run over the summer months by Pete Munro who is an experienced paddling instructor ready to help out.
You can join him on stunning Lake Tekapo for some paddle boarding or even kayaking by request. Also available are guided trips or group activities by arrangement. Plus Pete offers extras like kayak training and grade 2 kayak instruction / certification. He is often found down at the Lakefront with his friendly GSP Cass.
Roundhill Ski Area
Ski or Snowboard in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand. Roundhill is a fantastic family ski field with breathtaking views of Aoraki Mt Cook, the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo. Roundhill is a place that friends and family meet to enjoy a relaxing day on the slopes.
Mt Dobson Ski Area
Mount Dobson Ski Area has everything you need. On the mountain there is a full range of facilities. With a cosy and warm cafe, equipment and clothing rental and a Snow School with a team of international instructors who are passionate about skiing and boarding, you have everything you need on the mountain.
There is a lot variety and a great balance of groomed trails and off piste for the more adventurous. There is a large area of developed trails and miles of fresh untracked snow.
Shops in town
Petronella's Gallery & Bookstore
An independent bookstore with an independent spirit. Every town deserves a bookshop and Lake Tekapo, too, has its own cultural haven. Petronella’s Gallery and Bookstore is now easy to find in the main street. An eclectic range of new literature and non-fiction sits alongside boutique stationery, gifts and works by local artists.
Kiwi Treasures & Info Centre
Kiwi Treasures have a large range of souvenir products, t-shirts, jackets, merino gloves, hats, scarfs, jewellery and much more! Kiwi Treasures are your local information centre and booking office – for all bookings locally and out of the region. They also book bus tickets as well. Located inside the shop is an NZ Post Centre for all internal and overseas posting.
Breakfast
The Greedy Cow
Greedy Cow has an inhouse pastry chef baking beautiful yummies fresh daily. They have fresh and delicious cabinet food and a delightful range of breakfast, brunch and lunch menu items.
The food and the coffee are great - you can also get a famous Fairlie Pie there. Our favourite is the roast pork and apple.
Mackenzies Bar & Grill
Jack Rabbit
The Mackenzie Apartments and Suites
If you would prefer not to go out or breakfast we can provide a continental breakfast in your apartment for just $14 pp
This comprises cereals, yoghurt, milk, fruit juice, toast, jams and spreads.
Please place your order by 5pm the night before.
Reflections
Reflections is open daily from 0800 and has a full breakfast menu
Restaurants
Kohan Japanese Restaurant
Classic Japanese fare from sushi to teriyaki in a casual eatery with windows facing Lake Tekapo. With salmon farms right on the doorstep, you can see why Kohan is considered to have the best Sushi and Sashimi available. Other items on the menu such as Teriyaki, Tempura and Venison steak are sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite and taste.
Call 03 6806688 to order takeaways or make a reservation !
Mackenzie's Cafe Bar & Grill
Mackenzies Café Bar & Grill offers casual café style dining during the day and a modern relaxed experience during the evening with their a la carte & Stonegrill menus.
Its easiest to book online but you can also call 03 6806886 to make a reservation !
Blue Lake Eatery & Bar
Our Favourite restaurant in town the Blue Lake Eatery features a warm, family friendly restaurant as well as a separate bar where you can relax with a cold craft beer, wine or cocktail, and enjoy our full restaurant menu. In winter the fire is roaring and in summer they open up to the sun so you can go in and enjoy a meal or drink all year round.
Its easiest to book on line but you can also call 03 6806677 to make a reservation !
Rakinui Restaurant
Based at Peppers Bluewater resort, Rakinui Restaurant celebrates this abundance of fine fare, capturing the flavours of the region perfectly with a contemporary farm to table philosophy. The wine list carries a selection of fine New Zealand wines to complement your dining selection. Call 03 6807000 to make a booking
Ramen
Restaurant in Tekapo specialising in Ramen, Japanese and Thai food. Walk in's welcome. Take away available. Alcoholic and non Alcoholic drinks available.
Their Thai green curry is our personal favourite !
Call 03 6806999 to make a booking
Tekapo Takeaways
There is a also a fish and Chip shop in Lake Tekapo village called Robins Takeaways.
Call 03 6806530 to make a phone order
Dolce Pizza
Located at the eastern end of the Village Dolce Pizza are open in the afternoons and evening for takeaway Pizza. Telephone 021925674 to pre-order. Note they do not make deliveries.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense - with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded sky.
According to Ngāi Tahu legend, Aoraki and his three brothers were the sons of Rakinui, the Sky Father. While on a sea voyage, their canoe overturned on a reef. When the brothers climbed on top of their canoe, the freezing south wind turned them to stone. The canoe became the South Island (Te Waka o Aoraki); Aoraki and his brothers became the peaks of the Southern Alps.
Mountaineers regard the area to be the best climbing region in Australasia, while less skilled adventurers find plenty of satisfaction with the mountain walks that lead to alpine tarns, herb fields and spectacular glacier views. Encounters with cheeky kea (mountain parrots) are part of the fun. Hooker valley is the most popular of the walks and takes about 1 hour 30 up and 1 hour 15 to get back to the carpark.
For an alternative short walk turn right just past Mount Cook airport into Tasman Valley road and drive 5 minutes to Tasman Lake where you will find icebergs floating in the glacial lake.
Mount Cook Village
Under the highest mountain in New Zealand, the Aoraki/Mount Cook alpine village sits amongst sky-scraping peaks, phenomenal glaciers, permanent snow and all beneath a stunning star-studded sky.Mount Cook village is a good leaping off point and you can easily become immersed by mountains. Options include enjoying a 4WD safari, boating on the glacier lakes, fishing, scenic flights with snow landings and numerous walks and hikes for all ages and abilities.
Map of Walks at Mt Cook
MAP OF LAKE TEKAPO
Voucher
When you are ready to book your next stay with us you can book direct through our website (www.themackenzie.co.nz). This saves you 7% on booking providers like Expedia and Booking.com
If you would like a voucher for friends and family -Call Ivan on 0276806926 and we will email it to you.
Note if you are unsure of when the voucher might be used, you can make it for a specific dollar amount to ensure you always get the best available rate.
Contact Us
-
4 Sibbald Lane, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
