If you are visiting the Mackenzie region, then a trip to Tekapo is an absolute must. Located in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand is the Tekapo Springs. A little oasis located under the mountains and right next to the stunning Lake Tekapo. Here you’ll find hot springs surrounded by snow-capped mountains and idyllic Kiwi bush. It’s an absolute must-do if you are visiting, and here’s why…..
Tekapo Springs – About The Springs
Tekapo Springs offer a range of pools and activities that cater to all ages and life stages. No matter whether you are wanting a romantic couples getaway or a fun family adventure, Tekapo Hot Springs have you covered. Located 720 meters above sea level, the hot pools are filled from underground springs nearby. There are three large hot pools that take both the shape and names of three lakes in the region – Ohau, Pukaki, and Tekapo. The temperatures in these pools range from 36.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius.
Each pool offers something different, with Ohau having relaxing water curtains, Pukaki with it’s invigorating massage jets, and Tekapo with it’s incredible mountain views.
There are also an additional two pools both with slightly cooler temperatures – the Godley Deep Pool which is 1.8m at it’s deepest point and the Aqua Play area; a shallow pool that’s perfect for children. This also contains a fun interactive water area with pipes and waterfalls for the kids.
Family Adventures at Tekapo Springs
The Hot Springs is a great place to bring the family and Jack absolutely loved it here. He told me it was his favourite day of our holiday and it was a mission to get him out of the pool at the end of the day 😅 Tekapo Springs really cater well for families and kids with the well laid out area. We started off in the Aqua Play Area which has a shallower pool that’s 33 degrees. There’s also a fun interactive area with water jets, fountains and showers. It’s really well laid out that it’s easy enough to keep an eye on your child, whether you prefer to get in the water with them or watch from the sidelines on one of the deckchairs.
We then explored the larger (and warmer pools). Children are allowed in both Ohau and Pukaki pools, with only Tekapo being adults only. I thought this was really cool, as often kids aren’t allowed in spaces like this! Jack really loved the warmer pools, with the water curtains in Ohau getting a big thumbs up. I loved being able to relax and enjoy my time, while Jack loved being able to play and swim around the pool. I was also really impressed with how they have big shade sails up to ensure you don’t end up getting sunburnt – something that’s easy to forget about while you are in the pool!
I also loved the family change room, and it made getting Jack changed after swimming so much easier. The changing rooms are spacious and SO clean. Big thumbs up from me!
Tekapo Springs Day Spa
I was so thankful to be able to grab a few moments to myself in the beautiful Tekapo Springs Day Spa. This place is honestly magical, nestled near the hot pools and surrounded by beautiful native plants. Open the doors of the rustic wooden cottage, and you are instantly transported to a place of ultimate serenity! I enjoyed the popular Glow on the Go Pure Fiji Facial, which has quickly become one of the Day Spa’s most popular services.
The Tekapo Springs Day Spa offers a range of beauty treatments including facials, massage, waxing, tinting and nails. There are four treatment rooms, all with stunning views of the pools and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The treatment room I was in had the most incredible mural of the famous Church of the Good Shepard on the walls! The treatment rooms are beautifully quiet and the therapists are so lovely. I felt so relaxed getting my facial that I almost fell asleep!
The Day Spa use Pure Fiji products in their treatments, and also offer a range of the products for purchase. With the facial I had, I was able to try out a number of the products and I can confirm that they feel lovely on the skin. My facial is designed to brighten and resurface the skin, and I can hand on heart say my skin has never felt smoother or looked clearer than afterwards. If you have time to visit the Spa on your trip, I highly recommend the Glow on the Go Facial! You can view their full treatment menu here.
Altitude 720 Cafe
I love a good coffee, and I was pretty excited to see that the Springs have their own on-site cafe. I was then even more excited to hear they roast their own coffee beans and have their own 720 blend of coffee. These are the highest-altitude roasted coffee beans in New Zealand, so naturally I had to grab a cup. I can confirm the 720 blend is beautiful – so smooth and rich, everything you want in a coffee! If coffee isn’t your thing, they also have a good range of juices, tea and smoothies – and are fully-licensed so you can also grab beer, wine or spirits.
Altitude 720 have a great selection of food, so once you’re done relaxing in the pools it’s easy to grab a bite to eat. There’s a huge range of cabinet food, including a good selection for those with dietary requirements. They also have a great cooked menu; Jack and I shared the wedges for lunch and they were amazing! While enjoying your food you can either sit inside or out, and the view out the window towards the mountains is superb!
Summer and Winter Activities
If the hot pools, day spa, and cafe aren’t enough, then Tekapo Springs also have a range of extra activities on offer throughout the seasons. In the summer months, their popular Jumpernaut opens – a huge inflatable obstacle course! This was just getting set up while we were visiting, however is open now. I know Jack (and myself) would have absolutely loved this one as it looks like so much fun! Also opening in December is the Aqua Drop – a huge 150 metre downhill waterslide where you can reach speeds up to 40km!
In winter, the area for the Jumpernaut turns into an outdoor ice skating rink! Now it’s absolutely on my list to go back here in Winter as I love ice skating (and imagine going in the hot pools in the snow!), so when I do I will absolutely update this post! The area for the Aqua Drop also turns into a Snow Tube Park, where you can jump in a tube and take a thrilling ride down a 150-metre snowy slope! I love how the springs have utilised their space in such a clever way with summer and winter activities taking place.
If chilling out is more your thing, then they also offer Stargazing in the pools! Lie on a floaty in the hot pools and gaze up at the stars. Again, I think I’m going to have to go back to try this out as it looks just beautiful! The Tekapo Region is renowned for it’s incredible dark skies thanks to minimal light pollution, so is one of the best places in the country to go star gazing.
What You Need to Know
- Located: 6 Lake Side Drive, Lake Tekapo. Just off State Highway 8.
- Good for kids? Absolutely! Such a family friendly place, with tonnes for kids to do in all seasons.
- Food/drink: Fully stocked cafe with amazing food and coffee onsite.
- What do I need to bring? Just your togs (and even then you can buy them there), towels and robes etc can all be hired from the Tekapo Springs reception.
