YHA Lake Tekapo

The only Highly Recommended Tekapo Accommodation in the 2008 Rough Guide

Located right on the Lake Tekapo lakefront with unobstructed views to the mountains beyond, the million-dollar view from the YHA Lake Tekapo backpacker hostel is of the incredible shades of blue of this glacier fed lake in the centre of the South Island of New Zealand.

YHA Lake Tekapo’s large lounge area directly overlooks the lake and is a comfortable and cosy retreat. In winter relax in front of the roaring log fire with the friendly hostel cat on your lap or take turns making music on the piano or guitar.

The backpacker accommodation available at the Lake Tekapo hostel is family-friendly (a cot is available), accessible for disabled and all double room accommodation will has tea and coffee making facilities. The large kitchen is very well-equipped including a rice cooker, panini toaster and herbs, spices, sugar, tea and coffee are all provided free.

For your ongoing travel and activities bookings ask the extremely helpful Lake Tekapo hostel staff for help. We’ll help you with whatever you want to do next, around Lake Tekapo, New Zealand or the world! Also, the famous Tekapo Stargazing tours leave from just nearby the YHA Lake Tekapo hostel.

The accommodation at this amazing Lake Tekapo backpacker hostel is so like home, you won’t want to leave.

Please note: There is no bank or ATM in Lake Tekapo but EFT-POS, Visa and Mastercard are accepted throughout the village.

"YHA Lake Tekapo: An excellent place to stay with one of the finest lakeside locations of any hostel in New Zealand, its pride and joy is the common room with a floor-to-ceiling window."- The Rough Guide to New Zealand

Special features at YHA Lake Tekapo that backpackers love:

• The amazing views directly over beautiful blue Lake Tekapo right from the hostel.
• You’ll feel like you’ve come home at YHA Lake Tekapo – the fire, the cat and the live music.
• Amazing travel booking service at YHA Lake Tekapo for New Zealand and international travel!
• The whole YHA Lake Tekapo hostel can be hired out for groups and team building. (Especially now that Tekapo has conference facilities.)
• Excellent self-catering kitchen with free herbs and spices for cooking up something special.
• Keep your caffeine levels up with free tea and coffee in the kitchen and in double room accommodation.

About Lake Tekapo

The first glimpse of the stunning turquoise blue Lake Tekapo leaves a lasting impression. Found in the centre of the mighty Southern Alps on the road from Queenstown to Christchurch, Lake Tekapo is a terrific place to stop on your backpacking tour of New Zealand.

At Lake Tekapo you can experience a variety of walks, fishing, cruises and scenic flights around Aoraki Mount Cook and the stunning Tasman, Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Play squash and golf or have a go at climbing, horse trekking, cross-country and downhill skiing at the Roundhill ski field.
The brand new Alpine Springs and Spa offers a unique mix of relaxation and recreation: try ice-skating or curling on the outdoor ice-rink in the winter or soak in the hot pools or get a relaxing massage all year round.
Take a tour of the Southern Hemisphere by night with a Stargazing Tour up on Mt John Observatory departing from near the YHA Lake Tekapo hostel each evening. For a beautiful earthbound view visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo for one of New Zealand’s most iconic scenic views through its lakeside window.

And if you’re looking for a special way to end your action packed day on and around Lake Tekapo then spoil yourself at a variety of award-winning Tekapo restaurants with exquisite Japanese and New Zealand cuisine. Or take a cruise to Motuariki Island in the centre of Lake Tekapo for a delectable dinner prepared on the shore!

Top activities to do while backpacking in Lake Tekapo

• The Lake Tekapo Alpine Springs and Spa has year round hot pools and spa services, as well as ice sports in winter.
• Stargazing Night Tours leave nightly from Lake Tekapo for exploration of the Southern Sky – so bright and clear above this alpine region of the Southern Alps.
• Air Safari Scenic Flights will take you for million dollar views over Aoraki Mount Cook, the Tasman, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers as well as to the West Coast.
• The Taste of Tekapo Cruise includes a complimentary breakfast, lunch or dinner on Motuariki Island in the middle of Lake Tekapo.
• Many exciting outdoors adventures around Lake Tekapo: horse trekking, mountain climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and fishing.
• The Roundhill ski area overlooking Lake Tekapo is a popular winter destination.

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