THE BEST VIEWS IN TEKAPO (AND POSSIBLY ALL OF NEW ZEALAND!)
28 DECEMBER 2022
To the right is one of the night sky observatories
360 Degree Views
Mt John is a mountain (oooobvs!) next to Lake Tekapo in the South Island of New Zealand set in the heart of the Mackenzie Bason. It's known not only for its views, but for its observatories, which is home to several telescopes (those funny round looking things at the top) used for astronomical research by the University of Canterbury. Tekapo has some of the clearest skies in the world, so it's no wonder it's part of the International Dark Sky Reserve.
The observatory is located at an altitude of 1,076 meters (3,533 feet), which makes it one of the highest astronomical observatories in the Southern Hemisphere. It's a popular tourist destination, and visitors can take guided tours of the observatory and learn about the research being conducted there.
The mountain is named after John Turnbull, a farmer who owned the land in the late 19th century. The first observatory was built on the mountain in the 1960s, and it has been expanded and updated several times since then.
The summit shows off some of the best views in New Zealand with 360-degree views overlooking Lake Tekapo, Lake Alexandrina and views of the snowcapped almighty Southern Alps. Mt John stands at an impressive 1029m high and the Tekapo region is already 710m above sea level, so it's a super dee duper high up mountain and you can understand why the views are so impressive and why it can get sooo coooooold (even in the middle of summer!).
The Astro Cafe at the summit has to be the best cafe in New Zealand for views and their carrot cake is deeelish! More about that later in the blog.
The observatory is located at an altitude of 1,076 meters (3,533 feet), which makes it one of the highest astronomical observatories in the Southern Hemisphere. It's a popular tourist destination, and visitors can take guided tours of the observatory and learn about the research being conducted there.
The mountain is named after John Turnbull, a farmer who owned the land in the late 19th century. The first observatory was built on the mountain in the 1960s, and it has been expanded and updated several times since then.
The summit shows off some of the best views in New Zealand with 360-degree views overlooking Lake Tekapo, Lake Alexandrina and views of the snowcapped almighty Southern Alps. Mt John stands at an impressive 1029m high and the Tekapo region is already 710m above sea level, so it's a super dee duper high up mountain and you can understand why the views are so impressive and why it can get sooo coooooold (even in the middle of summer!).
The Astro Cafe at the summit has to be the best cafe in New Zealand for views and their carrot cake is deeelish! More about that later in the blog.
There are plenty of lupins along the way in November and December
Waiting for the gates to open at 10am
To get up Mt John you pay an $8 fee (eftpos only)
Pick a sunny day to go up - you won't regret it!
The Drive Is Just As Spectacular As The Summit
The drive up (and down) is so spectacular, you will want to stop every 2 seconds to take photos!! Of course, the views at the top are the best so you aren't missing out by not stopping! I wanted to stop at so many points but there's only one bay that you can pull over in and yes, we pulled over on the way down, despite seeing it all from the top. It's just that beautiful, how could you not?
The road is narrow in some places but fine for the most part. Just gotta make sure the driver doesn't drive off the edge while looking at the beautiful views! It took us about 5 minutes to get up to the carpark and it was a fairly decent road, mostly paved and a few hair pins.
The road is narrow in some places but fine for the most part. Just gotta make sure the driver doesn't drive off the edge while looking at the beautiful views! It took us about 5 minutes to get up to the carpark and it was a fairly decent road, mostly paved and a few hair pins.
Eyes on the road, sonny!
Nearly at the top!
Lake Tekapo was so intensely blue when we visited this summer!
View from the bay area we stopped at on the way back down
Views From The carpark
As soon as everyone arrives in the carpark, they're out of the car like a flash. It's quite funny to watch and I'll admit we were also out like a flash! Everyone is drawn to the views like a moth to a flame and you're totally forgiven for jumping out of the car while it's still moving and you're still wearing your seatbelt - it's ok, you look like an idiot, but we get it!
You can catch a glimpse of Lake Tekapo to the left of the observatories and a full view of Lake Alexandrina beside that. Lake McGregor sits in between them but he's not very impressive (poor wee McGregor!)
The rest of the views are of the Southern Alps and bare land stretching as far as the eye can see. You can see where small rivers run or where they have dried up, it's really pretty! The carpark is pretty big, so there's plenty of space to sit and enjoy the view on one of the large rocks placed around the carpark (so no one drives off the edge!).
You can catch a glimpse of Lake Tekapo to the left of the observatories and a full view of Lake Alexandrina beside that. Lake McGregor sits in between them but he's not very impressive (poor wee McGregor!)
The rest of the views are of the Southern Alps and bare land stretching as far as the eye can see. You can see where small rivers run or where they have dried up, it's really pretty! The carpark is pretty big, so there's plenty of space to sit and enjoy the view on one of the large rocks placed around the carpark (so no one drives off the edge!).
Hello beautiful mountains!
It was hard to leave the carpark and walk to the cafe, even though the views are even better up there!
The carpark offers almost 360 deg views across the area
Bella posing but is she really just doing her lunges?!
Barbie enjoyed herself up Mt John too
This was a great place for Bella to write in her journal
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Our girls looking out to Lake Alexandrina
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Lake Alexandrina
You get a great view of Lake Alexandrina from the carpark and on the summit walk. I loved seeing the cloud reflections in the lake!
Compared to Lake Tekapo, it's a warmer and clearer lake and it's not packed full of visitors so even on the hottest day in summer, it's still a quiet and relaxing place.
Click here to read the full blog on Lake Alexandrina and see why you should visit!
Compared to Lake Tekapo, it's a warmer and clearer lake and it's not packed full of visitors so even on the hottest day in summer, it's still a quiet and relaxing place.
Click here to read the full blog on Lake Alexandrina and see why you should visit!
The Southern Alps are beautiful all year round
Lake Alexandrina is nowhere near as blue as Lake Tekapo but it's super clear and actually warmer!
Mt Stevenson is one of my favourite mountains in the area - it's just so purdy
Beautiful reflections in Lake Alexandrina
Astro Cafe - Best Cafe Views In New Zealand?
The first time we went up Mt John, we were first in line at the gate and would have been first in line at the cafe, but instead we went on the summit track. The 2nd time we went, we made it to the cafe and it was packed! The tables got snapped up pretty quickly, you had to watch everyone put the last crumb in their mouths then pounce as soon as they started to stand. Ok ok it wasn't that bad, but we were lucky to get a table!
The cafe is one of those places that even if you don't get a table, you don't really care because you're on a giant mountain and there's pleeeenty of space to sit and enjoy your food and drink.
There was a bit of a wait for the coffee as it was so busy, but again, you really don't mind because the view is just beautiful and the wait was totally worth it as the coffee was delicious! We ordered a slice of carrot cake and a slice of red velvet. Bella had always wanted to try red velvet cake, so she got her wish! As always, Lath wanted a carrot cake - his favourite flavour and we order it at pretty much every cafe we go to. It would be rude not to, right?
Sienna & Bella shared their slice of cake and enjoyed it, but the star of the show was most definitely the carrot cake. It was so mooooist and the frosting was smooth and creamy. One of the best carrot cakes we've had in New Zealand. Hopefully next time we go, the recipe will be the same!
The cafe is one of those places that even if you don't get a table, you don't really care because you're on a giant mountain and there's pleeeenty of space to sit and enjoy your food and drink.
There was a bit of a wait for the coffee as it was so busy, but again, you really don't mind because the view is just beautiful and the wait was totally worth it as the coffee was delicious! We ordered a slice of carrot cake and a slice of red velvet. Bella had always wanted to try red velvet cake, so she got her wish! As always, Lath wanted a carrot cake - his favourite flavour and we order it at pretty much every cafe we go to. It would be rude not to, right?
Sienna & Bella shared their slice of cake and enjoyed it, but the star of the show was most definitely the carrot cake. It was so mooooist and the frosting was smooth and creamy. One of the best carrot cakes we've had in New Zealand. Hopefully next time we go, the recipe will be the same!
The trig outside the cafe
The girls had their first try of red velvet cake
Best view we have had drinking coffee in NZ!
Cabinet food
No wifi, no fries (aww but we love fries!)
Mt John Summit Track
The summit track takes around 30 - 45 minutes to complete and has 360-degree views of all the beautiful things we have mentioned. There are many places to stop along the track to admire the view, whether it's a bench seat, rock or a small patch of grass calling your name.
When we did the track it was such a hot day and with everyone recovering from their colds, we didn't feel up to doing the whole track. We made our way around most of it slowly and I stopped a lot to take photos.
There is a sign before you head up to the cafe, which says South Summit Walk and it takes you down a gravel path where you'll hop over a fence and either go right to the jagged rocks where there's an awesome look out point, or left to head along the track.
If you felt like doing a longer walk, there is a track that starts at the Tekapo Hot Springs in the town and leads up to the summit. It's an 8.9km loop track and takes around 3 hours. Click here for more info.
When we did the track it was such a hot day and with everyone recovering from their colds, we didn't feel up to doing the whole track. We made our way around most of it slowly and I stopped a lot to take photos.
There is a sign before you head up to the cafe, which says South Summit Walk and it takes you down a gravel path where you'll hop over a fence and either go right to the jagged rocks where there's an awesome look out point, or left to head along the track.
If you felt like doing a longer walk, there is a track that starts at the Tekapo Hot Springs in the town and leads up to the summit. It's an 8.9km loop track and takes around 3 hours. Click here for more info.
The viewpoint at the top of these rocks gives great views of Lake Tekapo, the Tekapo township and beyond.
The views are amazing, everywhere you look
View across to the Tekapo township
Lath and the girls heading down towards the summit track
The girls were still recovering from their colds the day we did the track, so we had lots of stops
Rock 'N' Roll
This boulder is probably one of the most photographed rocks in New Zealand. It's 10 meters or so down the hill from the cafe and it's a very cool place to get photos on - check out that view! The hill is a little bit steep but totally fine, just don't be like Jill and roll down the hill.
It can get pretty busy and you have to wait in line sometimes to get a photo on it and other times we saw no one there for ages. We had to wait around 10-minutes for two people to take photos of themselves before we managed to get a turn!
It can get pretty busy and you have to wait in line sometimes to get a photo on it and other times we saw no one there for ages. We had to wait around 10-minutes for two people to take photos of themselves before we managed to get a turn!
Lake Tekapo is soooo blue on a sunny day
It was a cold wind up there - first time we had worn pants and jumpers in a long time!
Head up on a clear day to make the most of the views
Family photos are either taken manually with our tripod set up and a remote or asking the closest person to take a photo of us!
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is one of the largest lakes in the Mackenzie Basin and is fed by snow melt from the Southern Alps. Even though Lake Pukaki (one of its neighbours) is the bluest lake in New Zealand, when we visited here in summer, we saw that Lake Tekapo was waaaaay bluer than Pukaki! Its distinctive colour comes from glacial silt.
The views of Lake Tekapo from Mt John are incredible, you get to see the whole lake from up there and take a million photos. The summit walk shows the whole lake on one half of the walk.
We were luckily enough to spend a whole month in Tekapo and we spent a lot of time at the lake swimming, walking around and taking photos.
Click here to read our full blog on Lake Tekapo.
The views of Lake Tekapo from Mt John are incredible, you get to see the whole lake from up there and take a million photos. The summit walk shows the whole lake on one half of the walk.
We were luckily enough to spend a whole month in Tekapo and we spent a lot of time at the lake swimming, walking around and taking photos.
Click here to read our full blog on Lake Tekapo.
The lupins are so beautiful!
The water in Lake Tekapo looks way bluer on a super sunny day. It can look grey when the clouds come over
View out to the Pine Forest where the best place for swimming is
This view would be incredible in winter!
Sienna on the Summit Track around Mt John
The start of the Summit Track
Seek And You Shall Find
I love to go off the beaten path.... the road less travelled to see what I can find. Bella and I left Lath and Sienna chilling on a rock somewhere along the track and we continued on our way.
I'm always looking for a subject to photograph in the foreground and we found this beautiful flower arch growing just perfectly to frame the mountains! It was low to the ground, so I had to get right down on the ground in the grass (which I'm allergic to, but what's burning skin when you've got that view?!) to try and get a shot - a photographer's life!
One of my favourite shots from up Mt John is the wild lupins growing in the golden grass and the snowy mountains in the background.
I'm always looking for a subject to photograph in the foreground and we found this beautiful flower arch growing just perfectly to frame the mountains! It was low to the ground, so I had to get right down on the ground in the grass (which I'm allergic to, but what's burning skin when you've got that view?!) to try and get a shot - a photographer's life!
One of my favourite shots from up Mt John is the wild lupins growing in the golden grass and the snowy mountains in the background.
The track on the right leads down to Lake Tekapo and it's a 2-hour hike
Nature's photo frame
View out to Lake Alexandrina
The alps had these long clouds all along them
Know Before You Go
- The Astro Cafe is open 10am - 5pm Friday to Saturday and it does close if the weather is really bad
- You can always find a quiet spot on the mountain to relax and enjoy the view
- There are toilets just below the cafe
- You can't take a bus or any super long vehicles up Mt John due to being restricted with turning around and parking
- There is an $8 fee per vehicle to get up Mt John which you pay at the base. It is eftpos only
- The Mt John Summit Track takes around 30 - 45 minutes. We didn't do the whole track, instead we just stopped at places we liked for the view then turned back
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
If you're driving to the summit, it's a 14-minute drive from the Tekapo shops. Head along State Highway 8 then turn right into Godley Peaks Road and stay on this road until you see the sign for Mt John. On the way there, you'll see a sign for the Astro Cafe and it will say whether it's open or closed.
If you plan on walking up, you can of course walk up the main road, or there is a track that starts beside the Tekapo Hot Springs, if you're wanting a decent walk up!
The cafe is only open Friday - Monday 10am - 5pm and you can't drive up the mountain outside of these hours (unless you're on a star gazing tour).
Mt John is 3 hours from Christchurch and 3 hours and 10-minutes from Queenstown.
If you plan on walking up, you can of course walk up the main road, or there is a track that starts beside the Tekapo Hot Springs, if you're wanting a decent walk up!
The cafe is only open Friday - Monday 10am - 5pm and you can't drive up the mountain outside of these hours (unless you're on a star gazing tour).
Mt John is 3 hours from Christchurch and 3 hours and 10-minutes from Queenstown.
Conclusion
Mt John is undoubtably one of the best places in the South Island to get 360-degree views of lakes, snowcapped mountains and everything in between! The $8 car fee to get up is totally worth it and you forget about it once you've reached the top! Even on a busy day, there is somewhere to find peace on the mountain to chill and enjoy the view, without seeing many people (not in the cafe tho, that gets packed!).
The views are incredible, the carrot cake just as good, and we highly recommend going on a bluebird day to get the best views up there.
The views are incredible, the carrot cake just as good, and we highly recommend going on a bluebird day to get the best views up there.
Gallery of Mt John
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
More to do in the South Island
LAKE TEKAPO
CANTERBURY An absolute paradise in the South Island where you can throw rocks, swim in the (cold, glacial) water and soak up the mountain views.
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COWANS HILL TRACK
CANTERBURY A beautiful and peaceful walk up the back of Tekapo, full of lupins in Nov - Jan if you go down the right track. Great mountain views!
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HOOKER VALLEY TRACK
MT COOK An easy track for the family to enjoy incredible mountain and lake views all year round. The kids will enjoy crossing the 3 swing bridges.
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