Tekapo Springs
Tekapo Springs
The ultimate day out, with something for everyone, from seasoned skaters and snow tube adventurers, to spa devotees and hot pool worshippers. Very family friendly.
Tekapo Springs sits beside the stunning Lake Tekapo at the base of Mount John, in the very heart of the South Island. A sedate 15-minute walk from Lake Tekapo village, this is one of New Zealand's premier family attractions, with numerous activities designed to be as active, or sedate, as you like.
At the heart of the complex lie the three inviting hot pools, built to resemble the natural wonders of the lakes beyond. Each of the adjoining pools enjoys an outstanding panorama of lakes and mountains, and the crystal clear water is sourced from the surrounding alpine springs and heated with recyclable energy. There is bench-side seating, private nooks and crannies, and wonderfully therapeutic massage jets which heal and relax. The temperature of the pools ranges from 36 to 40 degrees Celsius – just perfect for lying back and drinking in those mountain views. Next to the pools is a sauna and steam room, ideal for detoxing and purification.
The spa is great for those who like to be completely pampered. Four fully-functional spa rooms provide the ultimate in massages, facials, pedicures, manicures and total body care, and each treatment booked gives complimentary access to the sauna and steam room. There's also a plunge pool, set at a skin-tightening temperature of just 8 degrees Celsius, just like the lake! It might sound a bit too cool, but after a relaxing massage, and a swim in one of the hot pools, taking the plunge, literally, is just what the therapist orders!
For the more active, get yourself over to the ice rink, where you can exercise the old leg muscles and take a few circuits around this picturesque, state of the art rink. Set against the mountains, skaters of all levels are welcome here, whether you're Wayne Gretzsky or Bambi. In spring and summer, try your hand (or feet) at inline or roller skating. The rink is open all year round, in one form or another, so there's no excuse for not having a go.
The highlight for many coming to Tekapo Springs, though, is the snow park. What's not to like, about flinging yourself down an ice ramp on an inflatable tube? No experience is necessary, just a sense of fun, as you'll see 'tubers' of all ages getting ready for this ride of a lifetime, and your ticket lets you hurl yourself down the slopes as many times as you like within one hour. Addicted? You will be.
New Zealand's First Summer Tube Ride:
Summer Tube rides were at the top of the 'must do lists' for northern hemisphere adventure seekers. Tekapo Springs is proud to launch the first one in New Zealand. Fly down the tube park through the twists and turns and over the bump to the finish before getting back on the magic carpet to ride all the way back to the top.
When you need a quiet time out, there is the Tahr Bar & Café offering up freshly baked delights to complement a menu that has a range of culinary adventures as well as quality coffee, some tempting beers and wines. There's so much to do here, that it's worth investigating the numerous 'Combo Ticket' deals, too, which could save you money on the activities you want to do the most, and are ideal for families, especially.
