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Pines Beach - Lake Tekapo
zoomTime: up to an hour for each walk, each way
There are several short walks in the Lake Tekapo Scenic Reserve that run along the lake front.
Domain Walk: The track starts at the Main Road Bridge and follows the lake shore to finish at the Skating Rink. There are information boards informing walkers of the area's history. You'll pass the hydro outlet and continue towards the campground and skating rink.
Cowans Hill Track: The track starts at the Main Road Bridge and follows the terraced edge of the Tekapo River towards the plantation behind the township. You'll head through forest, open country with tussock grassland to finish up in Cowan’s Hill carpark.
Pines Beach Walk: From Cowan’s Hill carpark, head to Pines Beach then on the Church of the Good Shepherd. The walkway begins at a stile opposite the junction of the carpark road with SH 8.
Great for a bit of casual family fun!
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC CanterburyCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
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Track Duration |
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Track DurationHow long does it take to walk this track on average? 30 mins to 1 hour About an hour |
Payment Requirement |
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Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in. |
Track Length |
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Track LengthWhat is the physical length of this track? 1km to 3km All walks are up to 2km one way |
DOC Track Category |
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DOC Track CategoryWhat type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? Short walk Easy walking for up to an hour. Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes. Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness. Stream and rivers crossings are bridged. Walking shoes required. |
Track Managing Organisation |
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Track Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. |
Very beautiful and scenic!
I will never forget the colour of the lake.
Nice, nice, nice!!
So far my favourite lake in New Zealand.
This is the absolute most beautiful lake EVER!
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 11 |
|
73% |
9/10 | 1 |
|
7% |
8/10 | 2 |
|
13% |
7/10 | 1 |
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7% |
6/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3.5/5
Nice view of Mt Cook, you need to have good weather!
Reviewed almost 8 years ago and experienced in November 2016
5.0/5
Beautiful lake with a nice colour!
Reviewed almost 8 years ago and experienced in April 2016
5.0/5
Great place for a MTB ride with lots of tracks criss crossing a compact area, suitable for kids, yet great XC fun for more experienced riders.
Fenced off dog exercise area among the pine trees. Also great for a walk or just relax by the lake. There is a permanent orienteering course here (http://papo.org.nz/permanent-courses for info and maps) to make the day out even more enjoyable, and the easy course are suitable for anyone to have a go. Toilet at car park is newish and clean.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.0/5
Very few tourists, so good location to have a relaxing walk.
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in December 2014
4.0/5
So far my favourite lake in New Zealand.
The mix of mountains, wildlife and colour of this place are unique.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
5.0/5
I will never forget the colour of the lake.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
5.0/5
Very beautiful and scenic!
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in March 2013
5.0/5
This is the absolute most beautiful lake EVER!
Love it.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in March 2013
5.0/5
So beautiful!
In the night you can watch a fantastic sky with a lot of stars.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013
5.0/5
Favourite place.
Nice to swim in.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013
5.0/5
Amazing blue water, swam to a rock.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013
3.5/5
Nice view of Mt Cook, you need to have good weather!
Reviewed almost 8 years ago and experienced in November 2016
5.0/5
Beautiful lake with a nice colour!
Reviewed almost 8 years ago and experienced in April 2016
5.0/5
Great place for a MTB ride with lots of tracks criss crossing a compact area, suitable for kids, yet great XC fun for more experienced riders.
Fenced off dog exercise area among the pine trees. Also great for a walk or just relax by the lake. There is a permanent orienteering course here (http://papo.org.nz/permanent-courses for info and maps) to make the day out even more enjoyable, and the easy course are suitable for anyone to have a go. Toilet at car park is newish and clean.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.0/5
Very few tourists, so good location to have a relaxing walk.
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in December 2014
5.0/5
Very beautiful and scenic!
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in March 2013
5.0/5
This is the absolute most beautiful lake EVER!
Love it.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in March 2013
4.0/5
So far my favourite lake in New Zealand.
The mix of mountains, wildlife and colour of this place are unique.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
5.0/5
I will never forget the colour of the lake.
Reviewed over 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
5.0/5
So beautiful!
In the night you can watch a fantastic sky with a lot of stars.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013
5.0/5
Favourite place.
Nice to swim in.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013
5.0/5
Amazing blue water, swam to a rock.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in March 2013
5.0/5
Nice, nice, nice!!
Bring your lunch and a picnic blanket, many nice spots around the lake. If you have kids, don't miss the small aerial ropeway just by the water (opposite side from the church).
Reviewed over 11 years ago
5.0/5
Wonderful colour, breathtaking views to lake and mountains.
Beautiful church (Church of the Good Shepherd).
Reviewed over 12 years ago and experienced in February 2012
4.5/5
Beautiful to walk along the lake in the morning and the evening
Reviewed almost 15 years ago