Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Sealed Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +5.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -5.1%
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3:30
Slow
1:30
Moderate
0:55
Fast
The course starts at the Village Green - this is the green space between the shops and the lake.
You head along the paths from the village to Tekapo Springs. Once you reach the entrance to the Tekapo Springs car park you cross the road (take care) and head up the Mt John track - this is well sign-posted to the left of the springs. The track takes you up behind the springs and into the forest above.
You weave through the trees and then pop out onto tussock-land and continue the ascent towards the summit. The ascent is steep - lots of walking to be done! As you head to the top there is a sign where the track splits - you take the right path and head towards the rocky outcrop at the summit. Make sure you stop and take in the views here.
You then use the path and head along the summit - the Mt John Observatory will be on your left (you effectively run below the observatory and cafe buildings). You then come to another sign - turn right here and head down the rocky pathway, continuing along the summit. You can see Lake Alexandrina to your left as you head along this section. The track is formed in the paddocks that sit on top of the mountain - keep going along the path, crossing over a farm fence (stile), and all the way to the Hitching Post.
The Hitching Post is another great spot for a photo - the views up the lake towards the mountains are incredible. After the hitching post you turn towards your right and head down the path.
It criss-crosses down the side of the mountain. Please take extra care here as it is quite unstable underfoot. You continue on the trail around the base of the mountain as you head back towards Lake Tekapo Village. Again, the views here are amazing as you are looking back towards the village. Please take care crossing through the Tekapo Springs car park.
You follow the path network back to where you started at the Village Green.
This trail includes the peak Mount John.
The views are incredible the entire way - Lake Tekapo has an amazing turquoise colour created from the glacial flour. Mt John offers 360 views at the summit.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
You are able to park in Lake Tekapo - plenty of car parks near the shops.
2 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone
None - you will need to carry your own.
Lake Tekapo is an alpine village. Mt John is 1000m above sea level so dress appropriately. It is very exposed.
Rabbit holes
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.