Last Updated: 7th Aug 2024
Mt John - Lake Tekapo Loop
Submitted by Jo ONeill
Last Updated: 7th Aug 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 17 ?
8.2km
380m
380m
1013m
Last Updated: 7th Aug 2024
Submitted by Jo ONeill
Last Updated: 7th Aug 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 11 ?
Gnarl Factor: 17 ?
8.2km
380m
380m
1013m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Lakeside
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.5%
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2:00
Slow
1:15
Moderate
0:45
Fast
Stunning lakeside start then climb up onto Mt John with amazing views of Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook! Astro Cafe is at the Summit if you wish to take a break! Very steep back down to Tekapo Springs for a lovely Hot Pool to finish with!
This trail includes the peak Mount John.
Walk along Lakeside up to Mt John Observatory/Astro Cafe - Views amazing
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.
Plenty of safe parking
3 km
5 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Start at the Tekapo Springs Carpark walk along the 4WD track beside the lake around the hillside, then follow signs Mt John walkway, then follow signs to Summit, then head downhill down the stairs into trees to Tekapo Springs
Perfect throughout.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Take your own if required
Can get windy so take extra layer, but can also be very very hot and dry with no winds so carry water on extreme hot days
Rabbit holes!
Tekapo Springs, Astro Cafe
Tekapo
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Mt John - Lake Tekapo Loop
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Done this one loads of times. Classic way to break you the chch to wanaka trip. The big along the lake is cool runnable track with a couple short step bits. Once you come round the back and start the ascent the first bit is steep but then eases off as you work your way up to the observatory. Great views from the top on a clear day then head down via the forest for some super fun downhill! Then hopefully you've got a Fairlie pie waiting for you when you finish!
September 17, 2023
Done this one loads of times. Classic way to break you the chch to wanaka trip. The big along the lake is cool runnable track with a couple short step bits. Once you come round the back and start the ascent the first bit is steep but then eases off as you work your way up to the observatory. Great views from the top on a clear day then head down via the forest for some super fun downhill! Then hopefully you've got a Fairlie pie waiting for you when you finish!
September 17, 2023
It doesn’t get much better than this! 5 stars in every sense. I went in reverse as suggested and absolutely loved the downhill - so runnable, so much fun, and those views - wow!
January 17, 2023
Definitely a 5 star trail. Great running surface, views and easily navigated.
An earlier review mentions the cafe at the observatory is closed due covid. It has reopened again and hours can be found with a quick google.
Definitely worth taking some extra water on this run.
January 11, 2022
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.
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