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Abel Tasman National Park to Lake Tekapo

Updated: March 13, 2024 03:20 PM
Lake Tekapo

Abel Tasman National Park to Lake Tekapo - Language, Currency, Distance, How to Reach, Expenses, Best time to go, What to Eat, Where to Go, FAQ

Language

The official languages of New Zealand are English and Maori. English is the most widely spoken language, and is used in all official communications. Maori is an indigenous language, and is spoken by about 15% of the population.

Currency

The currency of New Zealand is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). It is divided into 100 cents.

Distance

The distance between Abel Tasman National Park and Lake Tekapo is approximately 560 kilometers (350 miles).

How to Reach

There are a few different ways to reach Lake Tekapo from Abel Tasman National Park.

  • By car: The drive takes about 6 hours, and the route is mostly scenic.
  • By bus: There are a few different bus companies that offer services between Abel Tasman National Park and Lake Tekapo. The journey takes about 8 hours.
  • By plane: There are no direct flights between Abel Tasman National Park and Lake Tekapo. However, you can fly from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Christchurch Airport (CHC), and then take a bus or train to Lake Tekapo.

Expenses

The cost of traveling from Abel Tasman National Park to Lake Tekapo will vary depending on your mode of transport and your budget. Here are some approximate costs:

  • By car: The cost of petrol will vary depending on the price of fuel. You can expect to pay around NZ$100 for petrol.
  • By bus: The cost of a bus ticket from Abel Tasman National Park to Lake Tekapo is around NZ$60.
  • By plane: The cost of a flight from Nelson Airport (NSN) to Christchurch Airport (CHC) is around NZ$200. The cost of a bus or train ticket from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo is around NZ$30.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Lake Tekapo is during the summer months (December to February). The weather is warm and sunny, and the lake is at its most beautiful. However, it is important to note that Lake Tekapo is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during the summer months.

What to Eat

There are a few different places to eat in Lake Tekapo. Here are a few of the most popular:

  • The Good Shepherd Cafe: This cafe is located in the heart of Lake Tekapo, and offers a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and pizzas.
  • The Lake Tekapo Tavern: This tavern is located on the shores of Lake Tekapo, and offers a range of pub grub, including fish and chips, burgers, and steaks.
  • The Dark Sky Project Cafe: This cafe is located at the Mount John Observatory, and offers a variety of light meals and snacks.

Where to Go

There are a few different things to see and do in Lake Tekapo.

  • Visit the Mount John Observatory: This observatory is located on the summit of Mount John, and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. You can also take a guided tour of the observatory, and learn about the astronomy research that is conducted there.
  • Take a walk around the lake: The Lake Tekapo walkway is a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) loop track that takes you around the lake. The track is well-maintained, and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
  • Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd: This small church is located on the shores of Lake Tekapo, and is one of the most photographed churches in New Zealand. The church is a popular wedding venue, and is also a popular spot for tourists to visit.

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling from Abel Tasman National Park to Lake Tekapo.

  1. How long does it take to get from Abel Tasman National Park to Lake Tekapo?

    The journey takes about 6 hours by car, 8 hours by bus, and 4 hours by plane.

  2. How much does it cost to get from Abel Tasman National Park to Lake Tekapo?

    The cost of travel will vary depending on your mode of transport and your budget. You can expect to pay around NZ$100 for petrol, NZ$60 for a bus ticket, or NZ$230 for a plane ticket.

  3. What is the best time to visit Lake Tekapo?

    The best time to visit Lake Tekapo is during the summer months (December to February). The weather is warm and sunny, and the lake is at its most beautiful. However, it is important to note that Lake Tekapo is a popular tourist destination, so it can be crowded during the summer months.

  4. What are some of the things to see and do in Lake Tekapo?

    There are a few different things to see and do in Lake Tekapo, including visiting the Mount John Observatory, taking a walk around the lake, and visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd.

*Distance calculation may be aerial distance.

Trips from Abel Tasman National Park


Trips to Lake Tekapo