Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
winter, but in summer there's usually a guide available at the observatory from around
midday to 3pm (adult/child $20/10).
For those on a tighter budget or with small children in tow (the minimum age for Mt
John tours is eight), there are hour-long night tours to the smaller Cowan Observatory
(adult/child $80/50).
Air Safaris
SCENIC FLIGHTS
( 03-680 6880;
www.airsafaris.co.nz
;
SH8)
Unless you're a serious mountaineer with
time to kill, you won't get better views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and its glaciers than those
offered on the 'Grand Traverse' flights (adult/child $340/220). A similar flight goes from
Glentanner Park, but with higher prices (adult/child $375/265).
Tekapo Helicopters
SCENIC FLIGHTS
( 03-680 6229;
www.tekapohelicopters.co.nz
;
SH8)
Has five options, from a 20-minute
flight ($195) to an hour-long trip taking in Aoraki/Mt Cook and Fox and Franz Josef Gla-
ciers ($500). All flights include an alpine landing and views of Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Cruise Tekapo
BOAT TOUR
(
027 479 7675;
www.cruisetekapo.co.nz
)
Lake cruises (from 25 minutes to two hours
long) and fishing expeditions.
Sleeping
Tailor-Made-Tekapo Backpackers
HOSTEL $
( 03-680 6700;
www.tailor-made-backpackers.co.nz
;
9-11 Aorangi Cres; dm $29-31, s $62, d
with/without bathroom $84/74; )
Favouring beds rather than bunks, this sociable
hostel is spread over several well-tended houses on a peaceful street. There's also a
barbecue-equipped garden complete with well-established trees and a children's play-
ground. The hostel was on the market when we last visited, so call ahead.
Lake Tekapo YHA
HOSTEL $
( 03-680 6857;
www.yha.co.nz
;
3 Simpson Lane; dm $36-39, d $98; )
There are
only three private rooms, the dorms are a little crammed and it's relatively pricey for a
hostel but, wow, look at those views! Snuggle around the open fire in winter, or chill out
by the lake in summer.
