Mount John Walkway was one of my favourite hikes in New Zealand. Most of it is alongside the beautiful Lake Tekapo, which was my favourite place on the South Island. I can hardly think of a better way to spend half a day than a pleasant walk overlooking this gem!
Here’s all the essential information you need to know before doing this hike.
How long is Mount John Walkway?
Mount John Walkway is about five and a half miles. This is about two and a half hours of walking. But I recommend scheduling half a day for the hike as you’ll want to stop every five minutes to admire the view!
What is the route like?
The first two miles of the hike take you uphill through a forest.
At the top of the hill you’ll find Mount John Observatory. Here, you get your first stunning vista of Lake Tekapo on one side and Lake Alexandrina on the other, with the Southern Alps in the distance.
The route then takes you a little further northwards and then back on yourself along the edge of Lake Tekapo, back to the start of the hike.
The path is well-marked, well-maintained, and easy to follow throughout.
How easy is Mount John Walkway?
I would say the hike is of moderate difficulty. The first two miles uphill are the most difficult – the hill is not too steep, but it’s still uphill! The rest of the hike is either flat or gently sloping downwards.
How to get to the start of the hike
The hike starts just west of Lake Tekapo town. The easiest way to access it is to walk to the start of the hike from the town. Alternatively you can park in Lake Tekapo Springs car park which is right next to the start of the hike.
A must in Lake Tekapo
I would say that Mount John Walkway is a must-do activity in Lake Tekapo. It’s a perfect hike – long enough that you feel like you’ve done some good physical activity but not so much that you can’t fully enjoy the views. And the views are out of this world. I had never seen a lake so blue before, and Mount John Walkway gives you the perfect vantage point to admire it in all its beauty.
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