This is a bittersweet one – the very last hike on our tour around glorious New Zealand.
We spent 3 nights at a holiday park in Lake Tekapo, enjoying local restaurants and spending some time in the Tekapo Hot Springs (very relaxing). We reserved one day, however, for this hike.
Something unique about the Mount John Loop is that it was walkable straight from the holiday park – we didn’t even need to drive the van! You start off with a difficult ~45 minute uphill battle through pine forests to the Mt. John Observatory. This is actually New Zealand’s premier location for astronomical research, given the high altitude and near-zero light pollution.
Struggling uphill becomes all worth it once you reach the summit, which offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Tekapo, the town of Tekapo, and the Two Thumb mountain range.
Also, it is all downhill from there! Even though the second part of the hike is over twice as long distance-wise, it’s probably half as difficult to make the descent. Also, you’re treated to gorgeous views of Lake Tekapo’s ice-blue water the whole way.
Shoutout to our campground host who advised us to take the trail in this direction – definitely better to put in the hard effort while views were minimal, and take it easier while the views were outstanding!
