Cowan Hill Walkway Loop

7.2 km Loop • 1 hour 30 mins • Easy • Cowan Hill Walkway starts right in Tekapo town. Enjoy 360 degree views of the McKenzie Basin, the lake and mountains.

13 March 2024
Walked by: Sandra from Freewalks

Home » South Island » Southland Region » Lake Tekapo » Cowan Hill Walkway Loop

Cowan's Hill walkway loop starts on the eastern end of the bridge leading into Tekapo township.

From Lake Tekapo town, cross the main road bridge and turn right onto the path on the eastern side. This walk starts along the edge of the Tekapo River, where you’ll be able to witness the rushing blue water, it also takes you towards the plantation behind the township.

Soon after crossing Refuse Tip Road, you will enter the forest. From this point on you will be following a poled track until the trees turn into open country.

This track is shared with a 4WD track to a high point. Afterwards, the track heads downwards towards the open tussock grasslands of the Lake Tekapo Scientific Reserve. The Reserve allows you to experience the glacial features of the landscape, as well as the tarns and wetlands. From here, it is an easy walk to the Cowan’s Hill car park, where you may continue the Pines Beach Walk.

If you are in Tekapo in the spring between November and early December, you’ll enjoy endless fields of lupine in full bloom. This walk is a great way to experience Lake Tekapo, Motuariki Island and the surrounding mountains.

Enjoy the Tekapo hot pools after your walk

Especially wonderful in winter, but any time of the year is good, finish off your hike or walk in Tekapo with a soak in the hot springs. If you don’t mind what time you go you can get cheaper entry tickets to the hot pools on this link. The pools are open every day except Christmas day. There is a great day spa and cafe, bar to enjoy as well. The hot pools overlook stunning Lake Tekapo.

Quick Facts about this walk

Location: Lake Tekapo, South Island, New Zealand
Time needed: 1 hour 30 min walk
Distance: 7.2 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Bikes allowed: Yes
Elevation: 110m
Wet Feet: No
Toilets: There are toilet facilities in the Lake Tekapo township.
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Mobile Coverage: Yes, very good.

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

The track offers stunning views of the blue water of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains.

Track Quality

This is a well-gravelled track that is shared with mountain bikers.

Hazards

It can be very cold in Lake Tekapo so bring a warm jacket.

Transport

Lake Tekapo township is a stop on InterCity’s bus network.

Water

Drinking water is available in Lake Tekapo township.

Driving Instructions

Lake Tekapo town is along SH8, about 3 hours from Queenstown or Christchurch. The walk starts on the eastern side of Main Road Bridge.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

There are shops and restaurants in Lake Tekapo town.

Area & Trail History

Lake Tekapo was once covered by glaciers. As the glacier moved, it dumped large amounts of terminal moraine eventually resulting in the damming of the valley causing. The valley filled with water and formed the lake.

Map showing the full trail

My friend Sally, very kindly shared her walk from Relive where she recorded it. While she was in Tekapo she did the St Johns Lakeshore walk and the Cowan Hill walk, you can see her 3d video of this walk below.