Views from atop the Mt John Summit track are unbeatable. The views include Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie Basin, and on a good day – right out to the snow-capped central mountains in the distance!
And the best news? Despite sounding like you might need to summit a mountain for this; the reward of views from the top come from a day walk that’s suited to the whole family.
Some stats about the Mt John Summit Track
- Distance: 3km
- Time needed: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate – reasonably steep ascent in places
- Route: Return via the same track
- Elevation: 311m
- Mobile coverage: Yes
- Toilets: There are toilets in Lake Tekapo village and inside the café at the summit
Mount John
Mount John is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
We learnt while in Mackenzie country that Mount John is one of the best places in the world to observe stars, planets, galaxies and solar systems.
And due to its proximity to Lake Tekapo Township and a vehicle accessible road, its considered one of the most accessible observatories in the world.
The Mt John Summit Track
The track to the summit of Mount John starts from right outside the beautiful Tekapo Hot Springs. This is the quickest and most direct way to reach the summit of Mount John.
The track essentially consists of three sections. (Note: This was handy to know for walking with kids, as it made each section seem more manageable. Even when steep!).
- Uphill climb through the forest
- Open grassland field from the forest to the summit
- Summit circuit loop track
The first part of the track climbs up through pine forest. The path is well formed and winds up and around one side of the mountain.
It is steep in parts of the forest climb so be sure to stick to the track.
At the top of the forest the track emerges out onto a huge open sloping tussock field. There are stunning views at this point looking back over Mackenzie country.
Follow the well-trodden path through the field to some wooden steps at the northern end and take the path to the summit.
The Summit Circuit Track
Panoramic views over the Mackenzie basin and Lake Tekapo are undeniably striking from the top.
The track around the summit circuit can be follow either clockwise or anticlockwise.
We headed straight to the iconic summit lookout just above the observatory, and so headed in an anti clockwise direction around the summit. (Signs from the summit lookout direct you past the side of the café and observatory).
There is little change in gradient around the summit circuit track. (It’s not steep like the first part of the climb up through forest).
The track is well worn although narrows and is rocky in places. The loop track around the Summit Circuit takes around 30 – 45 minutes.
The Summit Circuit tracks ends back at the open grassland and top of the forest.
From here you can return via the same track to the base or follow a different path down from below the observatory.
Mt John Summit via the lakeshore
This is a longer walk option up Mount John starting and ending in Tekapo Township. The lakeshore walking track takes in all of the first track above and continues along the lakeshore back towards Tekapo Township.
Unlike the Mount John Summit track, this track is a looped route so can be down either clockwise or anti clockwise.
However suggestions definitely note to start and end the track in town rather than at the base of the mountain track.
In this sense you will do the uphill summit track first, circuit the top and then leave the flat lakeshore part for last!
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time needed: 3 hours
Walking up Mt John Summit Track with kids
I would recommend the Mount John Summit track as a great walk to do with kids.
Overall this isn’t a strenuous hike; the first part of the track is relentless and uphill. However, the track is not technically difficult.
The path is interesting with trees and pine cones and needles all over the path.
We walked the track in June and although the weather was great, it was chilly starting out in the morning.
There was the odd tiny patch of old snow or ice on the side of the path. (Which for our two North Island boys was quite exciting enough!).
Pack some snacks and take your time. The walk up through the forest is the steepest of the trail and takes about 45 minutes.
From there, the epic views and farm-like grassland paddock are ideal for walking and play with kids. And there are plenty of beautiful spots to stop for a picnic or snack!
Things to know before you go
- Shops and snacks: The nearest shops are in the Lake Tekapo township.
There is a supermarket there as well as convenience stores; perfect for stocking up on snacks for the walk. The Astro Café at the summit of Mount John has a full lunch menu but check its opening hours here.
- Take plenty of water: Even if you are hiking in winter make sure to carry enough water for the duration of your walk.
- Comfortable walking footwear: Hiking boots are not necessary for this trail but you do need a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes.
- Appropriate clothing and layers: Regardless of the time of year, layers of clothing are the best approach.
We dressed the kids the same way; a singlet, thermal layer, fleece, and waterproof/windproof outer layer. It’s warm in the sunshine but starting out in the shade is cool in winter!
- Start early: This is the most popular day hike in Lake Tekapo itself and can get busy at certain times of the year. (It wasn’t busy in June, mind you!) But, if you want to beat the crowds, start early.
If you are unsure of the weather forecast you can check at the Tekapo Springs Information Centre in Lake Tekapo before starting out. Or check online with MetService for Aoraki/Mount Cook region here.
- Note: There is vehicle access to the Astro Café and Observatory via the Mt John Observatory access road.
You can park at the top here and walk the Summit Track (without walking up the forest path from the base of the mountain).
The access road is open Thursday – Monday from 10:30am – 2:30pm. An $8 per vehicle user fee applies.
Getting there
One of the best things about the Mount John Summit track is that regardless of where you are staying, it is accessible on foot from the Tekapo Township.
The track begins before the Tekapo Springs Complex.
There is a small carpark at the base of the mountain and start of the track. A Department of Conservation sign signifies the start of the path into the forest.
Where we stayed
We walked the Mt John Summit track after staying one night in Lake Tekapo.
Depending on the time of year you are visiting, it could be possible to walk the track in the afternoon and so allocating an entire day for the walk is not necessary.
We stayed several nights prior in Twizel and walked the Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park.
LAKE TEKAPO: Lake Tekapo Holiday Park
Location: 2 Lakeside Drive, Canterbury 7999
Cost: Lakeview, powered sites from $50 p/n.
TWIZEL: Lake Poaka Campsite (DOC Campsite)
Location: Turn off SH 8 (Tekapo Twizel Road) on to the private road on the north side of Pukaki Canal. Follow the road for 2.5 km to the campsite entrance.
Cost: Free
Facilities: Long drop toilet
TWIZEL: Twizel Holiday Park
Location: 122 Mackenzie Drive, Twizel
Cost: From $30 per night with NZMCA membership
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You will definitely be impressed by the epic and panoramic views from the summit of Mount John. I would definitely recommend this track for the perfect way to top off a visit to Lake Tekapo, whatever the season. The Mt John Summit track is a great addition to your South Island road trip!