Hike the Mount John Walkway

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

5.0/5

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Added by McKenzie Roers

Distance: 8 km (5 miles) loop. Elevation gain: 311 m (1,020 ft). Stargazing. Scenic hike. Mountain biking available.

From the lakefront, walk left until you reach the trailhead. It takes around 1-1.5 hours to walk it at an average pace. The track is on privately owned land, so expect for sheep to be nearby at all times.

You can mountain bike the trail if you wish to. The trail varies from long, drawn out sections to switchbacks, and eventually will lead you up the top of the hill where the observatory is located.

The weather can be temperamental so bringing a light rain jacket would be a good idea.

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Tiffany Young

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Hike the Mount John Walkway

08/09/17

Pretty cool trail climbing with lots of different view points and just things to see in general. You're totally covered by the trees until it suddenly opens up at the top. But like McKenzie said, totally temperamental weather and it can get real close to you! This was an awesome hike, but I think it was the most scared I've ever been with the wind constantly pushing us over and a giant black storm cloud rolling right above our heads. We figured it was about time and once we ran back into the trees, it blocked out all the wind. Awesome adventure! And I'm sure the stargazing is great on a clear night.

5.0

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Hike the Mount John Walkway

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