Tekapo and Queenstown: Two Must-Visit Lakes and Towns in New Zealand

Tekapo is a village well known for its lake and its sky. It is the sunniest city in the South Island. There is an ice rink and a spring pool. Many hikes can be done in Tekapo. The best known is Mount John. This hike is not very long (1h30) and you have a breathtaking panoramic view at the top. For accommodation, there are many very luxurious hotels in Tekapo. But if you want to save money while being in a clean, comfortable place with a view of the lake; I recommend the YHA which will soon become Hala lodge. Every Wednesday you have a small market on the village square, which is very nice and the atmosphere is very family-friendly. It is a place that is hugely frequented by tourists especially during spring because the flowers make the magic of this landscape even more incredible. During winter and spring, many aquatic activities are offered on the lake.

If you are a traveler, Queenstown is the must-visit city in New Zealand. There are many, many seasonal workers who work in Queenstown. In fact, there is a ski resort very close to this town and many activities offered on the lake. Including boat tours. There are also many restaurants and bars in Queenstown. It's a very good place to party. The city is very safe, I have several times walked alone in the streets of Queenstown in the middle of the night, and I have never felt unsafe. This is also the case for the majority of towns in New Zealand. What's nice about Queenstown is being able to be immersed in an urban lifestyle while remaining in nature, with this huge lake which borders the city. The lake is surrounded by a mountain range which is super impressive. I also recommend the Queenstown YHA. It is located opposite the lake, a little outside the city (so quiet) and you can easily get to city Center without transport. There is many beautiful hikes in Queenstown as well!