Here at Alpine Springs we’re very proud of the recovery efforts being made by the Department of Conservation (DOC) at Twizel.

The black stilt population is less than 150. Unlike other wading birds, they don’t migrate during winter, mostly living their entire lives within the Mackenzie. Adults grow to about 40 cm tall and weigh about 220 grams. They have long red legs, completely black plumage, and a long thin black bill. Juveniles have a white breast and markings. They start breading aged 2-3 years, and nest on dry river banks.

Black Stilt

Since 1981 DOC has run a captive breeding centre near Lake Ruataniwha where eggs are artificially incubated and the young chicks are reared safely away from predators before they are released into their preferred braided stream habitats as young juveniles in summer and as sub-adults in September.

Much restoration of their preferred habitats has been undertaken and we hope to see more of them wading on the Tekapo River delta and around Patterson’s Ponds nearby.

There is a visitor hide adjacent to the DOC breeding centre. Regular hour long guided tours are run during spring and autumn so you can see how the recovery programme is done and also watch these captivating and precious birds.

Looking Across Lake Tekapo to the regional park. Photography by Fraser Gunn

Public access at several points is on Lilybank Road, off the State Highway on the eastern side of the lake. Disabled access for a public toilet is provided. There are several picnic spots. The park is open 7 am – 10 pm in summer and until 6 pm in winter.

It was first set aside as a soil conservation reserve in 1957, when planting of lodge pine, Corsica and Ponderosa pines and European larch was undertaken to stabilize the shifting sandy soils. That was six years after the Lake Tekapo Dam had been completed and the storage lake water submerged former homesteads and farm buildings.

There are some remnant natural features, such as a small bog and a small stand of matagouri but mostly it is introduced forest trees and silver birch, oaks and gums. The soil itself is uncemented glacial moraine and outwash, comprising low grade greywacke detritus.

There is an old rabbiter’s hut in the northern end of the park, a humble reminder of the rabbit plagues that have swept the Mackenzie Basin since European settlement.

The Canterbury Regional Council has a Management Plan with a 25 year vision to develop the Park further.Local input is provided through the Lake Tekapo Regional Park Incorporated Society (dating back to August 2008).

If you are planning a visit to our pools, day spa or tube rides and you have a mountain bike, bring it along and make it a complete day out having adventure at Lake Tekapo!

The 3000 km pathway from Cape Reinga to Buff was opened on 3 December 2011. In our region it goes from the Rangitata River south  to the Ahuriri river. It goes along the Two Thumb Trail to Tekapo then Twizel, past Lake Ohau and on to the Ribbonwood Road near Omarama.

Lake Tekapo

The 42 km from Tekapo to Twizel goes along the hydro canal, across the Pukaki Power Station, along the lakeside to Pines Camp, on a power company access road to Pukaki Flats, through the Bendrose Reserve and into Twizel.

Te Araroa is one of the longest walking routes in the world and has an incredible variety of landscapes and environments. People can do any sections they like along the pathway. The Alps2Ocean Cycleway will share some of the route south of Twizel.

Te Araroa was opened 36 years after the NZ Walkways Commission was established with a major goal to develop a NZ long scenic track. In 1987 the Commission became part of the Department of Conservation, which has funded much of the pathway.  In 1994 the Te Araroa Trust was formed, the impetus of well-know long distance tramper/climber Geoff Chapple, and regional Trust Boards were established.

It’s an incredible pathway and we would love to hear your story when you call in and relax with us.

We are in one of the few places left where it’s still possible to see an entire starlit night sky. In the Lake Tekapo village floodlighting is not permitted after 11 p.m. and only low pressure sodium lamps or those which filter out ultraviolet light are used. Lights must be beamed downwards to prevent light spillage.

Reflected Nebula around Antares - Photography by Fraser Gunn

The excellent position for stargazing was the reason the Mt John Observatory was established in 1965, at a height of 330 metres above Lake Tekapo. It’s operated by the Physics & Astronomy Department of the University of Canterbury, and uses four primary telescopes which take advantage of the clear unpolluted dark sky and is the most southerly observatory. A great deal of astronomical research is undertaken there and some of that is shared with the locally operated Earth & Sky company which offers a range of night sky tours throughout the year. Founder director Graeme Murray was the driving force behind the Starlight Reserve application, which was lodged in 2007.

Relaxing as the sun goes down over Lake Tekapo

Come here for the Maori New Year or Matariki (“tiny eyes” or “eyes of God”) when the beautiful Pleiades Star cluster in the Taurus constellation rises in late May – early June. It’s one of the closest star clusters, just 440 million light years away and around the globe traditional cultures have celebrated Pleiades, also known as Seven Sisters.

It’s now the Tahr Bar and Café, under the management of Rod Turner, former hospitality services tutor, food and beverage manager and owner-operator of Café Peppers in Christchurch.

Rod plans to put an even greater emphasis on local, fresh and seasonal foods, and to introduce venison as well as fish options. He believes visitors want to experience original regional fare as they travel.

As well as just sounding great, the Tahr Bar and Café pays tribute to the Monarch of the Mountains, the magnificent Himalayan tahr herds that live in the alpine grasslands. For more than a century they have lived in the Southern Alps, and are now managed to keep their total population below 10,000.

The tahr is a very social animal and lives in family groups. The Tahr Bar and Café is going to Monteith’s Wildfoods Festival at Hokitika in March – and will be serving Tahr Burgers!

Alpine Springs Hot Pools

Rod Turner, the newly appointed manager of Alpine Springs Café and Bar at Lake Tekapo, brings international restaurant experience and combines hands-on tourism industry knowledge with an academic and tourism development background, and he sees great opportunities for the venue and the Mackenzie district.

“Alpine Springs is a destination in itself, amidst spectacular beauty and offering both relaxation in the hot pools and day spa and adrenalin-adventure with the winter and summer tube rides,” Rod Turner said. “It adds to the whole regional experience for visitors.”

Rod Turner

Previously Rod was Head of Department for Services at Tai Poutini Polytechnic in Greymouth, and while it taught him a lot about working with young people he did miss the day to day communication with guest and clients. He is armed with up to date research and perspectives on the visitor industry, especially as it applies to food and wine.

“International visitors arrive after a lot of research and they are looking for eco-experiences that are unique to New Zealand. They also want to eat original, healthy, fresh and seasonal foods. Europeans in particular want to try our venison and sea food.”

Rod Turner said places such as Alpine Springs Café and Bar can heighten that customer experience, for international and national visitors, by having a menu and wine list that reflects local produce and offer seasonal variations, and by providing the backstories that enhance the local experience.

“Customers are also looking for healthy options for children, and they want regional cuisine. They also want venue staff to share their local knowledge.”

Rod Turner worked in a London hotel for three years after graduating with City and Guilds, then worked in South Africa managing a restaurant and a safari game lodge for three years before coming to New Zealand. His ran his own Café Peppers in Merivale (Christchurch) for six years, then undertook senior roles at Noah’s Hotel and Chateau on the Park before embarking on a trade educsation career.

Rod Turner

While working on the West Coast Rod Tuner was actively involved with Tourism West Coast’s major regional initiative programme to develop world class standards for several attractions and experiences. He can see enormous potential for the Tekapo district.

“It really is a hidden jewel of New Zealand tourism. It is utterly spectacular and there’s so much to see and do and it has the advantage of having year round appeal. That all creates an excellent base for investment in tourism experiences, goods and services,” Rod Turner said.

Rod Turner began his new role as Front of House and Customer Experience Manager on 9 January 2012.

Alpine Springs Lake Tekapo introduced New Zealand’s first summer tube ride this summer, using the Magic Carpet conveyor installed last winter to get people quickly up the slopes of Mt John. The complex is open 10 am – 9 pm every day.

The new facility will make tubing a year round experience at Alpine Springs, with Summer Tubing over the warmer months and Snow Tubing running from June to October over winter. Summer Tubing is the latest summer craze in Europe and Alpine Springs is proud to introduce the first one in New Zealand.

Using the same course as the winter park, the tube slide follows a similar shape and is sure to be a fast and exciting ride for people of all ages. Alpine Springs is now offering a new range of Summer Combos. Great deals that ad even more value to your Lake Tekapo experience.

Another exciting event coming to Lake Tekapo is the Tour of Timaru Speed Skating. This involves a range of inline skating races featuring numerous world champion skaters from around the globe.  On January 9^th they will be visiting Alpine Springs for two separate races, first at 9am and another at 1pm. The rink will be closed for a short period of time as they race around the rink. Come along indulge in a coffee and enjoy the spectacle of world champion skaters in Lake Tekpao.

So much action in an already busy time of year! The staff at Alpine Springs have been working hard, round the clock over recent months preparing the facility for Summer and 2012. Family changing rooms, kitchen renovations, summer tube park and so much more. Well-done team!

Come along and enjoy the facilities at Alpine Springs this summer, now offering a full range of summer activities for everyone, Hot Pools, Day Spa, Sauna/Steam Room, international size Skating rink, Café, and New Zealand’s First Summer Tube!

Have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Under-The-Big-Sky Set up

Saturday December 3rd marked the inaugural Under The Big Sky concert. It was a night of country and blues with a formidable line up of country, blues and folk singers filling the air around Alpine Springs with some of New Zealand’s best musical talent. The skating rink hosted the stage and seating for over 500 guests, with the surrounding slopes of Mt John acting as a natural amphitheater producing a crisp and clear sound which all of the artists complemented on the night! Tekapo catering were busy throughout the night selling a range of wraps which complemented the Settlers Hill wine, Speights and other non alcoholic beverages. The Mackenzie Rugby Club were fantastic in assisting in security for the event providing 10 players.

First on the stage was a Timaru based band, Double Talk in a combined performance with Twin Set a local Ukulele duo. This kicked the night off in true country fashion. This combination was followed again with Double Talk, this time teaming up with another local, Bex Murray. It wasn’t long before the first few dancers were forming a crowd at the base of the stage, really adding to the natural and exciting atmosphere. Brad Stayley and Brett Walker, a couple of young local lads displayed their impressive guitar skills with a 15 minute set. Even Karl Burtscher, the man behind Alpine Springs displayed his talent on the drums, joining them onstage for several songs.

Under-The-Big-Sky Setting up

The atmosphere continued to build throughout the evening, with positive feedback and complements poring in. Anton Roswell was the MC of the night; his next task was to introduce the first of the main acts; Eddie Simon and Blue train, who opened up with his hit Freight Train. Eddie and Blue Train played for well over an hour, this saw more and more people getting up to dance and enjoy the festivities. Eddie Simon has decades of music history under his cowboy belt – for more than 40 years he has entertained at everywhere from resorts to TV and radio stations in Canada and New Zealand.

Following Eddie Simon and Blue Train came the main act of the night: Aly Cook with the Coal Rangers. This was the perfect wrap to the night in Lake Tekapo. The five members of The Coalrangers came together from the West Coast and Canterbury to combine with Aly Cook, delivering a set featuring some of the purest New Zealand country music around. Including Aly’s latest single ‘Spend It’, which received a round of applause alone. Aly Cook and the Coal Rangers took Lake Tekapo into the depths of the night to round out Alpine Springs first concert and one of the biggest nights of the year in Lake Tekapo.

Plans for the second Under The Big Sky are already under way, with an expanded line up being considered. It is sure to be even more successful than the first event, and continue to put Lake Tekapo on the map.

Alpine Springs would like to thank Port Fm, Pernod Ricard, Speights, Lake Tekapo Catering, Mackenzie Rugby Football Club, St John, Air Safaris, Earth and Sky, Peppers Bluewater Resort, Aly Cook, The Coalrangers, Eddie Simon and Blue Train, Double Talk, Brad Stayley and Brett Walker, Bex Murray, and Twin Set for all participating and helping to organise such a fantastic night in Lake Tekapo at Alpine Springs.

Under the Big Sky, Eddie Simon

The feedback from Christchurch residents at a windy but very popular show was really positive towards Alpine Springs. There is definitely a lot of excitement around New Zealand’s FIRST Summer Tubing Park coming to Alpine Springs this December, the Concert Under The Big Sky and simply Alpine Springs in general.

The Day Spa girls were on site at the booth offering free neck and shoulder, and hand massages over the three days of the show. Very popular! Lollies were given out along with Alpine Springs caps but what really got people’s attention was the chance to win a weekend away in Lake Tekapo including tickets to Under The Big Sky. Big congratulations to Se Me Kim for being the lucky winner on Friday evening.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to meet and talk to the staff of Alpine Springs last week, you all made it a very fun and exciting 3 days!

Alpine Springs Hot Pools

Maintenance at Alpine Springs

Currently Alpine Springs is carrying out scheduled maintenance on the Hot Pools, unfortunately this means that one of the Hot Pools is closed but the other two are running as normal. The pools are getting a new Gel Coating and some exciting additional features added over November and early December. The Café is getting renovated which means  the famous Alpine Springs fireplace has been taken out! Not to worry, it is only being moved to a different location to open up the café, creating more room. SO much going on, it’s just so exciting!

Under The Big Sky keeps growing!!

Timaru based band Double Talk have been added to the list of performers playing at the December 3^rd concert alongside local acts Bex Murray and Twin Set! They will join Eddie Simon and Blue Train with Aly Cook playing with the Coalrangers. Gates open at 6pm with the first act starting at 6:15pm. Speights will be available as well as Settlers Hill Wine and a range of non-alcoholic beverages too. Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss your chance to be part of Lake Tekapos biggest event of the year! Click Here to purchase your tickets now.

What is summer tubing? 

Summer tubing involves gliding speedily but safely downhill on artificial matting with raised sides, using normal snow tubes with a reinforced base. The tubing track is built onto the ground and has straights, banked corners and parabolic curves.

Summer Tube

Summer tube rides were at the top of the Must Do Lists for northern hemisphere adventure seekers – and the first one in New Zealand will be opened at Lake Tekapo’s Alpine Springs resort in January 2012.

The facility is being imported from Austria, and will be installed on the winter snow tube park on the lower slopes of Mount John. It uses synthetic carpet with the same slippery properties as snow, and curves, corners and slopes on the thrilling ride-on-gravity.

Riders use the winter snow tubes, but the bottoms of the tubes are reinforced for use on the artificial matting. There is an existing Magic Carpet conveyor lift to take people quickly up to the top of the 150 metre slope.

Cathy Hemsworth, Business Development Manager for Alpine Springs, said summer tubing had proved so popular in Europe and North America that 500 facilities had been installed in just a few years.

Summer Tube Coming to Alpine Springs

“It’s become a real craze and we’re delighted to be the first in New Zealand to offer such a great summer adventure ride that’s safe for all the family. There’s only one in Australia but they are incredibly popular in Europe where they’re operating in urban and rural settings,” Cathy Hemsworth said.

“The summer tube experience will add to the roller and blade skating attractions we offer, and the three hot pools. I’m sure it’ll be a very popular combo for families here and there will be a lot of younger people who will want to tube and talk about it on their social networks.”

“Tubers get the thrills and spills of an exciting downhill ride in a safe environment, and as operators, it means we can use the same slope and conveyor lift for both winter and summer rides.”

Alpine Springs will have the facility open by early January.

Fun for all ages

But wait, thats not all!

Next week Alpine Springs is sending a team to the Christchurch A&P show to showcase Alpine Springs to the people of canterbury. The team manning the site will be running competitions, selling tickets to Under The Big Sky, giving away products to some lucky people, offering FREE massage services and offering some very cool christmas presents. The site will be located in the Tourism and Recreation section of the Trade and Feature Pavilion from Wednesday November 9th to Friday November 11th. Come by and meet the friendly team on site.

Less than a month to go!

December 3 is drawing every closer and you know what that means, time to buy your Under The Big Sky tickets! Accommodation is filling up fast in Tekapo for the big weekend so don’t miss out. Anton Roswell from Port FM is going to be the MC for the night, and Timaru based band Double Talk will be opening for Eddie Simon and Blue Train before Aly Cook with the Coalrangers take the stage. This is sure to be an one of the biggest nights Lake Tekapo has seen in a long time. Book your tickets here today.