Lake Tekapo is set to come alive with snow, lights, and celebration as the much-loved Winter Wonderland Festival returns from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June, promising a magical alpine escape for all ages.
Local Ice Hockey players showcase their skills during the Lake Tekapo Winter Wonderland Festival
Now in its third year, the popular three-day celebration will offer everything from stargazing and snow tubing to winter markets, a mid-winter swim and a community ball.
The event is organised by local volunteers and businesses.
Lake Tekapo Winter Wonderland Festival at Tekapo Springs
The festival begins on Friday evening at Tekapo Springs, where the Winter Wonderland Market will run from 4pm to 7pm. Visitors can enjoy food stalls, drink specials, discounted ice skating, snow tubing, massages and a special stargazing session.
The evening will be MC’d by broadcaster Chris Lynch.
Peppers Bluewater Resort will host a family movie night at 5.30pm on Saturday 14th June, 2025
On Saturday, the action moves to Lake Tekapo’s Village Square for the Mid-Winter Market from 10am to 3pm, featuring food, crafts, music and games.
A kids’ treasure hunt will begin at noon, followed by a rare opportunity to explore the sun with the Dark Sky Project’s Solar Scope.
Mid-Winter Market will be held on Saturday 14th June 2025
Later in the evening, Peppers Bluewater Resort will host a family movie night at 5.30pm, followed by a fundraising stargazing event at 6.45pm, where all proceeds will go to the Te Manahuna Aoraki Project.
The festival concludes on Sunday with a mid-winter swim at Lake Tekapo’s boat ramp at 12pm, hosted by OJ, former broadcaster from Breeze, and the Mid-Winter Ball at the Godley Hotel from 6.30pm to midnight.
Entry to the ball is free, and live music will be provided by local band Smokehouse, with complimentary snacks and a cash bar available.
Mid-Winter Market will be held on Saturday 14th June 2025
Accommodation specials are also being offered, with Tekapo Holiday Homes and Discover Tekapo both providing discounted rates for festival-goers staying two nights or more between 13 and 16 June.
Organisers say they’re excited to welcome both locals and visitors to the unique event, which continues to grow in popularity each year.
For more details and updates, attendees are encouraged to follow the official Facebook event page or contact individual organisers for each activity.
Friday 13 June
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Winter Wonderland Market @ Tekapo Springs
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Food stalls, drink specials, discounted ice skating, snow tubing, massages, and stargazing.
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MC: Chris Lynch.
Saturday 14 June
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Mid-Winter Market @ Lake Tekapo’s Village Square
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Food stalls, music, clothing, crafts, and games.
12:00 PM
Kids Treasure Hunt @ Lake Tekapo’s Village Square
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Starts at the market at noon — don’t be late!
12:00 PM
Solar Scope with Dark Sky Project
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Explore the sun up close with expert guides and a special solar telescope. Free activity.
5:30 PM
Family Movie Night @ Peppers Bluewater Resort
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Movie to be confirmed. Kids’ movie snack buffet, bar open for adults. The restaurant will also be open for dinner.
6:45 PM
Stars for Change with Chameleon Stargazing
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A special stargazing tour with all profits donated to the Te Manahuna Aoraki Project.
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$99 per adult, $69 per child.
Sunday 15 June
12:00 PM
Mid-Winter Swim @ Lake Tekapo Boat Ramp
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Hosted by OJ from The Breeze. Dress up and be in to win prizes.
6:30 PM – Midnight
Mid-Winter Ball @ The Godley Hotel
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Live band Smokehouse performing from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
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Free entry, complimentary snacks, and drinks available at the bar.
For the latest updates and more information, please refer to the official event page:
