When we were invited to experience Lakes Edge Holiday Park at Lake Tekapo, I was genuinely curious to see how it would work for our family. The place has been getting plenty of attention lately, and with two young kids in tow, I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype. Turns out it did, which made telling the children it would be “amazing” feel like proper parenting foresight rather than hopeful fibbing.
We drove up from Christchurch in winter with a 4-year-old who’d been asking “are we there yet?” since we hit the motorway, and a 20-month-old who’d decided car seats were invented purely to annoy him. The sight of Lake Tekapo’s turquoise water against fresh snow was enough to distract everyone from the journey complaints.
Read more: The Best Day Trips Under 2 Hours from Christchurch for Kids
The Kiwi Bach Setup
We were offered the chance to stay in one of their Kiwi Bach units, which sounds delightfully quaint but is actually a proper three-bedroom setup that puts most hotel park family rooms to shame. The moment we walked in, our 4-year-old spotted the bunk beds and declared it was “exactly like Peppa Pig’s house!” which, in 4-year-old currency, is basically a five-star review.
The space worked beautifully for us. One proper double bedroom for the grown-ups (with an actual door that closes, miracle of miracles), and two rooms with bunk beds. The little one got a travel cot next to the bottom bunk in one room – we weren’t quite ready to test out a big bed adventure just yet. Big sister claimed the top bunk in the other room.
It’s all self-contained. Full kitchen, separate toilet, shower, and basin (because queue management is real when you’ve got kids), and even our own BBQ and picnic table on the deck. They’d thought to provide a travel cot, which immediately bumped them up in the parental approval ratings. It would also be such a perfect accommodation choice for larger families and reunions.
What to Expect: Kiwi Bach Pricing
The Kiwi Bach units start from around $360 per night, though pricing varies considerably depending on when you visit. Peak summer months (December to February) command premium rates, whilst winter stays like ours offer better value. You’ll also find pricing fluctuates based on length of stay, how many people you’re booking for, and whether there are any major events happening in the region.
Given that these units sleep up to eight people and come fully self-contained, the per-person cost can work out quite reasonably for larger families or groups. It’s worth checking their real-time booking system for exact rates on your preferred dates.
Getting Around Lake Tekapo
You know how places claim to be “lakeside” and you arrive to find they mean “you can see water if you squint from the car park”? Not here. Lakes Edge genuinely sits on the lake’s edge. The views are next-level.
The walk into Tekapo town is roughly a 20-minute, stunning walk around the lake (unless, of course, you get waylaid by the playground). We managed it with our Mountain Buggy even through fresh snow. The three-hour drive from Christchurch suddenly felt worth it when the cafés around the lake became easily accessible on foot. Especially when conditions were far too icy to drive on one of the days.
And that three-minute walk to Tekapo Springs? Absolute gold. When you’ve got kids who treat sitting still as a personal affront, having hot pools that close means you can wear them out without actually planning activities.
Kids’ Facilities and Entertainment
We need to be honest about the playground. We visited in winter, so it was a snow sculpture installation rather than functional play equipment. But you could see the bones of something brilliant – two spring-free trampolines, a sandpit,a slide, a fort, and swings.
The indoor communal TV room was another welcome respite from the cold. Colouring-in supplies, comfy seating, and most importantly, other children for ours to stare at.
Visiting in Winter
Here’s the thing about visiting Lake Tekapo in winter – it’s completely mad and absolutely brilliant. While the playground was having its hibernation period, we were building snowmen on our deck and throwing snowballs at each other, just a stone’s throw from a warm shower and a hot cup of hot chocolate.
The contrast of snow against that incredible turquoise lake is something that photographs can’t quite capture. Plus, there’s something rather satisfying about having a BBQ outside in the snow while the kids watch from the warmth inside, noses pressed against the glass like something from a Christmas card.
Summer would obviously be the sensible choice – playground in full swing, lake activities, warm evenings for deck dining. But sometimes the slightly bonkers option works out rather well.
Practical Facilities
The facilities work for families, which shouldn’t be remarkable but somehow is. For those staying in budget accommodation, the communal kitchens looked to be proper gathering spots in the evenings, and five washing machines and dryers that take cards (because who carries coins anymore?). Twenty-four-hour security with pin codes for the gates. Unlimited WiFi was also included in the stay (crucial for those “educational” YouTube videos that buy you ten minutes of peace).
What Worked for Our Family
It’s not trying to be overly fancy. It’s trying to be functional, which turns out to be exactly what you want when you’re travelling with small humans who have strong opinions about everything.
The Kiwi Bach setup means you can maintain some semblance of normal routine – make breakfast without queuing, bath the kids without an audience, and have a glass of wine on the deck after bedtime without feeling like you’re in a goldfish bowl.
The other families staying were all in the same boat – slightly frazzled parents grateful for space and facilities that actually make sense.
The Verdict
Lakes Edge Holiday Park doesn’t oversell itself, which is refreshing. It’s straightforward, cosy, well-maintained accommodation that works well for families, in a location that genuinely lives up to expectations.
Our kids still mention those bunk beds. The 4-year-old has decided that all future holidays must include bunk beds, which has rather narrowed our options. The toddler mainly remembers the Jenga blocks (they provided games, and he turned them into construction materials).
We’re planning our return visit for summer, partly to see the playground in action, and partly because the kids have decided that Lakes Edge is now “our place.” Sometimes you find accommodation that gets family travel right without making a fuss about it.
What to Do Around Lake Tekapo with Kids
While Lakes Edge makes a brilliant base, the surrounding area offers plenty to keep young ones entertained. Tekapo Springs is the obvious winner – those hot pools are perfect for kids who’ve spent too long in the car, and the ice skating, snow play area and tubing next door add plenty of other activity options.
The lake itself becomes a natural playground in summer. The shallow, sheltered areas near the township are ideal for paddling (though brace yourself for the temperature – it’s glacial melt, after all). The lakefront walking tracks are buggy-friendly and offer plenty of spots to stop for snacks and stone-throwing sessions.
For rainy days or when you need indoor entertainment, the Church of the Good Shepherd makes for a quick cultural stop that even young kids can appreciate – it’s small enough not to test anyone’s patience. The Tekapo township has several cafés that welcome families (the Greedy Cow was our fave!), and the local Four Square is well-stocked for any forgotten essentials. Right next to a large playground complete with a flying fox.
If you’re feeling ambitious, the Mount John Observatory offers stargazing tours (though check age restrictions), and Air Safaris run scenic flights that older children might enjoy. The key is having Lakes Edge as your comfortable home base, where you can retreat when adventures don’t go to plan.
Stayed at Lakes Edge with your tribe? We’d love to hear how it went – especially if anyone actually managed to keep the Jenga blocks as Jenga blocks.
