Mount John Walkway

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

There are no real obstacles to worry about.

The track itself is nothing special but the views from the top are spectacular. The start of the track is a formed walkway that is steep in places but climbs steadily through mixed forest. When you leave the forest, you'll arrive at a tussock grassland field. This is exposed, so be prepared for any weather.

Keep heading up until you see some steps—these are your last push before you reach the summit where you'll be rewarded with amazing views, a toilet, and a cafe. If it's really sunny, the observatory buildings provide some welcome shade.

You can head back down the way you came or complete the summit circuit track (as mapped), which will take you down the other side of the hill and back along the shoreline of Lake Tekapo.

The track starts out in bush before opening out onto the scrubland summit.