Mount John Summit Circuit

Overview

The Mount John Walkway is a three-hour loop track up to the summit of Mount John and then down and around the mountain via a track that runs alongside the shores of Lake Tekapo. The walk is relatively easy but there is a challenging section where it suddenly climbs — in fact, there's an elevation gain of 311 meters in the first two kilometres. Don't say we didn't warn you.

The track is in good condition which makes for a pleasant walk and, at the summit, you're rewarded with 360-degree views of the water and mountains around Lake Tekapo. It can get a bit windy up here so take a jacket. Also, you can expect snow on the trail in winter which, honestly, just makes the whole thing even prettier.