Race Tekapo 12km Trail Run/Walk

The course starts at the Village Green - this is the green space between the shops and the lake.

You head along the paths from the village to Tekapo Springs. Once you reach the entrance to the Tekapo Springs car park you cross the road (take care) and head up the Mt John track - this is well sign-posted to the left of the springs. The track takes you up behind the springs and into the forest above.

You weave through the trees and then pop out onto tussock-land and continue the ascent towards the summit. The ascent is steep - lots of walking to be done! As you head to the top there is a sign where the track splits - you take the right path and head towards the rocky outcrop at the summit. Make sure you stop and take in the views here.

You then use the path and head along the summit - the Mt John Observatory will be on your left (you effectively run below the observatory and cafe buildings). You then come to another sign - turn right here and head down the rocky pathway, continuing along the summit. You can see Lake Alexandrina to your left as you head along this section. The track is formed in the paddocks that sit on top of the mountain - keep going along the path, crossing over a farm fence (stile), and all the way to the Hitching Post.

The Hitching Post is another great spot for a photo - the views up the lake towards the mountains are incredible. After the hitching post you turn towards your right and head down the path.

It criss-crosses down the side of the mountain. Please take extra care here as it is quite unstable underfoot. You continue on the trail around the base of the mountain as you head back towards Lake Tekapo Village. Again, the views here are amazing as you are looking back towards the village. Please take care crossing through the Tekapo Springs car park.

You follow the path network back to where you started at the Village Green.