Tekapo Springs enjoys bumper summer

Three new pools at award-winning South Island tourism attraction Tekapo Springs opened on Boxing Day, the end result of a multi-million-dollar investment not only in the springs complex but in the town itself. Proving hugely popular with locals and visitors from day one, the new pools have contributed to more than 2,000 people visiting Tekapo Springs in the first half of January alone – a significant increase in numbers. “We’ve definitely seen a big spike in visitors and it hasn’t slowed up at all going into February,” said Tekapo Springs’ owner and managing director Karl Burtscher. “We’ve had fantastic weather here in the Mackenzie so the timing for the new pools couldn’t have been better. The reviews and comments we’ve been getting from both locals and tourists loving the new additions for the hot summer season have been flooding Facebook, TripAdvisor and Instagram, and our reception staff have heard plenty of good comments too. “The pools have only been open less than six weeks so we’re working towards our official opening later this month. It promises to be a full celebration not only for locals in the region but all businesses, accommodation providers, regional I-site staff, contractors who worked on the pools and our regional tourism bodies.” The official opening will be from 5pm to 8pm on February 26, with refreshments provided. Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism Mackenzie District marketing executive Annabelle Bray said the new Tekapo Springs pools were a “great additional tourism product” for the region. “On the one hand during a summer like this the new pools are perfect for visitors who want to cool down while enjoying the lake views, while at other times of the year having hot pools for travellers, families and locals is a great advantage. “Tekapo Springs is the only water park in our region so it’s providing visitors with something new and different to enjoy. “The visitor market’s definitely growing. It’s proven to be a very busy summer and it’s exciting to see how international and domestic visitors have supported the Mackenzie region. “Anecdotally I know guest nights have been very busy so far this summer and bookings are solid for the next couple of months.” The new pools at Tekapo Springs are designed to perfectly complement three existing pools and include an 80sqm kid’s aqua play/spray area, a 130sqm kid’s beach access pool and an 80sqm adults’ pool. Tekapo Springs is a year-round attraction nestled on the shores of stunning Lake Tekapo, beloved by visitors from all around the globe. The new pool additions – themed ‘High Country Tarns’, each with its own distinctive shade of aqua green – are part of Tekapo Springs’ long-term growth strategy for expanding its aquatic attractions and offering a wider range of water temperatures and features. The new pools will run through winter, depending on outside weather temperatures.