Our Story

Tekapo Springs is one of New Zealand’s leading tourism attractions, providing the perfect mix of relaxation and recreation in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Lake Tekapo. Our story is about a family who loved the wilderness and snow, who showed grit and determination in the face of challenges and never gave up on their plans and dreams.

It all began with a love of snow.

In 1973 Karl Burtscher Snr. and Audrey Burtscher bought Richmond Station on the eastern shores of Lake Tekapo. Karl Snr was a hard-working visionary from a farming background in Austria, an avid skier having been on the Austrian Alpine Junior National Team before competing professionally in America. The allure of a high-country station with an undeveloped ski field was an attractive opportunity. The Fielding farm was sold and the move to the wild Mackenzie Region happened in May of that year. Karl Jnr, the future developer and owner of Tekapo Springs, was 5 years old.

Early ice skating in Tekapo

A pioneering family

Farming in the high country and operating a commercial ski field was no easy task but the Burtscher’s worked hard. Freezing winters with heavy snow, and periods without running water or electricity meant the family of 7 had to be particularly resilient. However, there were good times too and the children loved skiing every day during the season – after their lessons and chores on the farm were finished of course! This combination of a hard work ethic plus a great love of the outdoors and snow sports, paved the way for Karl Jnr’s vision.

Construction of the ice skating rink and buildings, 2006

An icy beginning

The extreme but beautiful winters of Tekapo meant it was the ideal place for winter sports with New Zealand’s first official ice rinks created here in 1935. Fast forward to the mid-2000s when Karl had the opportunity to purchase the original ice-skating rink and land. His dream was to revive and continue the traditions of winter sports in the Mackenzie, from pleasure skating to ice hockey to curling. The official opening for the new ice rink was in June 2007. People flocked to the new rink with 12,000 visitors recorded in the first 3 months of operation.

pic 1: Construction begins on the hot pools, 2006
pic 2: The renowned views from the Tekapo Springs hot pools

Warmth to melt the ice

From this icy beginning came warmth in the form of hot pools, which reflects the warm hospitality of the people of the Mackenzie Region. Karl’s original idea had expanded to a vision of a year-round attraction for both local, domestic, and international visitors that would mirror the beautiful and natural alpine environment of the iconic region.

In January 2008 this vision became a reality with the official opening of three hot pools, a steam and sauna room with a cold plunge pool, a day spa with four treatment rooms and a full licensed café and bar. In 2010 the snow tube park was added and then in 2015 the complex expanded to include two cooler pools, and an Aqua Play Area.

Tekapo Star Gazing is New Zealand’s only guided hot stargazing and hot pools experience

Looking to the stars

Tekapo lies in the very heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve – the largest dark sky reserve in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of just eleven worldwide. It’s one of the best places on the planet to see the night sky, and that’s exactly why Tekapo Star Gazing was born. Wanting to complement the daytime offerings at Tekapo Springs with a night-time experience, Karl launched the Soak in the Stars tour in 2017. It remains the only guided hot pools and stargazing experience in New Zealand and was recognised as a finalist in the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards just one year after opening.

Since then, the portfolio has grown to include Scope at the Stars, a shorter, telescope-only tour designed for those who want to explore the southern sky and be back well before midnight. Together, these experiences have welcomed thousands of New Zealanders and international visitors to experience the wonders of the Tekapo night sky.