The Cairns Alpine Resort & Golf Club

The Cairns Alpine Resort & Golf Club Alpine accommodation unlike anything else you’ll find in Tekapo. Let us show you the way. Each Alpine Lodge has two bedrooms and sleeps a maximum of four guests.
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Your hosts, the Simpson family, have been in Tekapo for three generations and share an experience like no other. The Cairns Alpine Resort offers accommodation unlike anything else you’ll find in Lake Tekapo. Your hosts, the Simpson family, have been in Lake Tekapo for three generations and love to share this place with their guests. At The Cairns, you’ll stay the local way, whether you’re travelli

ng as a couple, a family or a larger group. From the restored historic Mt John Station Homestead, to the modern, elegant Alpine Lodges, there’s something perfect for everyone. During your stay, take time to enjoy the resort’s golf course and farm animal petting zoo.

• Alpine Lodges: https://www.thecairns.co.nz/accomodation/the-cairns-alpine-lodges

The Alpine Lodges are elegant and comfortable, with everything you need for the perfect Lake Tekapo getaway. The design was inspired by the classic Mackenzie Region musterers hut, but with all the amenities of modern living. Cosy and warm with fireplace, heat pump and underfloor heating. Book one lodge for a secluded escape, or multiple lodges for a group or corporate getaway.

• Mt John Homestead: https://www.thecairns.co.nz/accomodation/the-homestead

The original Mt John Homestead is a beautifully restored early-1900s historic villa, with everything you need for the perfect Lake Tekapo getaway. Features five bedrooms with an assortment of queen and bunk beds, sleeping up to 14 guests. Large family kitchen and dining space for preparing and enjoying meals together. Two large living areas with cosy open fireplaces. Decorated with the Simpson family’s collection of art, unique pieces from the station’s history and vintage photos of Tekapo’s past.

• Lexi’s Lodge: https://www.thecairns.co.nz/accomodation/lexis-lodge

Lexi’s Lodge is a cosy and comfortable cottage. Featuring two bedrooms with queen beds, and an additional loft sleeping space containing two single beds, sleeping up to six guests in total. Lexi’s Lodge also includes a large, open-plan kitchen and living area, complete with a wood-burning fireplace to keep you warm and cosy. Lexi’s Lodge is surrounded by gardens and outdoor living space, great for hanging out and watching the kids play.

• Red Hut: https://www.thecairns.co.nz/accomodation/the-red-hut

The Red Hut is charming and comfortable and features a super king bed and sleeps up to two guests. Includes a compact kitchen with all amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Cosy and warm, with a wood-burning fireplace and heat pump and an ensuite bathroom. The Red Hut’s deck is perfectly positioned to capture the very last rays of each day’s sun, and the private outdoor bath is ideal for soaking and stargazing.

• The Cairns Alpine Resort Golf Course: https://www.thecairns.co.nz/experiences/the-cairns-golf-course

Play one of the world’s most beautiful courses at The Cairns Alpine Resort Golf Course. Our links-designed 9-hole course has two tee blocks per green, allowing for a full 18-hole round. It was built to the landscape and character of the Mackenzie Region, and uses the natural features and contours of the land. The course looks out over beautiful Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. We can supply golf clubs and gear, as well as golf carts and trundlers. Golf lessons are available with a local golf instructor by prior arrangement.

• The Cairns Alpine Resort Petting Farm: https://www.thecairns.co.nz/experiences/petting-farm

Right at the heart of The Cairns Alpine Resort, Lake Tekapo, is a family favourite – the animal petting farm. Pat and feed sheep, alpaca, bunnies, lambs, calves and even our very own Kunekune pig, Whiskey. He’ll be your best friend for life if you do. Enjoy cute photos opportunities and lots of fun for kids and adults.‍ Guests staying at The Cairns Alpine Resort have complimentary access to the animal petting farm. For non-guests, access and animal feed is available for a small fee. Open during office hours – no need to book, just drop in.

Enjoy the beauty of Tekapo from day into night. Witness brilliant stars, glowing moons, distant planets and, if you’re l...
02/02/2026

Enjoy the beauty of Tekapo from day into night.

Witness brilliant stars, glowing moons, distant planets and, if you’re lucky, the southern lights dancing above.

Whether you chose to explore the night sky on a guided tour or from the comfort of your private spa pool, make The Cairns your base.

Thank you to the amazing team at for capturing this incredible moment for us.

We love seeing what our guests have to say and this drawing in our guest book says it all. Our Fivestone Lodge is situat...
30/10/2025

We love seeing what our guests have to say and this drawing in our guest book says it all. Our Fivestone Lodge is situated just outside our resort with beautiful views of Mt John. Find out more on our website: www.thecairns.co.nz

Guest appreciation ✨ How lucky are we to have such amazing humans stay at The Cairns?
29/01/2025

Guest appreciation ✨ How lucky are we to have such amazing humans stay at The Cairns?

Buckle up and get ready for a genuine off-road farm experience.  Lake Tekapo Farm Tours is your chance to explore the mo...
22/01/2025

Buckle up and get ready for a genuine off-road farm experience. Lake Tekapo Farm Tours is your chance to explore the most far-flung corners of this breathtaking high country property.

Balmoral Station is 20,000 acres of remote high country, honey from the hive, a secret lake access point, friendly farm animals and, if you’re lucky, views across to Aoraki Mt Cook.

If you’re looking for an authentic Mackenzie experience, it doesn’t get more local than this. Go Tekapo

🔗 Head to https://www.thecairns.co.nz/experience/farm-tours for more info and to book.

What an incredible review, thank you so much Ryan. We're so glad you enjoyed your stay with us and look forward to seein...
16/01/2025

What an incredible review, thank you so much Ryan. We're so glad you enjoyed your stay with us and look forward to seeing you next time.

Honestly, customer reviews like this gives us the warm fuzzies!

Opened in 1935, The Church of the Good Shepherd is worth a stop next time you're in Tekapo. And depending on the dayligh...
08/01/2025

Opened in 1935, The Church of the Good Shepherd is worth a stop next time you're in Tekapo. And depending on the daylight hours, sunset is a spectacular time to visit.

📷 captured by Hollie Morton.

Not a bad spot to relax and soak it all in. Who else had Christmas dessert for breakfast today? 🤭Thanks to  for the pic....
25/12/2024

Not a bad spot to relax and soak it all in. Who else had Christmas dessert for breakfast today? 🤭

Thanks to for the pic.

Customer appreciation 🫶Reviews like this give us the warm fuzzies. We even do a little happy dance!Don't forget to tag u...
20/12/2024

Customer appreciation 🫶
Reviews like this give us the warm fuzzies. We even do a little happy dance!

Don't forget to tag us in your posts and stories from your stay, you might just see them on our social channels.

17/12/2024

How good is this reel by ?

They do Astro focused photography workshops each year in Tekapo. Check out their account for the full reel and behind the scenes of one of their previous workshops.

Address

48 D'Archiac Drive
Lake Tekapo
7999

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+6436806952

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The Cairns - Our Story

The family has been farming Balmoral Station in Tekapo for three generations and came to the Mackenzie area when Andrew’s father, then only 17 years old, applied for a job posting at Mount Cook Station which called for someone who “must hate town life” and “must stand like an Arctic hero” while also having “plenty of common sense” and be medically fit but “brains not necessary.”

Since then, the Simpson family has cultivated the land they care so deeply about in an area they’re grateful to call home. Specialising in merino wool farming, the family continues to grow the natural and renewable wonder fibre used in premium clothes around the world. It hasn’t always been a smooth ride for the Simpson family. There have been droughts, crippling snowfalls, and uncertainty in wool prices over the years, but one thing has never wavered: the family’s undying love for the Tekapo region.

Today, the Simpson family is delighted to welcome you into their home and share their generations of knowledge of the area with you. The Cairns is here to help you discover the very best of what Tekapo has to offer and allow you to stay in the best possible comfort while you’re here. From outstanding accommodation to experiences that show you the magic of the Mackenzie, everything we offer is designed to share our passion for this place with you.

The Cairn The word “cairn” comes from a Gaelic term meaning “heap of stones” and these small mounds of stones have been used for thousands of years to show the way along trails. Scattered throughout Tekapo, we have chosen this name and shape as our emblem because we share the same purpose. Like a cairn showing you the way on a track, our purpose is to show you the way to the Mackenzie. The world’s best night sky, New Zealand’s most incredible landscapes, and our famous southern hospitality: a stay at The Cairns will stay with you for life.