The Tekapo River flows occasionally through the Mackenzie Basin, Canterbury, in New Zealand's South Island, although the riverbed is now often dry in the upper reaches it maintains a constant flow below the confluence of several tributaries notably the Merryburn, Forks, and Greys streams. The lower reaches (below the Merryburn confluence) are popular with Anglers chasing brown and rainbow trout although the recent infestation by the invasive algae Didymosphenia geminata 'Didymo' has somewhat limited angling opportunities.
Originally, the river flowed southwest for 50 kilometres from the southern end of Lake Tekapo before joining with the Pukaki River and flowing into the northern end of Lake Benmore. However, the water from Lake Tekapo is now diverted via a canal to Lake Pukaki as part of the Waitaki Hydroelectric scheme. These lakes are used to store water, and occasionally during a particularly heavy snow melt or if the power stations or canal need servicing, water may be spilt from either the dam or canal back into the riverbed. These events are much anticipated by kayakers, to the extent that they have been known to re-shape parts of the riverbed to create 'better' rapids.