Lake Tekapo is one of the most beautiful places on the South Island of New Zealand and one of the most scenic lakes in the country. The lake is located in the Mackenzie Basin and is known for its crystal clear, turquoise waters and its breathtaking landscape, which is shaped by the surrounding mountain ranges.
Fast Fact
Lake Tekapo is part of the Dark-sky preserve, making it a perfect place for stargazing.
The region around Lake Tekapo abounds in history and culture, going back to the time of the Maori. The lake itself was created by glacial melt during the Ice Age approximately 15,000 years ago and is part of a network of lakes, rivers and streams that all flow through the Canterbury Plain. It is located 243 kilometres south-west of Christchurch and 275 kilometres north-east of Queenstown.
Lake Tekapo is mainly sourced from the meltwater of several glaciers including Classen Glacier, Grey Glacier, Maud Glacier and Godley Glacier. This, in combination with the flat bedrock, gives the lake its characteristic turquoise colour. On the southern shore of the lake you’ll find the idyllic town of Lake Tekapo, which takes its name from the lake. It offers a number of tourist facilities that, along with the lake, create an attractive tourist destination. The region between Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki is sparsely peopled and known for its very dark night skies without disturbing artificial lighting. Back in 1963, the University of Pennsylvania, in cooperation with the University of Canterbury, decided to build an astronomical observatory on nearby Mount John. Since 1982, the observatory has been operated by the University of Canterbury as Mt John University Observatory.
Church of the Good Shepherd
The Church of the Good Shepherd is without doubt one of Lake Tekapo’s most iconic sights. This charming little church was built in 1935 and is located on the shores of the lake, surrounded by a stunning backdrop of mountains and crystal clear turquoise waters. The church is known for its picturesque design and unique location, which makes it a popular motif for photographs. Its striking feature is the large window behind the altar, which offers a spectacular view of the lake and the surrounding landscape. It has a special atmosphere of tranquillity and spirituality, attracting both visitors and worshippers alike that choose to come here for moments of silence and contemplation.
The region around Lake Tekapo not only offers scenic views, but is equally diverse in history and culture, especially Maori culture. The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and have deep roots in this region. They have a proud tradition that stretches back into the past and is closely linked to nature and the surrounding waters. The Maori consider Lake Tekapo a sacred place that has spiritual significance for them. The lake, surrounding mountains and landscape are of great symbolic importance to them and carry stories and legends that have been passed down from generation to generation. Many places in the area have Maori names and are closely linked to mythological tales.
