Lake Tekapo caught me by surprise, and without being too cliche, it took my breath away.
Lake Tekapo with the snow-capped mountains in June 2009
The first time I saw it we were tired. We were in a hurry, making the 24-hour drive from Auckland to Wanaka without plans for sightseeing. We were way too focused on our destination, and suddenly hungry. Lake Tekapo in the heart of the Mackenzie Country was a logical stop according to our map of New Zealand’s South Island. What we found was spectacular, so much more than just a meal.
Church of the Good Shepard, built in 1935 on the shores of Lake Tekapo New Zealand
Thinking back to the journey, one which we have made five times, I am inspired to travel; to stop, to see the sights. After that initial trip, our travel return drives took weeks, or longer. We have explored much of the South Island, and never been disappointed. We have discovered amazing places like Hokitika Gorge, the Catlins Rainforest, and more.
Practical Information:
- Lake Tekapo is one of three lakes in the Mackenzie basin on the South Island.
- It’s about halfway between the Christchurch and Queenstown Airports, making it an ideal stop to break up the six-hour drive, or a destination on its own.
- Water from the lake is used in the generation of hydroelectricity.
Have you been to Lake Tekapo in New Zealand? Do you allow time to stop when you need to get from one place to another? Have you been to the South Island of New Zealand?
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Emma Turi says
The photos are amazing, I am coming to NZ in July/August wondered if there a tour one can do from Timaru to visit this lake? Thanks in advance
Rhonda Albom says
None of the companies I work with have tours from Timaru, but there are plenty of South Island tours that go to Lake Tekapo. You can check them all out here: Tours with Lake Tekapo
Annabella Dean says
Hi Rhonda, your photos of Lake Tekapo bring back a lot of happy memories. In particular, I love the colours and subject matter in your first image. Keep up the great photography, I look forward to following more of your adventures 🙂
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Annabella. I think Lake Tekapo stays with everyone who visits.
Anne says
The colour of the water is what most impressed me and the quaint little church just made me want to get married!
Rhonda Albom says
I don’t know if that church is still used.
Travelera says
You made really beautiful pictures, stunning views!! I have never been in New Zealand. I would love to see it one day.
Answering the question if we allow time to stop in a trip, I love stopping and view small villages and the nature, it is my boyfriend who likes to get as soon as possible from A to B. But if we are traveling by bike, he stops more often so I can take pictures on the way 🙂
http://www.travelera.es
Rhonda Albom says
I would think on bike you are going so much slower than via car, you would automatically get to enjoy more.
Emilyann says
The photos are beautiful. I find gardens inspiring. Love the Japanese garden photo 🙂
Alissa Apel says
What a pretty spot! There’s a beautiful mountain scape, water and a cute church! What’s not to love? 🙂
Rhonda Albom says
I agree, that church is so adorable, and Tekapo is stunning.
Lisa Wood says
I have always wanted to visit New Zealand, after seeing your pictures of Lake Tekapo…wow stunning! Would love to stop and take the time to sit and enjoy such a magical place!
Anda says
Wanaka looks really beautiful and the pictures are absolutely stunning.
Rhonda Albom says
This is lake Tekapo, we were on our way to Wanaka.
gerald says
We stayed overnight at Lake Tekapo in 2001 – had a lovely sail on the lake and also visited the observatory – not sure if the observatory is still there.
Rhonda Albom says
I would love to go for a sail on Lake Tekapo. How fun. It must have been so beautiful.
Amanda Zeisset says
Beautiful shots Rhonda. They made me want to go back to NZ right now!
Rhonda Albom says
You are in a pretty nice part of the world right now too.
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks
Amy says
we truly live in a beautiful country. This is one of my favourite places to visit, I’ve been to the Otago area twice now, Queenstown to be exact – just awesome!
Rhonda Albom says
We spent almost 5 full winters in Wanaka, and did some touring in the surrounding areas. It is stunning.
Sean @ His and Her Hobbies says
We drove by Lake Tekapo and stayed in Wanaka back in 1993. Your photos are much better than the ones I have. That area is so stunning that no picture can ever do it full justice and is a place you must visit in person. We did a 10 day tour of the South Island and one day I will make it back. We try to stop along the way on our travels and that is usually when we end up finding the coolest places by accident.
Sean at His and Her Hobbies
Rhonda Albom says
I agree, no photo could really do it justice, but I am pleased with most of these.
noel says
Wow, fantastic places to explore, I definitely would love to drive through most of these beautiful countryside and see those majestic mountains.
Rhonda Albom says
I am sure you will get here someday.
Jen says
The South Island is so beautiful
I remember visiting with fond memories 🙂
Rhonda Albom says
I haven’t been for a few years, maybe it’s time.
Constance - Foreign Sanctuary says
Your pictures are absolutely amazing!! I love the little church and the beautiful natural scenery featured in this post!
Rhonda Albom says
I love that little stone church too. I was surprised it wasn’t older than it is.
samiya selim says
This is on our list now of the many beautiful places we want to see and experience in New Zealand the remaining 10 months we are here! Finding the whole country so very beautiful 🙂
Rhonda Albom says
Go Slow. New Zealand is spectacular around every turn. Let me know if you head out towards Shakespear Park.
Katie says
The Southern Alps are just stunning … thanks for these pics!
Rhonda Albom says
They are pretty amazing. We spent the better part of five winters down in Wanaka.
Shere says
Lake tekapo is one of my favorite places in NZ!! We spent the night there and the stars were incredible. Well, we also bring a “souvenir” called Liam from there 😛
Rhonda Albom says
Aww, sweetest comment every. I guess Lake Tekapo will always be special to you and Paul.
Molly says
And you captured images that took my breath my away as well. Bravo!
mollyxxx
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Molly.
stevebethere says
Now those are beautiful photos Rhonda so vivid and clear all that lovely contrasting blue too 🙂
Have a laketastic day Rhonda 🙂
Lisa Ross says
I still haven’t been to Lake Tekapo 🙁 or much of the South Island. Dumb huh
Rhonda Albom says
Not dumb, just not yet. I am sure you will get there, now that you live on the South Island.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
The snow covered mountains are amazing. So majestic. And that church just rocks. Literally!
Rhonda Albom says
LOL – yes I guess it does “rock”
Paul F. Pietrangelo says
What a stunning photo. I wish I lived in an area with beautiful mountains. All I have is flat terrain. Thanks for showing us such beauty. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom says
I live on the North Island, this is the South Island. It’s a long way, but worth the trip.
Joyce says
I love snow capped mountains.
Rhonda Albom says
Me too, especially off in the distance, so I am still warm.
Corinne says
Oh, Rhonda, it looks like a stunning place. I would love to go and photograph Lake Tekapo with you someday! Cheers to the Weekend Travel Inspiration Gang!
Rhonda Albom says
It’s a date 🙂 When are you heading to New Zealand next?
Anabel says
Absolutely gorgeous! Beautiful blues, I especially like the second picture.
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Anabel. I took these years ago, before I was blogging. It still looks the same.