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. More information on this can be found here.
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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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
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
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 🙂
Thanks Annabella. I think Lake Tekapo stays with everyone who visits.
The colour of the water is what most impressed me and the quaint little church just made me want to get married!
I don’t know if that church is still used.
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
I would think on bike you are going so much slower than via car, you would automatically get to enjoy more.
The photos are beautiful. I find gardens inspiring. Love the Japanese garden photo 🙂
Thanks.
What a pretty spot! There’s a beautiful mountain scape, water and a cute church! What’s not to love? 🙂
I agree, that church is so adorable, and Tekapo is stunning.
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!
Thanks. I hope you get to visit some day.
Wanaka looks really beautiful and the pictures are absolutely stunning.
This is lake Tekapo, we were on our way to Wanaka.