Lake Tekapo caught me by surprise, and without being too cliche, it took my breath away.
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.
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
May 29, 2018 at 6:29 amThe 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
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Rhonda Albom
May 29, 2018 at 10:30 pmNone 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
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Annabella Dean
September 9, 2015 at 7:15 pmHi 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 🙂
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Rhonda Albom
September 10, 2015 at 1:55 pmThanks Annabella. I think Lake Tekapo stays with everyone who visits.
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Anne
May 22, 2015 at 5:37 pmThe colour of the water is what most impressed me and the quaint little church just made me want to get married!
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Travelera
May 22, 2015 at 6:00 amYou 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
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Rhonda Albom
May 24, 2015 at 12:01 amI would think on bike you are going so much slower than via car, you would automatically get to enjoy more.
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Emilyann
May 21, 2015 at 5:33 pmThe photos are beautiful. I find gardens inspiring. Love the Japanese garden photo 🙂
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Alissa Apel
May 21, 2015 at 4:41 amWhat a pretty spot! There’s a beautiful mountain scape, water and a cute church! What’s not to love? 🙂
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Lisa Wood
May 20, 2015 at 5:02 pmI 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!
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Anda
May 20, 2015 at 2:46 pmWanaka looks really beautiful and the pictures are absolutely stunning.
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gerald
May 20, 2015 at 12:14 amWe 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.
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Amanda Zeisset
May 19, 2015 at 1:09 pmBeautiful shots Rhonda. They made me want to go back to NZ right now!
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Amy
May 19, 2015 at 12:35 pmwe 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!
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Rhonda Albom
May 19, 2015 at 1:22 pmWe spent almost 5 full winters in Wanaka, and did some touring in the surrounding areas. It is stunning.
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Sean @ His and Her Hobbies
May 19, 2015 at 11:48 amWe 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
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noel
May 19, 2015 at 2:12 amWow, fantastic places to explore, I definitely would love to drive through most of these beautiful countryside and see those majestic mountains.
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Jen
May 18, 2015 at 9:33 pmThe South Island is so beautiful
I remember visiting with fond memories 🙂
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Constance - Foreign Sanctuary
May 18, 2015 at 1:49 pmYour pictures are absolutely amazing!! I love the little church and the beautiful natural scenery featured in this post!
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Rhonda Albom
May 19, 2015 at 12:42 pmI love that little stone church too. I was surprised it wasn’t older than it is.
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samiya selim
May 18, 2015 at 1:25 pmThis 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 🙂
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Rhonda Albom
May 19, 2015 at 12:41 pmGo Slow. New Zealand is spectacular around every turn. Let me know if you head out towards Shakespear Park.
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Katie
May 18, 2015 at 9:22 amThe Southern Alps are just stunning … thanks for these pics!
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Shere
May 18, 2015 at 7:52 amLake 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 😛
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Molly
May 18, 2015 at 4:34 amAnd you captured images that took my breath my away as well. Bravo!
mollyxxx
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stevebethere
May 17, 2015 at 11:33 pmNow those are beautiful photos Rhonda so vivid and clear all that lovely contrasting blue too 🙂
Have a laketastic day Rhonda 🙂
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Lisa Ross
May 17, 2015 at 8:16 amI still haven’t been to Lake Tekapo 🙁 or much of the South Island. Dumb huh
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Alex J. Cavanaugh
May 17, 2015 at 4:02 amThe snow covered mountains are amazing. So majestic. And that church just rocks. Literally!
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Paul F. Pietrangelo
May 17, 2015 at 2:30 amWhat 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
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Joyce
May 17, 2015 at 1:05 amI love snow capped mountains.
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Corinne
May 17, 2015 at 12:19 amOh, 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!
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Anabel
May 16, 2015 at 10:38 pmAbsolutely gorgeous! Beautiful blues, I especially like the second picture.