Lake Tekapo Scenic Highlights

Lake Tekapo | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Nestled beneath mountain ranges, Lake Tekapo is a truly beautiful glacial lake with a wide range of local attractions.

Lake Tekapo Scenic Highlights Overview

Lake Tekapo fills the ancient glacial valley between ranges of mountains on three sides with intense, milky, turquoise hue. This together with neighbouring Lake Pukaki sets it apart from other New Zealand lakes. The turquoise hue is from the glaciers in the mountains grinding rock into fine flour the rivers carry the flower down and discharge it into the lake creating a beautiful pigmentation.

Tekapo is not a sight to be forgotten. The surrounding landscape is largely denuded of greenery compared with the rest of New Zealand; instead it takes on a alpine wilderness view, making it another beautiful piece in New Zealand's diverse landscape.

With more lakes within driving distance to the south and east and with Australasia's highest and perhaps most spectacular mountain range, and far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, Tekapo is a truly great place to stay. Tekapo's scenic surrounds can be explored through walks, cycle tracks, horse rides, boats cruzes, and scenic flights.

Church of the Good Shepherd

Adding to Tekapo's many breath taking sites is the renowned Church of the Good Shepherd.

Built to the glory of God in 1935 the church is a piece of memory to those who pioneered the Mackenzie Country. Congregations from the three main faiths - Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Presbyterianism regularly come and worship in the stone Church.

The Church offers majestic views of the lake and mountains through its altar window. It is truly a must see for travellers.