Every time I talk about a place in New Zealand, I say it’s my favorite. But that’s just it: New Zealand is stunning. I loved every place that I went to, and I had no regrets (but I came back with a list of things I had to see on my next trip). Lake Tekapo [Takapō (Māori)], located in the Mackenzie District of the South Island’s Canterbury Region (about a three-hour drive from Christchurch), was at the top of my list. You may have heard of it before, because it’s where the invasive lupin flowers are in full bloom each spring, but it’s so much more than just that. The lake itself is breathtaking, but the surrounding town is small, walkable, and has plenty of dining options (you can check out my vegan-friendly guide to the town). And there are so many incredible things to do in Lake Tekapo.
Here’s my list:
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd
For one of the most picturesque spots in all of Lake Tekapo, you’ll have to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. Built in 1935 to honor the early pioneers, this tiny church is one of the South Island’s most iconic landmarks. We went twice, once in the late afternoon upon our arrival and again around sunset, and the pictures are fantastic. Because it’s still a church (they have mass), it’s not open to the public. Because of its iconic nature, however, you will run into a lot of people also trying to take the perfect shot. Don’t lose your patience or your temper; you can make it work no matter where you’re taking a photo from.
Maclaren Footbridge
To get to the Church of the Good Shepherd from downtown Takapō, you’ll have to cross the Maclaren Footbridge (or the Lake Tekapo Bridge). It’s about 125 meters long and a few meters wide, but the view of the water below and on all sides is incredible. You’ll get some great pictures as well. The only other way to walk to the church is along the highway, which can be dangerous and less scenic. There are plenty of hotels on this side of Lake Tekapo, and you can walk along the Cowans Hill Walkway through Murray Park to reach the Lake Tekapo lookout.
Visit the Sheep Dog Memorial
Right next to the Church of the Good Shepherd (fittingly) and the Pioneer Drive parking lot along the Te Araroa trail is the Sheep Dog Memorial. The memorial honors the border collies that played an integral role in the area’s agricultural success. I love dogs, and their role in our advancement as a civilization shouldn’t be downplayed. Of course, we don’t know how these dogs were treated, but it’s nice that their role in the country’s evolution is recognized and honored.
Stroll Along Lake Tekapo
As someone who really wants to slow travel wherever I go, I loved slowing down in New Zealand. I’m always in such a rush at home, and even while traveling, sometimes the tendency is to rush from place to place to check them off of an arbitrary list just so you can tell people that you saw everything. I don’t like doing that. One of my favorite things that I did on my trip was walk along the lake, feel the cool breeze in my hair, and sit on the rocks by the shore, taking in the breathtaking views.
Lake Pukaki
Not far from Lake Tekapo is Lake Pukaki, which is equally, if not more stunning, than Lake Tekapo. The water was incredible, and clearer than I’d ever seen before. The blue hue of the water was unreal. I’ve never seen water that color before. You could see the bottom! It was cold and fresh, and I even washed my face when we visited in the morning. It was also less busy than Lake Tekapo was, so you’ll have more time to explore and take pictures. It might be on your way to your next destination anyway, so I recommend stopping even if it’s just for five minutes to snap a photo (but stay longer if you can).
Stargazing and the Dark Sky Project
One of the things I so desperately wanted to do while in Takapō was stargazing. New Zealand is one of the best places (in the world, in my opinion) to see the stars, unfiltered. There are plenty of dark sky reserves, where you can see them, and New Zealand’s Mackenzie Country is one of them. While in Takapō, we had booked a stargazing tour with Chameleon Stargazing, but it was canceled due to the inclement weather. If you can find a day with perfect weather, book your tour and hope you get lucky.
You can also check out the Dark Sky Project here, which serves as a base for New Zealand’s highest, most exclusive stargazing experience in the country. You’ll have access to Mt. John Observatory, located in the heart of downtown Takapō. According to their website, the observatory is New Zealand’s only professional research observatory and it also happens to be the southernmost facility of its kind in the world. There are tours available seven days a week, so as long as you pick a day that should have good weather, you’ll be able to participate and see the stars.
(And, Of Course) See the Lupin Flowers in Full Bloom
If you visit New Zealand in November (late spring/early summer in the Southern Hemisphere), you’ll get the chance to see the lupins in full bloom along Lake Tekapo’s shores. They are an invasive species to the country, but they’re simply stunning and the perfect photo opportunity. You can also venture further west, where there are open lupin fields that no one else was in when we arrived just after sunset. You’ll have free rein to take pictures, and they’ll be just as stunning.
Did I miss anything that’s a must-see in Lake Tekapo? Let me know in the comments below!
Leave a reply