Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, whose water source is supplied by Godley River, is the second largest lake that runs through from north to south in southern Mackenzie Basin. It rises 700 meters above sea level and its watershed area is 83 square kilometers. It lies between Christchurch and Queenstown, two famous tourist cities in South Island, New Zealand and at the heart of Mount Cook Basin and MacKenzie. The charming Lake Tekapo is surrounded by forests which are kissed by the sun and snow mountains that are all covered by snow. In pleasant seasons, Lake Tekapo and the nearby smaller lakes, including Alexandrina, McGregor and Conway, are optimal choices for catching brown trouts and rainbow trouts. In winter, Tekapo town will witness the arrival of numerous snowboarders.

It is very appropriate to call the peaceful Lake Tekapo as a "tranquil heaven on earth”. Though about 100 kilometers away from nearby towns, such as Timaru, it is still far away from the earthly world. The calm and clear lake reflects the image of Southern Alps which is capped with snow throughout the year. Since 193, the lake, called as the must-go attraction in South Island for travelers, has peacefully been seated together with Church of Good Shepherd and a statue of shepherd which are erected beside the lake. Church of Good Shepherd, made of stones, was built to commemorate the founders of Mackenzie.

Encircled by mountains, Lake Tekapo, rendering a special dark blue, demonstrates magnificent views and is suitable for fishing, boating, water skiing and sun tanning. Travelers who visit Church of Good Shepherd like taking photos.

Nearby Attractions

Hanmer Springs, located in a basin and enclosed by high mountains, is not far from Kaikoura. As the most popular geothermal mountainous attraction among travelers, the famous town of thermal springs have absorbed many travelers who expect relaxation and leisure in thermal springs which can relax their muscles and heal pains. Regardless winter or summer, you can enjoy yourself in the healing springs while appreciating the view of lofty forests and magnificent mountains.

Mount Cook Village

40 kilometers away from Tekapo lies Lake Pukaki. The lake is charged by the melting glaciers and the lake is green. It is the best choice you can make to appreciate Aoraki/Mt. Cook (the highest mountain in New Zealand). In fine days you can park your cars by the roadside and take photos of Aoraki/Mt. Cook (Aoraki in Maori language means the clouds above), which is higher than any other mountains on the other bank of Lake Pukaki, so it is the optimal place for photo taking.

In the splendid Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park, glaciers cover an area of 40% and there are as many as 19 mountains with an altitude over 3,000 meters in the park. The highest mountain in New Zealand ---Mount Cook (altitude of 3754 meters), also named as Mount Aoraki (meaning a cone that roars into sky)---is also nestled in the park. The other side of Mount Cook lies Tasman Glacier, with an overall length of 30 kilometers, which is the second longest glacier, following the Himalayas. The park is also the World Natural Heritage int TeWahipounamu and southwest regions.

Departing from Christchurch, you can drive for 4 to 5 hours to get to Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village where you can find many choices of lodgings, including motels for backpackers to luxuriant and superior resorts. 17 houses are scatters in the park, many of which are intended for mountaineers, but some suitable mountaineering skills are necessary for ordinary travelers to reach there little houses.