Photo: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsLake Tekapo
Canterbury and Mount Cook
Lake Tekapo's milky turquoise colour comes from fine glacial rock flour. On its shore stands the small stone Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, and above it some of the clearest night skies on Earth, protected as part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Things to do
- Church of the Good Shepherd: A small working church with a window framing the lake and mountains.
- Stargazing tours: Telescopes and guides at night, from town or Mount John.
- Mount John walk: A short climb to a summit café with 360 degree views.
- Hot pools: Tekapo Springs, especially good on cold evenings.
- Lupins: Purple, pink and blue flowers along the shore in early summer.
Tip: Visit the church at sunrise or after the tour coaches leave in the late afternoon.
Who it suits
Photographers, stargazers and anyone driving between Christchurch and Queenstown. One night is enough for most visitors. See our Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo guide.
Getting there and where to stay
- From Christchurch: About 3 hours through the Canterbury plains and Burkes Pass.
- To Mount Cook: About 1.5 hours, along Lake Pukaki.
- Where to stay: Motels, lodges and holiday parks in the small town; book ahead in lupin season.
When to go
Lupins colour the lakeshore in early summer, autumn brings clear, still days, and winter gives the longest, darkest nights for stargazing and the southern lights, though it's very cold. The lake's colour is brightest on sunny days.
Where it is
Visiting Lake Tekapo on a tour
Most New Zealand tours start in Auckland, Christchurch or Queenstown, with transport, hotels and many activities arranged for you. Browse them, or ask a local specialist to build Lake Tekapo into a trip around your dates.
Combine it with
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Lake Tekapo: questions
How long should I stay at Lake Tekapo?
One night is enough for the church, Mount John and a stargazing tour.
Can you see the southern lights from Lake Tekapo?
Sometimes, on clear dark nights, especially from May to August.
When do the lupins flower at Lake Tekapo?
Usually from mid November to late December.
Is Lake Tekapo good for stargazing?
Yes, it's in one of the world's largest dark sky reserves.