Lake Tekapo
Located in the middle of the South Island, the friendly township of Tekapo rests on the shores of glacier fed Lake Tekapo. Lake Tekapo is in the Mackenzie District 2 hours 25 minutes from Wanaka and 3 hours from Christchurch. The mountain ranges of the Southern Alps and Two Thumb frame the lake and the surrounding landscape of tussock grass and stony shoreline. The lake is a beautiful turquoise blue colour and the scenery makes for stunning photography. The town is protected by the rocky outcrop of Mount John which has an observatory at the top for viewing what is known to be the clearest night time skies in New Zealand. A short walk from the town is the Church of the Good Sheppard, built of stone in 1935 and overlooking Lake Tekapo. The stained glass window inside gives an amazing view across the water and out to the mountains beyond. Nearby a sheep dog statue pays tribute to the mustering dogs that helped to farm the demanding countryside. Accommodation is available to suit all budgets from resort style hotels to the camping ground at the end of town. A short walk from the camping ground and nestled into the forest clad hill side is the Alpine Springs and Spa. A group of cascading rock pools of various temperatures are tiered down the hillside offering a spectacular view across the lake. Within the complex is the Winter Park outdoor Ice Rink which operates from May – September for pursuits such as ice skating, ice hockey and curling. Lake Tekapo has a number of activities to offer including fishing, waterskiing, kayaking and tramping.
The vast landscape lends itself to mountain biking and the horse riding is rewarding taking you through lush forests past glacial lakes and over hilly grassland trails. You can explore the lake by jet boat or take a scenic cruise. At the southern end of the lake is a passive area where family boating and windsurfing is encouraged in a calm environment. Mount Dobson offers great skiing for beginners and intermediates with snow making facilities, groomed trails and all the features expected at a snow field. There is a restaurant and rental shop and the views out toward Mount Cook and the Southern Alps are breathtaking. Heli skiing and cross country skiing are other popular pursuits as are scenic flights around the mountains. There is a good choice of dining options in Tekapo of international and local variety. Local artworks can be found at the string of shops along the main street of Tekapo along with New Zealand crafts and natural garments. Visit the Mount Cook Salmon Farm 18 minutes from Lake Tekapo to feed the fish and take home a freshly smoked salmon.