Welcome to the Jersey Gypsy column, where our resident travel reporter, Valentina Lopez, roams the globe in pursuit of stories.
New Zealand never fails to amaze me. Just when I think I’ve seen all its incredible spots, I still discover new destinations that make me grateful all over again!
I was in a hotel in Christchurch reading a magazine when I stumbled upon a photograph of a striking turquoise lake surrounded by charming purple lupin plants. Its name is Lake Tekapo, and it stole my heart that night.
After researching this place on the Internet, I decided to add this lake to my week-long road trip to the South Island. That’s one of my best decisions ever!
With a breathtaking mountain backdrop and calm water glimmering under the sun, Lake Tekapo is way more gorgeous in person than any picture can capture.
There are many things to do in Lake Tekapo, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
What to Do in Lake Tekapo: Best Attractions and Activities
Lake Tekapo is a paradise on Earth with countless amazing things to offer. The best part is that most of these things are free! From sunset to dawn, even during the nighttime, Lake Tekapo is a perfect tourist destination.
Here are some things to do in Tekapo that you must not miss:
1. Explore the Lakefront and Behold the Beautiful Blue Water
Right after you reach Tekapo, you have to walk the lakefront and see the stunning crystal-clear turquoise water. If you visit in summer or late spring, the place is colored with a rich shade of violet and lavender from the purple lupin plants around the lake.
I was fortunate to tour Lake Tekapo on a sun-soaked day, so the place looks vibrant and stunning as the sunlight glows in the blue water. The area was so serene and majestic!
I couldn’t get enough of how the rugged mountains behind the lake stood in stark contrast perfectly to the calm water.
2. Visit the Church of Good Shepherd
Near the shores of Lake Tekapo is a small but beautiful place of worship—the Church of Good Shepherd. It is a small stone church with a simple architectural design that perfectly blends with the lake’s serenity.
Many stroll along the church grounds, taking pictures of this popular tourist destination or enjoying the majestic view of the lake and Mount Cook.
The place is indeed touristy, but I’m still lucky to experience a solitary moment inside the church. It was early morning when I visited, so there was soft light streaming through the church windows. It felt ethereal for me and got me in the mood to reflect and pray.
3. See the Statue of Mackenzie Sheepdog
Around 100 meters from the Church of Good Shepherd is a popular bronze statue of a dog. It’s a perfect picture spot with the stunning lake in the backdrop.
The statue’s history is quite heartwarming. In 1855, a Scottish shepherd named James Mackenzie discovered this area together with “Friday,” his loyal, cute dog.
Over a century later, this statue was erected as an homage to Tekapo’s founding fathers and the excellent work of Mackenzie’s four-legged friend.
4. Go to Mount John for a Perfect View of the Lake
Fifteen minutes from Lake Tekapo town is the Mount John Observatory, which offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the lake and Southern Alps.
We have to pay $8 to get our car to the observatory and wear some layers because it’s chilly up there. Then, we took a 30-minute hike to reach the summit for a marvelous view.
I was speechless upon reaching the mountain’s summit. It felt as if the world was spread out below me. Towering white mountains surrounded me while the ground below shimmered in shades of green and brown.
Of course, the main star from below is Lake Tekapo, with its blue water stretching across the horizon.
5. Enjoy Stargazing in Lake Tekapo
Prior to my Lake Tekapo trip, I had zero stargazing experience. And as an urbanite, it’s rare for me to see a sky full of stars (you know, city light pollution). So, I was super excited when we planned stargazing in Lake Tekapo.
The whole town of Lake Tekapo is within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the places on the planet with the clearest night sky and extremely minimal light pollution. So, it’s a perfect spot to do stargazing.
We joined a guided stargazing tour, and our guide taught us how to use giant telescopes and laser pointers. But even with the naked eye, I can easily see the scattered stars because of the clear, cloudless night sky. I was like a child amused by these little jewels up above.
Our guide helped us spot constellations like Orion (the hunter), Beta Centauri (a three-star system in the constellation of Centaurus), and the Southern Cross. We could also see star clusters along the Milky Way and other galaxies nearby.
After some hours gazing up above, we found ourselves philosophically discussing the possibility of life beyond those stars.
Visiting the Gem of New Zealand’s South Island – Lake Tekapo
Whatever path you take toward the South Island, chances are you’ll stumble upon the majestic Lake Tekapo. With its stunning scenery and fascinating history, it’s a destination that deserves a visit.
Its natural beauty and breathtaking night sky are among the best on the planet. There are tons of things to do in Tekapo that will surely make your NZ trip an epic experience.
FAQs About Lake Tekapo
Got more questions about Lake Tekapo? Get some answers below.
1. Is Lake Tekapo worth visiting in winter?
Yes! Lake Tekapo turns into a stunning winter wonderland with snow-capped mountains as a breathtaking backdrop. You can enjoy skiing, snow tubing, and ice skating at Tekapo Springs or soak in the hot pools.
Clear winter nights also make it perfect for stargazing at Mount John Observatory, home to some of the world’s clearest skies.
2. When Is the Best Time To Visit Lake Tekapo?
The best time to visit Lake Tekapo is from mid-November to early autumn (March) when the lupins are in full bloom. September and October are also great months to visit, offering beautiful scenery with fewer tourists.
3. What is Lake Tekapo Famous For?
Lake Tekapo is famous for its stunning turquoise waters, clear night skies, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Iconic attractions include the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Mackenzie Sheepdog Statue, and the vibrant lupin fields.
Visitors can also enjoy hot springs, swimming, paddleboarding, and ice skating, making it a year-round destination.
Got a suggestion for where Valentina should travel next, or what she should do on her adventures? Reach out to her at [email protected] — she’s always looking for something new to try!
