Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lake Tekapo
POP 369
At the southern end of its namesake lake, this little town has unobstructed views across
turquoise water to a backdrop of rolling hills and snowcapped mountains. It's a popular
stop for tour groups, with buses bound for Mt Cook and Queenstown allowing passengers
to pop out for a quick ice cream, coffee and photo opportunity.
Rather than rushing on, it's worth staying to experience the region's glorious night sky
from atop nearby Mt John. In 2012 the Aoraki Mackenzie area was declared an Interna-
tional Dark Sky Reserve, one of only five in the world.
Sights & Activities
When the Mackenzie Basin was scoured out by glaciers,
Mt John
(1029m) remained as an
island of tough bedrock in the centre of a vast river of ice. A road leads to the summit, or
you can walk via a circuit track (2½ hours return). To extend it to an all-day walk, contin-
ue on to Alexandrina and McGregor Lakes. Other walks are detailed in free maps avail-
able around town.
Mountain bikes (per hour/half-day $10/25) and kayaks (per hour $25) can be hired at
the Lake Tekapo YHA. In winter, Lake Tekapo is a base for downhill skiing at Mt Dobson
(
Click here
)
or Roundhill (
Click here
)
, and cross-country skiing on the Two Thumb
Range.
Church of the Good Shepherd
( 9am-5pm)
The prime disgorging point for tour buses, this interdenominational lakeside
church was built of stone and oak in 1935. A picture window behind the altar gives
churchgoers a distractingly divine view of lake and mountain majesty; needless to say, it's
a firm favourite for weddings. Come early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the
peace-shattering hordes.
Nearby is a statue of a collie, a tribute to the sheepdogs that helped develop the Mack-
enzie Country.
CHURCH
Tekapo Springs
(
SPA, TUBING
03-680 6550;
www.tekaposprings.co.nz
;
6 Lakeside Dr; adult/child hot pools $20/15, fun park per activity $20/15,
10am-9pm)
Work your way up the hill from the 36°C pool, to the 38°C pool
combo $52/36;
