Lake Tekapo, South Island

A picturesque, though long journey today from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo with a quick stop for coffee and lunch in Timaru. From Timaru we followed SH8 gradually going up - though you wouldn't realize it as it was so gradual! Lake Tekapo is 710 metres above sea level. In Maori: teka = sleeping mat and po = night. The turquoise blue of the water is created by 'rock flour'. The glaciers in the headwaters of Tekapo grind rock into dust on their journey down towards the lake. The 'rock flour' is suspended in the water and when combined with sunlight creates the unique water colour. Not only did we have a good view from the balcony, but also when lying in the bath!
Lake Tekapo is in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve (est. 2012). It has one of the world's clearest, darkest and most spectacular night skies. There is an Observatory at the summit of Mount John to take advantage of this. We took a wander down to the lake to see the most photographed church in NZ. On the shores of the lake you'll see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where the altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. The church was built in 1935 for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie district. A bronze memorial to working collie dogs, such as Friday, was commissioned in 1968 by local farmers and now stands on the shores of Lake Tekapo near the Church of the Good Shepherd. In the main village there is some building and rejuvenation of the area going on including the making of a park - statues of Kiwi and Moa (extinct bird from the time of the dinosaurs) are part of this
After dinner Trevor and I had some wine, nibbles, a veranda and thick jumpers so we watched The Dish, until it was dark then went on to the veranda to enjoy the stars at night under the clear dark skies!!Read more