Lake Tekapo Village
As much a tourist resort these days as a village, Lake Tekapo has grown significantly over the last few years and yet still possesses much of its previous charm. Ideally situated about half way between Christchurch and Queenstown, Tekapo seems to be the stopping off point of choice. The village is positioned on the banks of the sparkling lake that bears it’s name, surrounded by the Two Thumb Mountain Ranges. The lake water itself needs to be seen to be believed being an incredible blue that shines gloriously in the sunlight.
Tekapo, as mentioned, is undergoing something of a transformation. New accommodation is being built, including a perfectly positioned YHA for the budget conscious traveller. New infrastructure is appearing in the form of a purpose built supermarket and a new ‘Dark Sky’ complex - which I will come to in a later blog. (Tekapo is home to a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve).
Nothing in my opinion can beat a walk along the lake front wrapped up on a cold winters day, or even a sweltering summers day for that matter! Of course no visit to Tekapo would be complete without checking out the picture perfect Church of the Good Shepherd. This small, stone built church is probably positioned in the most iconic of locations with a glass window to take in the absorbing views across the lake to the mountain ranges. It’s also worth taking a short walk around to the Makenzie Sheep Dog Statue just nearby. A tribute to all the dogs that made settlement and farming in this area possible.