Things To Do In New Zealand: Lake Takapo
What: Lake Takapo
Where: Canterbury Region, South Island NZ
Nestled in New Zealand’s South Island, Lake Tekapo (Takapō in Māori) is a shimmering turquoise lake framed by golden tussock plains and snow-capped peaks. Part of the Mackenzie Basin, this alpine lake sits at 710 meters above sea level and is renowned for its ethereal beauty, celestial night skies, and a blend of natural and cultural attractions.
A Glacial Jewel
Lake Tekapo owes its striking blue hue to glacial ‘flour’—fine rock particles suspended in meltwater from the Southern Alps. Fed by the braided Godley and Macaulay Rivers, the lake stretches 27 kilometers long and up to 6 kilometers wide, covering approximately 83 square kilometers. Its serene surface reflects the surrounding mountains, including the Two Thumb Range to the east and Mount John to the west.
Stargazing Paradise
Designated as part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo offers some of the clearest night skies in the southern hemisphere. The Dark Sky Project provides guided tours combining Māori astronomy with modern science, allowing visitors to explore the cosmos through powerful telescopes. For a unique experience, Tekapo Star Gazing offers night time hot pool sessions under the stars.
Next to the lake stands The Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, as a tribute to early pioneers. Constructed from local stone, this modest church features an altar window framing the lake and mountains, making it one of New Zealand's most photographed sites.
The area is around a 3-hour drive from Christchurch and offers hiking, watersports, hot springs and even skiing in the winter. There are cosy lodges to stay in or your can camp under the stars.
