Lake Tekapo / Takapō - A breathtaking and colorful gem

 Location: Mackenzie District, Canterbury Region, South Island, New Zealand

Annual visitors: 600,000 - 900,000 pers.

Lake Tekapo, the dazzling crystal-clear lake that is famous for its blue waters and breathtaking mountain backdrop. It’s nestled in the heart of the South Island, Mackenzie Basin. This glacial lake's serene beauty captivates visitors from all around the world. What makes Lake Tekapo truly magical is the water's distinct colour, derived from the fine particles of rock flour suspended in the glacier-fed waters. This unique hue, combined with the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains, creates a picturesque landscape. 

Travelers flock to Lake Tekapo not only for its scenic beauty but also for its incredible stargazing opportunities, since the area is also part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. With the night skies being almost completely free of light pollution, it makes it the perfect spot for stargazing. Lake Tekapo is one of the best places in New Zealand to see one-of-a-kind southern lights, the southern hemisphere's equivalent of the Northern Lights. But the unpolluted skies also allow for spectacular views of constellations, the Milky Way, and celestial wonders. 

On the shores of the lake, you'll see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd. It was built in 1935 from quint stone for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie district and is still used as a place of worship. The church offers an incredible viewpoint to admire the lake and the surrounding view. This scenic addition makes it one of the most photographed items in the country.

 Lake Tekapo is also known for its stunning seasonal display of Lupin that blooms along its shores from around mid-November until the end of December. Legend has it that the central South Island is covered in lupin flowers thanks to the hard work of a farmer’s wife who thought the region could do with a bit more colour. Whether that's true or not, there’s no doubt that the lupins add a colourful touch to the Tekapo landscapes every year and in the process draw in tens of thousands of tourists. Unfortunately, Tekapo’s stunning wildflower is actually an invasive weed that harms native plants, birds and other wildlife. Still, that doesn’t stop them from being intensely eye-catching. 

For those seeking a truly mesmerizing experience, Lake Tekapo is the way to go. With its stunning scenery, supernatural sightings and peaceful charm, the lake will always continue to be a gem in New Zealand.

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