LAKE TEKAPO
LAKE TEKAPO is located at the heart of Mackenzie District, in South Island, New Zealand. This glacial highland lake is surrounded by grounds covered in golden tussock, with vistas of snowy mountains including the Southern Alps and the Two Thumb Range. The remarkable turquoise colour of the lake is a product of the finely ground rock in the melted waters from the successive Ice Age glaciers.
Boasting of some of New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours, as well as being recognised as part of an International Dark Sky Reserve, the clear and vast night sky of Lake Tekapo is perfect for star-gazing.
There is a wide range of activities available in Lake Tekapo: walking, tramping, mountain biking, horse trekking, fishing, kayaking, scenic flights, star-gazing, skiing, ice skating, water-skiing or just enjoying being surrounded by the amazing sceneries!
GETTING AROUND
Lake Tekapo is situated roughly midway between Christchurch and Queenstown. It is approximately 3 hours’ drive in either direction via State Highway 8. Bus services are available from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, Wanaka and Queenstown.
Tekapo Nocturne is located up the hill in the Lochinver Run subdivision, the first subdivision to the left when you drive into Lake Tekapo from Christchurch. It is around 15 minutes’ walk from the house down to the lake, and around 5 minutes’ walk up to the Cowans Hill at the back of the subdivision. The village centre, where you will find the supermarket, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, information centre as well as the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, is approximately 5 minutes’ drive/30 minutes’ walk away.