about
Lake tekapo
A Place of Legends
The famous sheep dog statue on the lake’s edge is in memory of the hardy mustering dogs “without the help of which the grazing of this mountainous country would be impossible.”
The nearby Church of the Good Shepherd was built in 1935 as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. Congregations of three faiths worship regularly in the Church.
High Energy & Passive Pastimes
The waters of the lake are harnessed for electricity through the Tekapo Canal, flowing 27km to the Lake Pukaki powerhouse then onwards through the impressive Waitaki Valley hydro system.
In addition to the lure of trout and salmon fishing, you may enjoy mountain biking, water sports, hiking, 4WD tours, skiing, snowboarding, scenic flights and golf. After a busy day, relax in your choice of the wide range of accommodation or the convivial bars and restaurants.
Where is Lake Tekapo?
Lake Tekapo is situated midway between the International Airport in Christchurch, and New Zealand’s largest winter and summer playground, the Southern Lakes District, which includes the towns of Wanaka and Queenstown.
Direct access to Tekapo can be had from State Highway 8 which connects Christchurch to Queenstown. Bus services link Lake Tekapo to all the main centres of Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, Wanaka and Queenstown.
The time in New Zealand is GMT+12.
An Untouched World
In the centre of the South Island of New Zealand lies Lake Tekapo. This highland lake and settlement at 710 metres (2300 feet) is in the heart of the Mackenzie District and surrounded by a vast basin of golden tussock grass. The name Tekapo derives from Maori words Taka (sleeping mat) and Po (night). Finely ground rock in the glacial melted waters give Lake Tekapo a beautifully unique turquoise color.
Lake Tekapo’s geographical and central location is protected from rough coastal weather by the Southern Alps in the west, and the Two Thumb Range to the east. This allows this highland location to enjoy some of New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours, and lowest average wind speeds. Rainfall is just 575 millimeters (23 inches) annually.
Summer or winter, snow-covered or golden-yellow, the surrounding mountains and turquoise lake make a spectacular backdrop for the Church of the Good Shepherd.
The unforgettable night sky reveals why Lake Tekapo has a reputation for clear, clean air.
Nature's Jewel
The jewel of the Mackenzie Country, Lake Tekapo is a delightful alpine village in the heart of the South Island high country. A ski resort in winter and aquatic playground in summer, Lake Tekapo sits at the edge of its 20 kilometer glacial lake namesake, completely surrounded by mountains, including New Zealand’s impressive Southern Alps.
The landscape is outstanding, sculpted by successive Ice Age glaciers, the remnants of which continue to discharge fine ‘rock flour’, giving the lake its intense turquoise hue. The sky is huge and of extraordinary clarity, making Lake Tekapo one of the world’s best locations to probe the heavens from its observatories atop Mt John.
Flora & Fauna
The Mackenzie Country’s Flora is characterized by open grasslands consisting mainly of golden tussocks dotted with scattered exotic trees. The surrounding mountain slopes are characterized by some native beech forests and tussock country containing occasional alpine plants. Plants to look out for include large Celmisia mountain daisies and Ranunculus buttercups. Also to be found in the area are Kowhais (Sophora sp.), which flowers in August and September, and two rare native brooms, Carmichaelia curta and C. kirkii which are both threatened species.
The nature of the climate is harsh, ranging from hot dry summers, to cold frosty winters. Across it all, blow the hot, dry nor-westers that dictate as much as the stormy cold Southerlies, and heavy winter frosts, that the vegetation of the Mackenzie be hardy and drought resistant. Despite the climate extremes it should be noted that the area has some of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, and one of the lowest yearly average wind speeds.
Lake Tekapo in summer is surrounded by several hectares of Russell Lupines in attractive shades of pinks and purples. A few seeds were said to be scattered by an early run holder’s wife who wanted more color in this barren land.
The fauna before the arrival of the Maori and the first settlers was populated by a rich variety of bird life (as was all of New Zealand). The hunting for food and the introduction of exotic mammals such as cats, stoats, ferrets and weasels, has drastically reduced their numbers and variety. Nevertheless, a number of rare and protected birds such as kea, the New Zealand falcon, rock wrens, black stilt, wrybills, and black–fronted terns can be observed. The introduced deer, Tahr, and chamois have also found a home here and are hunted recreationally. Rabbits and possums are considered pests of the first degree and are controlled vigorously. The rivers, canals, tarns and streams are stocked with trout and salmon, providing great sport for fishermen with many world class and record fish being caught.
Lake Tekapo Footbridge
The Lake Tekapo Footbridge Society Inc. was in existence for seven years, 2009 – 2017, for the sole purpose of building a footbridge over the Tekapo River.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Lake Tekapo Footbridge Society and the Lake Tekapo Community:
"As an incorporated society, the Lake Tekapo Footbridge Society Inc. will work within the community and local area to bring significant benefits through the construction of a community footbridge that will enhance the environment and the safety for those who visit and those who live in the Lake Tekapo community."
This project was strongly backed by the community who raised over $2 million dollars towards this project. We can now say:
-
A safe pedestrian and cycleway linking the village centre in the west and the tourist attractions and residential areas on the east side of the Tekapo River has been established.
-
A safe vantage point for taking photos of the Church, mountains and lake, said by tourist operators to be the most photographed scene in New Zealand, has been created.
-
The sanctity of the church and its environs will eventually be preserved.
Colin J MacLaren, Architect, with engineers Tyndall Associates and JDM Consulting designed a bridge sympathetic to the magnificent alpine landscape while enhancing the iconic views of lake and church. The piers were constructed in the summer 2012/2013. These consist of six huge steel tubes, cassions, buried deep into the riverbed. Two support the abutments. The four central ones were encased in concrete tubes and finished with stonework to match the church. For two years these piers stood sentinel in the river while further funding was obtained and final engineering details completed.
The fundraising was launched on 14 August 2010 with dinner and guest speaker Rt Hon Helen Clark. Besides obtaining all the below sponsorship the committee organised a variety of community events – a fashion extravaganza, a monster raffle, a sponsored walk, a 4WD excursion, as well as catering and stalls at the local fete.
The construction of the bridge occurred off-site in Christchurch. In October 2015 the bridge was transported down to Lake Tekapo in seven sections and, with the help of a 550-tonne capacity crane, the sections were placed on the piers. Everything lined up perfectly.
The Footbridge was formally opened on Sunday 22 November 2015 by the Rt Hon Dame Jenny Shipley, Chairman Genesis Energy; Claire Barlow, Mayor of the Mackenzie; and Colin MacLaren, Chairperson Lake Tekapo Footbridge Soc Inc.
It was not until early 2017, after all finishing details were complete and the maintenance period covered, that the Footbridge Society was able to gift the ownership of this footbridge to the Mackenzie District Council.
Sponsorship:
Principal Sponsor:
Genesis Energy
Major Sponsors and Supporters:
New Zealand Transport Authority
Peter & Jean Lewis
Mackenzie District Council
Mid & South Canterbury Community Trust
Lake Tekapo Community Board
Minister of Lotteries Discretionary Fund
Significant sponsors and supporters:
Southern Trust
Trust Aoraki
Alpine Energy
Sargood Bequest
Lake Tekapo Lions
Public Campaign “Buy a Plank”
Local families, groups, businesses
Donor 2016 Campaign
Local families, groups, businesses
$500,000
$429,000
$300,000
$252,000
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$ 30,000
$ 20,000
$ 30,000
$ 6,000
$ 5,000
$158,000
$ 12,000