Soak in the Scenery at Lake Tekapo New Zealand

Smack in the middle of the South Island is summer’s brilliant turquoise playground and winter’s ski resort and alpine village, Lake Tekapo New Zealand. Flanked by mountains including NZ’s impressive Southern Alps, the landscape carved from Ice Age glaciers gives off the distinct lake color and 360 degree panoramic views from the summit of Mt. John.

List this visit among the tours on your travel map along with a nearby Mt. Cook, NZ’s highest peak. Nearly halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown, Lake Tekapo New Zealand is host to backpackers seeking year round New Zealand outdoor activities. Tramping, climbing, horse trekking, fishing, kayaking, hunting, golf, 4 wheel drive safaris, and scenic flights are all available. Open land is conducive to mountain biking, and exceptionally clear air offers some of the sharpest star gazing opportunities.

Winter offers ice skating, snowboarding, downhill, cross country, and heli-skiing. Summer lends itself to water sports. And spectacular vistas can be enjoyed year round. The setting makes an inspiring backdrop for backpackers who wish to worship at the Church of the Good Shepherd, through its altar window.

Although Lake Tekapo New Zealand has a harsh climate of extremes with hot, dry summer weather and stormy cold winters, it has low rainfall and wind speeds shielded by the mountain range, and some of the country’s longest hours of sunshine.

Grasslands, beech forests, and scattered exotic trees are among flora found at Lake Tekapo New Zealand. Pink and purple conical shaped plants, mountain daisies, and buttercups give color to summer landscape. Artists can be seen trying to record the area’s scenic contours and play of light in the forms of painting and photography.

A rich variety of native birds have been hunted out by a later introduction of predators such as cats, ferrets, and weasels, but protected birds including the kea, New Zealand falcon, rock wrens, and more can be observed. Salmon and trout found in rivers, canals, and tarns offer world class fishing.

New Zealand hostels, B&Bs, motels and hotels have good representation in Lake Tekapo, as a car hire to Queenstown hotels or other distant South Island accommodation would be unrealistic after a long day of nature play. There’s also a good selection of local cuisine, Asian, and European dining in area restaurants and cafes.

The stunning turquoise blue vistas and activities at Lake Tekapo New Zealand are sure to take your breath away. It’s a must-see destination on your New Zealand vacation.