Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo sits at about 2,340 feet (713 meters) above sea level and displays a distinctive turquoise color caused by fine glacial sediment suspended in the water that reflects sunlight.

The lake formed approximately 15,000 years ago during the last glacial period when retreating ice carved out the valley, and European settlers established the first sheep station here in 1857.

The Māori name Takapō combines words meaning sleeping mat and night, reflecting the area's significance to indigenous communities who used the land for fishing, hunting, and gathering stone for tools.

State Highway 8 provides direct access to the lakefront town of Tekapo, located roughly three hours and fifteen minutes by car from Christchurch, with daily shuttle services available from both Christchurch and Queenstown.

The Church of the Good Shepherd, built from local stone in 1935 on the shore, has become one of New Zealand's most photographed buildings because of its location with mountain and lake views.

Location: Mackenzie District

Elevation above the sea: 713 m

GPS coordinates: -43.90000,170.52500

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:18