[2024 Lake Tekapo Attraction] Travel Guide for The Church of the Good Shepherd (Updated Sep)
No.8 of Best Things to Do in Canterbury
Churches and Cathedrals
Address:
Pioneer Drive, Lake Tekapo 7999, New Zealand
Opening times:
Opens at 08:00-20:00
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-3 hours
Phone:
+64 3-685 8389
Lake Tekapo|The Most Beautiful Starry Sky Town in the World
👍Recommended Reason: Tekapo, located in the central part of New Zealand's South Island, is a very famous lake. The biggest highlight is that you can see the most beautiful starry sky in the world here.
📍Must-Visit Attraction: Church of the Good Shepherd. An excellent spot for night photography of the starry sky and Milky Way, giving your Milky Way a beautiful backdrop.
📍Travel Tips: Mt. John Summit Walk, a panoramic hiking route around Lake Tekapo. You can also pay to drive up Godley Peaks Road to reach the summit directly.
❤️From the summit, you can see a panoramic view of Lake Tekapo and there is also the most beautiful café, offering coffee and stunning views, making it very relaxing.
🛏️Accommodation Reference: Holiday Park campsite by the lake.
EmilyDonovan14
Lake Tekapo & Church of Good Shepherd
On a sunny day, we drove from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo. It took about three hours. We came across some small towns on the way but we had no time to stop.
When we arrived, we walked to the historic Church of the Good Shepherd. This small stone church is very unique. If you want to go inside, you must pay attention to the opening hours: Tuesday morning 9-8pm; Sunday 4pm-5pm. We arrived on Wednesday so we didn't get a chance to visit. Then we walked along The Tekapo Lake, the lake was calm, very blue, very beautiful! The Church and the Lake were such scenic spots that worth taking more photos.
If you have plenty of travel time, or if you like stargazing, you can consider staying one night to participate in stargazing or soaking in hot springs for a fee.
#nice lithle town
#stargazing
Millie Chan
This was such a fun hike! Luckily we had enough warm clothes with us because we definitely underestimated the cold weather! Also, if you want to go there don‘t forget to bring snacks.
Sasque
A soul-stirring journey awaits you at the Church of the Good Shepherd
✨The Beauty of New Zealand: The Splendor of the Church of the Good Shepherd
In the South Island of New Zealand, there stands an iconic building that harmonizes with nature—the Church of the Good Shepherd. This small and exquisite stone cottage was designed and built by architect Benjamin Woolfield Munford in 1935. It features a unique Gothic wooden structure and is constructed from rock blocks, making it a one-of-a-kind landscape in New Zealand.
✨The church's name commemorates the sheepdogs that made outstanding contributions to the people. Surrounded by Lake Tekapo, the church offers breathtaking views, especially in different seasons and at different times of the day, showcasing its enchanting splendor. The area around the church is free from light pollution, making it a famous stargazing spot. At night, the sky is filled with stars, seemingly within reach, allowing one to almost touch the brilliance of the starry sky.
Zoe_Harris39
NEW ZEALAND FAMOUS LANDMARK
The Church of the Good Shepherd, located in Tekapo, New Zealand, is a renowned architectural and spiritual landmark.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps, this historic church is celebrated for its picturesque setting and serene beauty. Constructed in 1935, the church is known for its simple stone architecture and panoramic views through its large, arched windows.
It serves as a popular spot for visitors and photographers, who come to admire the breathtaking scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
#solotrip
RACHWSJ
Beautiful sunset at Lake Tekapo
Where the sky meets land, and you get a full view of the sunset painted in the skies.
ktan12
Lake Tekapo
#familytrips2024
Lake Tekapo is a stunning turquoise-colored lake located in the South Island of New Zealand. Lake Tekapo is famous because of the incredible blue water, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and scenic landscapes. The lake itself is fed by the glacial waters of the Southern Alps and is famous for its distinctive turquoise color. Lake Tekapo has a range of recreational activities such as hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, boating, and kayaking. Lake Tekapo is also home to several hot springs and spas. One of the most iconic landmarks on the shores of Lake Tekapo is the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Lake Tekapo is a dream destination for family trips as I wish to explore the scenic trails and vibrant water with tranquil atmosphere with my family.
Mintymin
【Five-Day Tour Guide to South Island, New Zealand】
South Island, New Zealand, a place full of natural beauty and cultural atmosphere. In five days, I will take you around every corner of the South Island to feel the unique charm of this land.
📍Day One: Christchurch-Tekapo
Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island, where we first feel the pulse of the city. Visit the city's attractions in Christchurch and feel the unique cultural atmosphere of this large city on the South Island. Then, drive to Tekapo, quietly admire the beauty of the Good Shepherd Church, as if in a painting. At night, we will sleep under the stars.
✨Free visit to attractions, feel the charm of Christchurch's modern and ancient intertwined.
📍Day Two: Tekapo-Mount Cook
In the early morning, we will enjoy the beautiful sunrise on the shore of Lake Pukaki. The white clouds and blue sky on the lake form the beauty of the "Blue Milk Lake". Then, we will go to Mount Cook, hike on the Hooker Trail, and feel the majesty of the mountains. At the foot of the mountain, we will also taste local fresh salmon and oysters. In the evening, we will arrive at the small fruit town of Cromwell, buy fresh fruits at the local fruit stand, and take a walk in the rose garden.
✨The beauty of Mount Cook is stunning, making people feel like they are in a fairyland.
📍Day Three: Queenstown-Wanaka
Queenstown, a place full of vitality and food. Here, we can try various exciting experiences such as skydiving, paragliding, boating, cable cars, etc. The old buildings and history of Arrowtown seem to take us back to the gold rush era. The Kawarau Bridge is the birthplace of bungee jumping. Jumping down from here with your loved one will become an unforgettable memory. Finally, we will watch the sunset under the lonely tree of Lake Wanaka.
✨The activities in Queenstown make people's hearts beat faster, while Arrowtown and Kawarau Bridge make people feel the weight and romance of history.
📍Day Four: Fox Glacier Town-Joseph Glacier Town
Today, we will visit the glacier town. The beautiful scenery of Fox Glacier Town is unforgettable, and the crystal clear Lake Matheson is intoxicating. Here, we can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.
✨The beauty of the glacier town is amazing, and the power and beauty of nature are perfectly combined here.
📍Day Five: Hokitika-Greymouth-Christchurch
On the last day, we will go to Hokitika to enjoy this beautiful valley fairyland. Here, we will be deeply attracted by the beautiful scenery of the valley. Then, we will go to Castle Hill, where the strange rocks on the hillside form a spectacular castle. On the way back, we will pass through Christchurch, putting a perfect end to this South Island trip.
✨The beauty and magic of the South Island are unforgettable, looking forward to the next journey.
WanderlustPassports*22
The lupins in New Zealand are about to bloom in spring, are you sure you don't want to come and see?
In this vibrant spring, the lupins are blooming vigorously on the shores of Lake Tekapo, like a brilliant palette of nature. Under the contrast of the distant blue sky and the snowy Southern Alps, it further highlights its unique charm. The melted glacier water gathers next to the Shepherd's Church, flows down, and falls into the milky blue Lake Tekapo. Every drop of water tells the grandeur and tranquility of nature.
This sea of lupins has almost become one of the symbols of New Zealand. From November to January of the following year, countless tourists from home and abroad flock to the South Island of New Zealand, hoping to leave unforgettable memories in this sea of flowers.
Walking by the lake, feeling the solemnity and sacredness of the Shepherd's Church, it seems that time freezes at this moment, making people intoxicated in this beautiful scenery. And in this brilliant sea of lupins, it makes people feel the wonder of nature and the power of life.
Come to the shore of Lake Tekapo, let's feel this beautiful sea of lupins together! And the best way to experience this trip is to choose self-driving, which is very convenient in New Zealand. A translation of the Chinese driver's license is enough, and many platforms offer free translations.
As long as you bring your Chinese driver's license and translation, you can rent a car and drive in New Zealand!
I will tell you the precautions for self-driving and the route of self-driving in the next issue, remember to follow up!
octavia.serene.morgenstern
The Church of the Good Shepherd
#fallishere
Have always wanted to visit and photograph this beautiful church.
A picturesque little church on the edge of Lake Tekapo with a lot of tourist. Multiple tourist busses stop here in the middle of the day so it gets quite busy.
No photography inside however take as many outside and surrounds.
This church was so worth the visit and the surrounds are breathtaking.
The water is so very blue. Can get some great views of Lake Tekapo during the day.
Zaclin29
Explore the South Island of New Zealand by self-driving, this is the way to do it
New Zealand is divided into the North Island and the South Island. For friends who enjoy self-driving tours, it is recommended to prioritize the South Island
The South Island of New Zealand is relatively large, and there are three classic self-driving routes: the middle line Mount Cook, with Cook Snow Mountain, Romantic Church and Queenstown as the main attractions; the East China Sea Line to Dunedin, with Oamaru Little Penguins, Dunedin Railway Station, and Queenstown as the main attractions. The town is the main scenic spot; the West Sea Line Glacier is dominated by the glacier along the way, Wanaka and Queenstown along the way. Our self-driving tour re-planned the route on the basis of the classic route, starting from Christchurch, going to Akaroa, then to Mount Cook, Wanaka, to Queenstown, and finally to Dunedin and back to Christchurch .
The advantage of playing this way is that you have played the three classics of Mount Cook, Wanaka, and Queenstown among the three classic routes, and each of the above-mentioned attractions has 2 days of sufficient play time, so you can enjoy the depth tour.
VoyageOfDiscovery
Church of good shepherd
Eforerica
Church of the Good Shepherd
Personally feel this place is so romantic as it located on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Walk around the Church and found there is dog statue also, another spot to visit. A must visit if you are in Lake Tekapo area. #wintergetaway
#wintergetaway
Kelly Lai
The Good Shepherd's Church is New Zealand's most recognizable landmark. It is located next to Lake Tekapo in the Canterbury Region. It was built in 1935 and named after a sculpture of a shepherd dog. It is praised by the pioneers of the Mackenzie area to remember them. Great achievements. The most special feature of the
church is that it is completely built of rock, and the panoramic view of the Southern Alps is seen from the window of the church altar.
This is also a good place to watch the stars. When the night falls, the long guns and short guns are waiting, everyone wants to capture the stars in the background of the church. However, due to the fact that there are cars entering from time to time, the direct shooting of the high beam lights has repeatedly destroyed the shooting results, and the complaints from time to time have become the norm.
Compared to the night, I prefer the church during the day, solemn and quiet.
Kenny Lam.
Tikpo, the southern hemisphere's fairy tale fairy tale
tikapo is one of the world's seven starry sky reserves, light pollution is extremely low, while the altitude here is high and dry climate, with the highest sunny rate in New Zealand, most of the year It is suitable for star watching at night. Therefore, New Zealand's largest professional observatory, the world's southernmost observatory, the John Hill Observatory, and its sister observatory, the Cohens Observatory, are located here. All those who come to Tikpo should have the same purpose as us, and hope to see the stars and the Milky Way with their own eyes.
It is said that in order to protect the beautiful starry sky above the head, the town residents have been spontaneously reducing lighting since 1981 and installing the lamps in strict accordance with scientific calculations. The lighting of all monuments or buildings is strictly controlled to reduce glare and night sky glow. Since 2005, the town has begun to apply to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to classify this sky as a Starry Nature Reserve, hoping to make the world aware of the importance of having a clear sky to humanity. .
When we wait for eleven o'clock every night, we will be in the Good Shepherd's Church like a bear. In the early night sky of the southern hemisphere, the stars and the galaxy of the sky are in front of my eyes. It is like a fairy tale fairy tale, away from the city, away from the pollution of light, the beauty is not true. Fortunately, like us, we can have such a wonderful encounter with the stars. At this point, you will feel away from the dust, everything is the most beautiful of nature.
carina..
Lake Tekapo, more famous, is the church of the good shepherd on the lakeside. Chinese is generally called the "Good Shepherd Church", but I don't think it is very suitable. It may be more appropriate to "Shepherd's Church".
We tried to find the church by the lake on Mount John and the result was invisible. When I found out, I found out that it was such a small one. Small and famous, there must be a story.
The idea of building a church was due to the 1933, to commemorate the early pioneers who lived here. It is the first church of this generation. The
church is a stone building structure. The stone was built by an old architect within a few miles of the lake. After picking it, everyone brought it here. The stone remains intact, without any processing, and retains the moss above, so that the church has just been built and looks like it has been for decades. Even if the visitors outside the church door are woven, noisy, but when you step into the church, you will feel the whole world is quiet, through the frame-like window, look at the Tekapo Lake in front of you, listen to the sound of the wind.
separated by two doors, two worlds. Whether it's in Mount John or around the Church of the Good Shepherd, there are countless wild rabbits, especially cute.
Maple.
The quaint church of 1935. According to the name, it can be guessed that this is a church to commemorate the shepherd. In addition to being visited by tourists, the church is still used as a place of worship. At the same time, it is also a great place to shoot the stars at night.
Chloe Yin.
Leaving Mount Cook, I finally came to the last stop of Lake Tekapo. The starry sky of the Shepherd's Church is something we must not miss. With the rising of fame, the Church of the Shepherd has become a signing ticket for tourists from all over the world. The number one network red spot. This beautiful stone church was built in 1935 by the famous architect Benjamin Woolfield Mumford. Its unique Gothic wood and stone structure is unique in New Zealand, plus the beautiful vast landscapes of the church, from the Church of St. Looking out at the window of the altar, you can also see the most spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps, attracting many new people to choose to marry here.
Wait until the sky is dark, and it is customary to go to the Church of the Shepherd to shoot the stars. When we got off the bus and looked up, I couldn't help but open my mouth. I know that people who often shoot outside the scenery and the stars will be surprised to have such a high degree of transparency. With so many stars, the stars of the sky are shining brightly and dazzlingly. Everyone is awake, I am drunk alone~ Hahaha, my brother and I quietly retreated to the back and opened a bottle of wine. Can such a beautiful night be used only for taking pictures? Drinking wine while enjoying the stars is the life that I yearn for.
makiori.
Although it is midsummer, the blooming ice flower on the shore of the lake has quietly disappeared. Only a few fruit pods can be seen occasionally. The blue and white milk in the vicinity is closely related to the deep blue sapphire in the distance. Looking at the lake, it feels like a acquaintance. Kind, although I have never set foot here... I can't choose to witness the beauty here in the most splendid moments, just as I can't expect to meet someone in the best years of my life, then I can imagine with ease. From the bustling to the end, do not have to insist on such a gorgeous, I hope to be so quiet...
behind the lake, in front of the church, this prestigious Good Sheperd Church Named after a statue of a shepherd dog, the smallest church in the country attracts countless newcomers to come and salute here.
Rachel..
"Looking at my mother's words all night, the sparkling tears Lu Binghua..." The children after the 80s should have heard the song, but they don't necessarily know what the lyrics sang in the lyrics. I came to New Zealand in the flower season, from mid-November to early December. In front of the Church of the Good Shepherd on the Tekapo Lake in the South Island, it is full of colorful Lu Bing. When I left New Zealand, some flowers gradually faded, and I saw that its fruit was actually a pod.
photo phone P, the mask is not rubbed, forgive me.
Desperado.
The starry sky of the Shepherd's Church is a landmark attraction in the South Island of New Zealand. It is a good luck, not only seeing the Milky Way, but also the sunset clouds are so shocking.