About Backpacking and Sharing: New Zealand 旅游及住宿篇 Lake Tekapo 23May2011

This is the 1st destination for our New Zealand trip, where we travel from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo. Around 3hour tour in such stunning view, we finally drove through what could've been a slice of Heaven, Lake Tekapo. We had a true 'wow' moment when Lake Tekapo came into view, where the turquoise blue lake is just like paint!

Originally a rest stop to Mt Cook and Otago, Lake Tekapo become a “hydro town” in late 1940s when the canal and dams of the Waitaki River were commissioned. Its 710m above sea level.

In Maori Translation for TEKAPO, Teka means Sleeping Mat; Po means Night

This is our awesome lake facing Scenic Resort. A small balcony is there for us to have star gazing at night and to watch the beauty of this lake. I highly recommended this resort as it’s just few minute from the lake; Cozy resort with a million-dollar view.

After getting our room, we stroll along the lake and having our lunch at the same time. The weather is cool! However, we insist to stay here to have a closer look at the lake, the mountain and the beauty here. I feel that my soul finally find the best resting place :)

The eve painted the sky and makes us warm for a moment as it goes fast.

Then, we off to Church of Good Shepherd. This beautiful church was built in 1935 as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie country. I also don’t miss a chance to play in the freezing Tekapo water. It’s such a great experience.

The gorgeous ship dog statue is just few minute walk from the church. This monument was created in 1968 by the run-holder of Mackenzie country as a tribute to a collie dog. Without the help of which, the gazing of this mountain country would be impossible.

It’s five in the evening, and the sky is darken soon. We saw a man punting on the lake, and I wish I can punt on such beautiful lake.

For dinner, we wish to have it in the Kohan Japanese Restaurant, however, its fully book by tourist. With disappointment, we ended up having our dinner in one of the fast food restaurant!

Lake Tekapo has the clearest, darkest and most spectacular night sky in New Zealand. There is an Observatory on top of Mt John, however we didn’t go there as it’s away. Still, we have a romantic and happiest moment star gazing and photo shooting near the church. This is our masterpiece after trying for some time in a super cool night. It’s so touch to have this starry, starry night in my memory:)