2025 Tekapo Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Winter in New Zealand = Hidden Gem Season! Glaciers beneath your feet, the Milky Way above your head, Queenstown's adrenaline rush... Check off your bucket list ✔️ Hurry before the crowds come! ⏰ Travel Dates: July 6-15, 2025 (Winter) 🗺️ Route: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo → Mount Cook → Queenstown → Milford Sound 💰 Cost: ~CN¥18,000/person (incl. direct flights from Guangzhou to Christchurch) 🚘 Classic Itinerary Recommendations 🔥 7-Day South Island Loop D1 Christchurch → Arthur's Pass → Greymouth D2 Pancake Rocks → Fox Glacier Hike D3 Wanaka Scenic Flight → That Wanaka Tree D4 Queenstown Skydiving → Skyline Gondola Dinner D5 Milford Sound Cruise → Te Anau Glowworm Caves D6 Dunedin Railway Station → Oamaru Penguin Parade D7 Lake Tekapo Stargazing → Return 🌟 10-Day In-Depth North & South Island D1-2 Auckland → Hobbiton → Waitomo Glowworm Caves D3 Rotorua Geothermal Parks → Māori Cultural Experience D4 Fly to Queenstown → TSS Earnslaw Cruise D5 Glenorchy Horse Riding → Luge Ride D6 Wanaka Skydiving → Lake Pukaki Salmon D7 Mount Cook Helicopter → Tasman Glacier D8 Tekapo Stargazing → Christchurch Tram D9 Kaikoura Fishing → Lobster Feast D10 Wellington Parliament → Return ❄️ Why Winter? 1. Fewer crowds, purer views: Avoid peak season (Dec-Feb), enjoy snow-capped mountains & glaciers, save 30% on flights/hotels! 2. Extreme adventures: Skiing + glacier hiking combo! Coronet Peak Ski Field & Fox Glacier heli-hike – absolutely mind-blowing 3. Magical nights: More clear winter skies 🌌 – Milky Way visible at Lake Tekapo, must-visit Mt. John Observatory 📝 7-Day Highlights (With Pro Tips) Day1-2 Christchurch → Lake Tekapo Must-do: ⭐ Photograph stars at Church of the Good Shepherd (bring a tripod!) ⭐ Fresh salmon sashimi at Twizel Salmon Farm 🍣 Day3-4 Mount Cook → Wanaka Must-do: ⭐ Tasman Glacier heli-hike (💰NZ$1200 but worth it! Blue ice caves feel extraterrestrial) ⭐ That Wanaka Tree + hot cocoa with mountain views ☕ Day5-7 Queenstown → Milford Sound Must-do: ⭐ Queenstown: 🔸 Kawarau Bridge Bungy (world's first! Tandem jumps are wilder) 🔸 Skyline Gondola + buffet (overlooking Lake Wakatipu) 🔸 TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak Farm 🐏 (alpaca feeding = pure joy) ⭐ Milford Sound: 🔸 Cruise past cascading waterfalls (winter rains = more waterfalls!) 🔸 Detour to Te Anau Glowworm Caves 💡 (blue worms = underground galaxy) 📌 Essentials: > Visa: Apply for NZeTA 1 month prior > Customs: NO fresh food/meat – fines exceed NZ$1,000 > Data: Buy Spark SIM on Taobao (best South Island coverage)

Lake Tekapo is located in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters surrounded by towering mountains and breathtaking scenery. Highlights include the Church of the Good Shepherd and stargazing activities in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. It's a perfect spot for sightseeing, leisurely walks, or soaking in the Tekapo Springs hot pools. We drove from Christchurch, which took approximately 3 hours via State Highway 1 and then turned onto SH 79. Highly recommended! If you're visiting New Zealand's South Island, this is a must-see destination!

Take a moment to relax and snap some roadside photos at Lake Tekapo in New Zealand. The turquoise blue waters stretch as far as the eye can see, beautifully contrasted by the towering mountains in the background. The atmosphere is serene and refreshing, with crystal-clear lake water revealing the rocky bottom beneath. Surrounding the lake are vibrant lupine fields in full bloom during spring, adding a fairytale-like charm to the scenery. A must-visit photo spot is the Church of the Good Shepherd, located right by the lake. This picturesque view is so stunning that you'll find yourself taking endless photos. If you ever visit New Zealand's South Island, don't miss the chance to admire the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tekapo. Its natural splendor will leave an unforgettable impression.

#Travel to save the world 🌊Lake Tekapo in New Zealand is a beautiful turquoise lake, located amidst snowy mountains on the South Island. It is a great viewpoint for taking pictures, especially the Church of the Good Shepherd, a small stone church on the lakeside that is a symbol of this place. There are also Tekapo Springs, hot springs for relaxation, and kayaking or SUP activities on the quiet lake. For nature and adventure lovers, you can hike to Mount John Summit for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, or wait for the sunset to see the night sky as part of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, which has the darkest skies and the most stars in the world. To get to Lake Tekapo, you can drive from Christchurch, which takes about 3 hours, or take a tour bus that runs directly to this small town. It is a destination that perfectly combines natural beauty and a variety of activities, perfect for anyone who wants to experience the peace and wonder of New Zealand.

Lake Tekapo is really well-deserved. When I saw it on a sunny day, I couldn't believe my eyes. It was so blue that I doubted my life! 💙 Many people think the lake is not blue just because the weather is not right! A sunny day will definitely shock you! No need to edit! Here are a few places I recommend, you can follow my route, I strongly recommend you to go, you can take 800 photos!!! 1️⃣ Go to "Astro Cafe" in the morning. This coffee is amazing! I would call it "the most beautiful cafe on earth" ☕ The most worthwhile place in Tekapo! No objection! The cafe is located at the "University of Canterbury Observatory", you must go here first, because it is only open until 2 pm, and vehicles entering the observatory need to queue, but we only waited for 20 mins, not too long... You can order some food and drinks to take pictures on the table, just learn from me how to take pictures hahaha 📸 (It is said to be open only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so we went on Friday to be safe) 2️⃣ There is a ⛰ big rock a few steps down from the cafe!!! You must go! A great place to take photos! I am tired of saying it, you will regret it if you don't go... 3️⃣ Then go to "Lake McGregor Campervan Site", a treasure place discovered by our group. The trees 🌲 by the lake are very beautiful. Sisters with good balance can sit on the trees to take pictures, like the movie poster of "Flipped"! 4️⃣ After going down the mountain, go to "Church of the Good Shepherd ⛪️", which is also a must-see church in Tekapo! You can walk to the lake from the church, and there are many lupines 🌸 this season, which are super beautiful~ 5️⃣ If you want to have fine dining for dinner, you can go to "Dark Sky Diner" 🍽 with a good view. If you don't care about the environment, you can go to "Ramen Tekapo" 🍜. Asian food is not bad, which comforted my Chinese stomach!

#Naturalscapes #100 Ways to Travel A must-visit attraction on New Zealand's South Road, from Christchurch all the way south to Queenstown, usually the first stop will be #Lake Tekapo, a clear blue milk lake and a world-famous stargazing town. The town of Tekapo is not big, but there are several well-known attractions, the first to recommend: #Church of the Good Shepherd, a cute church made of stones, is the place of faith for the residents of the town, and there is a statue of a shepherd dog next to it. In addition to shops, restaurants and hotels, Lake Tekapo also has a spa and spa, Tekapo Springs, a water park facility that offers hot and cold pools for visitors to relax. The so-called hot springs in the South Island of New Zealand are actually mostly hot baths. #John Hill University Observatory is also a must-visit place, the towering observatory is not only the excellent place for night stargazing, but also the most beautiful view of Lake Tekapo and snow-capped mountains. Finally, to introduce, 40 minutes south of the highland rural salmon farm in the town of Twizel, it is hard to imagine that on the roadside of a wilderness stream in New Zealand, you can actually eat delicious salmon Sashimi, and once thought to come to Japan! #New ZealandDrivingTour #New ZealandSouthIsland #LakeTekapo #laketekapo #twizel #tekapo

#Natural Landscape #100 Ways to Travel #University of Canterbury Mt John Observatory, a must-see attraction for self-driving in New Zealand's South Island, is located on the highest point of Mt John next to Lake Tekapo. It overlooks the vast and unparalleled view. The lake is as blue as a gem and the opposite mountain is covered with snow, which is as beautiful as a painting. We visited in early spring, and the snow on the mountaintops had not yet melted, providing a perfect background for beautiful photos. There are several huge rocks on the grass behind the observatory. The angle for taking photos when sitting on them is really good. It looks like you are climbing on a huge rock several meters high! In fact, it is very low. You can just stride up there. You can take deceptive photos, but the photos you take will turn out to be incredibly beautiful. If you live near Lake Tekapo, you can consider joining a night stargazing tour and use a professional telescope to see the Milky Way in the southern hemisphere in an environment without any light pollution. However, it is windy and cold here at the observatory, so you have to wear warm clothes, otherwise you will freeze to death. Also, stargazing is very dependent on the weather, and the full moon is the biggest light pollution! There is also a view cafe Astro Cafe next to the observatory. In the glass house made of light steel frame, you can order a cup of hot American coffee. This is the most unforgettable cafe recommended by Lonely Planet! #NewZealandFreeTravel #MountJohnObservatory #LakeTekapo #newzealand #mtjohnobservatory #laketekapo #astrocafe

Beautiful Country like New Zealand travelling with friends and families by Caravans Spencer Beach Holiday Park 100 Heyders Road Christchurch 03 329 8721 info@spencerbeachholidaypark.co.nz PARK FEATURES Kids Playground BBQ Area Free WiFi (100mb per day) TV/Recreation Room Communal Kitchen & Bathroom Laundry Dump Station No Pets Please Lake Tekapo a place that must visit if you are in Christchurch, too beautiful to be missed. Beautiful memories with the scene and fresh seafood that you can get #nationalpark #lakes #caravan

If someone asked me where is beautiful in New Zealand, Lake Pukaki is definitely going to be one of my answer! What makes the lake so beautiful is the bright turquoise water color, which under the correct lighting condition, will turn into a brilliant blue color. Combining the lake with the surround mountains, It is an absolute dream for landscape photographers like myself! If you are lucky, on a day of a good weather, you can even see New Zealand’s iconic mountain, Mount Cook from here! Getting here is a scenic drive 10 mins away from the town of Twizel. Carpark is also a stone throw away from the lake so it is really accessible for everyone! #momentssg #unforgettableexperiences #hiking #travelinspiration #naturalwonders

You can’t go wrong with this combination of mountain views and blue water. In the summer, Lake Pukaki is surrounded by fields of purple Lupines and is one of the most beautiful places on earth. #newzealandtravel #lakeview #unforgettableexperiences

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.

We stumbled upon this lake by accident but it was really beautifull! The water was aqua blue and really clear - soo inviting to jump into it! When putting a finger in I noticed it was waaaay to cold 🥶

Don't miss this guide for your summer trip to New Zealand! Indulge in a seafood feast featuring fresh oysters, salmon, and black gold abalone, traverse breathtaking twin glaciers, go whale watching, ride scenic alpine trains and ferries, visit the famous giant dog statue, and explore the magical Hobbiton and glowworm caves! 📅 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Auckland and kick off your New Zealand adventure. Day 2-3: Explore Wellington, visit the Te Papa Museum, take a ferry across the Cook Strait, and savor wines at Marlborough wineries. Day 4-5: Go whale watching in Kaikoura, then head to Christchurch, ride the TranzAlpine scenic train, and stay in a glacier town. Day 6-8: Visit Lake Matheson and Lake Wanaka, arrive in Queenstown, and enjoy two days of free activities. Day 9-10: Travel to Dunedin and Oamaru, then reach the stargazing town and enjoy a glacier water salmon dinner. Day 11: Take a light hike, visit Lake Tekapo, and return to Auckland. Day 12-13: Tour Auckland and Rotorua, visit Hobbiton, experience the glowworm caves, and explore the Agrodome. Day 14: Return to Shanghai, concluding your wonderful New Zealand journey. Must-Visit Attractions: 🌟 Hobbiton 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: 501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472, New Zealand Opening Hours: 08:30-21:00 Recommended Visit Duration: 3-4 hours Step into the magical world of "The Lord of the Rings" and experience the enchanting Middle-earth scenery brought to life! 🌳 Agrodome 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: 141 Western Road, Ngongotahā, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand Opening Hours: January 1 - December 24, 09:00-17:00 Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 hours Get up close with adorable animals, explore lush orchards, and wander through rows of kiwi fruit trees! 🌌 Waitomo Glowworm Caves 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 Recommended Visit Duration: 2-6 hours Marvel at the shimmering green glow of thousands of glowworms, creating a dreamlike, otherworldly experience you won't want to miss! Travel Tips: - Remember to apply for a New Zealand visa in advance and prepare the necessary documents! 📝 - Don't miss the chance to try New Zealand's fresh oyster dishes—an absolute paradise for seafood lovers! 🦪 - The local salmon is a must-try, with its tender and flavorful taste that will leave you craving more! 🍣 - Black gold abalone is a unique New Zealand delicacy, juicy and tender, definitely worth a try! 🍽️ - Looking for souvenirs? New Zealand's wool products and Manuka honey are excellent choices at reasonable prices. 🛍️ Join a guided tour in New Zealand to effortlessly explore its natural beauty and enjoy a pure, serene journey! 🌳✨ May you create unforgettable memories here~ Follow me for more exciting travel ideas in New Zealand and Australia! 🚀

Located on New Zealand's South Island, Lake Tekapo is a tranquil lakeside destination. It's perfect for camping enthusiasts to spend a night and enjoy the stunning starry skies. New Zealand is ideal for road trips, offering vast highways where you can take in mountain ranges and natural landscapes—a fantastic way to travel.

🛣️ Oamaru → Lake Benmore → Hot Tubs Omarama A short winter trip❄️ First, we strolled around Oamaru, a town with a charming retro atmosphere. After enjoying the Victorian-style streets and cute shops, we headed to our next destination! 🚶♀️ We tried a short hike at Lake Benmore. We enjoyed the light trail while soothing the clear winter air and the quiet lake scenery. If the weather is good, the mountains reflected on the lake's surface are also beautiful✨ ♨️ Finally, we went to Hot Tubs Omarama! A special perk of winter, when the daylight hours are short—we were able to take a dip in the hot springs just as the sun was setting🌇 The sunset seen through the steam from the hot springs was exceptional!

#July Travel Support Fund Tekapo was a town where you could see the most romantic scenery in New Zealand's South Island. The scene created by the emerald Lake Tekapo and the snow-capped mountains behind it was overwhelming at first glance. The Church of the Good Shepherd, located on the lakeside, was the representative attraction of Tekapo. The small stone church, the lake behind it, and the snow-capped mountains were like a painting. During the day, you could see the calm and peaceful scenery, and in the evening, you could see the sky dyed in twilight, which made it even more special. The true charm of Tekapo began at night. This is one of the world's three major starlight reserves, and since there were no city lights at all, you could see the stars pouring down into the sky. The experience of observing the southern hemisphere constellations while listening to an explanation at the observatory was an unforgettable memory. In spring and early summer, lupine flowers filled the lakeside, making the scenery even more splendid. The sight of colorful lupine flowers, the lake, and the snow-capped mountains was a special scene that could only be seen in Tekapo. #TekapoTravel #NewZealandSouthIsland #LakeTekapo #ChurchoftheGoodShepherd #OneoftheWorld'sTop3StarlightSanctuaries #TekapoStargazing #LupineFlowerPlace #SouthIslandKeyTravelDestination #TekapoVlog #StarlightFullVillage #NewZealandNatureTravel #SouthIslandSmallCity #TekapoObservatory #LivingInNewZealandForAMonth #RomanticTravelDestination #PlaceWithLakeAndStars #SlowTravelRecommendation #NewZealandScenery #NightSkyTravel #SouthIslandTravelRecommendation

#July Travel Support Fund Tekapo was one of the most romantic places in New Zealand's South Island. As soon as we arrived, the emerald waters of **Lake Tekapo** and the snow-capped mountains behind it looked like a scene from a fairy tale. The **Church of the Good Shepherd** on the lakeside was a representative landmark of Tekapo. The small stone building, the lake behind it, and the mountains behind it created a perfect landscape photo. The real charm of Tekapo began at night. As one of the world's three major starlight reserves, the sky was filled with stars. The experience of observing stars while listening to explanations about the southern hemisphere constellations on the observatory tour was truly special. When the season was right, the lupine flowers blooming along the lakeside were also a sight not to be missed. The sight of purple, pink, and yellow lupines against the backdrop of the lake was indescribably beautiful. At the end, I looked out the window while drinking a warm drink at a lakeside cafe. Lake Tekapo was a magical town that was peaceful during the day and memorable for its enchanting starlight at night. #TekapoTravel #NewZealandSouthIsland #LakeTekapo #ChurchoftheGoodShepherd #OneoftheWorld'sThreeGreatStarlightSanctuaries #TekapoStargazing #LupineFlowerPlace #SouthIslandKeyTravelDestination #TekapoVlog #StarlightFullVillage #NewZealandNatureTravel #SouthIslandSmallCity #TekapoObservatory #LivingInNewZealandForAMonth #RomanticTravelDestination #PlaceWithLakeAndStars #SlowTravelRecommendation #NewZealandScenery #NightSkyTravel #SouthIslandTravelRecommendation

#July Travel Support Fund Tekapo was the place where you could see the most romantic scenery in New Zealand's South Island. The emerald **Lake Tekapo**, the snow-capped mountains behind it, and the quiet atmosphere of the town captured my heart at first sight. The **Church of the Good Shepherd** located on the lakeside was a symbolic place of Tekapo. The lake and mountain range behind the small stone church were like a painting, and I couldn't help but take a picture. If you enjoyed the peaceful scenery while walking along the lakeside during the day, the real charm of Tekapo began at night. This is one of the world's three major starlight reserves, and the sky was filled with stars without the city lights. It was a truly special experience to participate in the observatory tour and observe the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery also changed depending on the season. In particular, the colors became more splendid when the lupine flowers bloomed in spring and early summer and filled the lakeside. At the end of the trip, we enjoyed warm soup and wine at a lakeside restaurant while looking out the window. Lake Tekapo was a peaceful town during the day and a memorable town with enchanting starlight at night. #TekapoTravel #NewZealandSouthIsland #LakeTekapo #ChurchoftheGoodShepherd #World3MajorStarlightSanctuaries #TekapoStargazing #NewZealandNatureTravel #SouthIslandKeyTravelDestination #LupinFlowerPlace #TekapoVlog #SouthIslandSmallCity #TekapoObservatory #LivingInNewZealandForAMonth #StarlitVillage #SlowTravelRecommendation #PlaceWithLakeAndStars #SouthIslandTravelRecommendation #NewZealandScenery #NightSkyTravel #RomanticTravelDestination

Lake Tekapo in New Zealand's South Island! This town is famous for its starry skies. Apparently, they are aiming to register the starry skies as a World Heritage Site... I joined a stargazing tour! It was a tour to view the stars from the elevated Mount John Observatory, but unfortunately, it was cloudy and I couldn't see anything 😭 Although it's rare for it to rain during the summer, cloudy skies are quite common, so I recommend staying for several days to increase your chances of seeing the stars... However, it seems the best season is winter! Even in summer, it was cold at the summit, and they lent us down jackets, so in winter, proper cold-weather gear is a must! Also, if you want to take beautiful photos of the starry skies, a tripod is essential! Lowering the shutter speed helps capture stunning images. I had planned to take photos too, but... 🥹 That said, Tekapo doesn't have much to do besides stargazing, haha. During the day, I tried hiking Mount John casually, but it ended up being exhausting, haha. If you're into outdoor activities, hiking might be fun, but if not, make sure to prepare for a relaxing time 😂 To get to Tekapo, you can take a bus from Queenstown or Christchurch 🚌. However, be aware that the number of buses is limited! I definitely want to try again someday!

This summer, I finally checked off my dream destination—New Zealand! Blue skies, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, lakes... every shot is like a painting, absolutely breathtaking 😍 Our 9-day self-drive itinerary was perfect, covering all the highlights of the South Island, and best of all, it was relaxing and not exhausting! 🚗 Itinerary Highlights: Day 1: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo (3h drive) 📍 Lake Tekapo: One of the world's best stargazing reserves 🌌—don’t miss the stargazing tour at night! The salmon at The Greedy Cow by the lake is a must-try. Day 2: Lake Tekapo → Mount Cook (1.5h drive) 📍 Hooker Valley Track: A 3-hour round-trip hike with stunning views of snow-capped mountains and lakes 🏔️ Day 3: Mount Cook → Wanaka (2.5h drive) 📍 That Wanaka Tree: The iconic photo spot by Lake Wanaka 📸 Day 4: Wanaka → Queenstown (1h drive) 📍 Queenstown Skyline Gondola: A must-do! Book the buffet at the summit restaurant in advance. Day 5: Queenstown day trip 📍 The TSS Earnslaw steamship offers a super retro experience, and the farm afternoon tea is utterly delightful 🐑 ✨ Tips: 1. Get full insurance for your rental car! The South Island has many gravel roads that can scratch the undercarriage. 2. Bring a thick jacket even in summer—temperatures in the alpine areas can drop to around 10°C. 3. Don’t miss Cookie Time’s cookies and Fergburger’s legendary burgers. Running low on vacation days? Then it’s even more important to choose the right itinerary for maximum enjoyment!

[Happy][Happy] For those traveling to New Zealand, if you missed the cherry blossoms in September, don't miss the lupins in November! [GoodJob][GoodJob] In November, New Zealand simultaneously features spring lupins, summer Blue Lake, and winter snow-capped mountains. [Yeah][Yeah] Weather: relatively mild, mostly sunny but changeable. Temperature: average 10°C~19°C. Dressing tips: [Tiptop][Tiptop] Location: near the suburbs of Changsha City, only 15 minutes from the airport, super convenient transportation! [Cute][Cute] The park covers 80 acres and is Hunan's largest wisteria planting and viewing base! Farm owner Yang Huanbin has carefully cultivated this stunning sea of flowers for over 10 years. [Happy][Happy] 12.12 New Zealand lupin flower report. The lupins in Tekapo don’t seem as abundant as expected, but on the way from Mount Cook to Wanaka, there are many lupins blooming fully along the route, probably because fewer people means less damage. Especially those blooming by the river, it feels like stepping into a real-life Monet garden. [StarEyes][StarEyes][Joyful] Entire fields of flowers, pink, purple, blue, and white lupins intertwined, set against distant snow-capped mountains and emerald lakes, it really feels like walking into a fairy tale! Under the blue sky and white clouds, the flower sea looks even more dreamy; every shot looks like an Instagram masterpiece, beautiful enough without filters to bring tears. [Recommended Viewing Spots] Lake Tekapo [Chin][Chin] New Zealand’s most famous lupin viewing spot, with lupins covering the hillsides. [Chin][Chin] You can stroll by the lake and enjoy the scenery! When the brilliant lupins combine with the distant snow mountains, milk-blue lake, and the Church of the Good Shepherd, it creates a beautiful picture, whether during the day’s flower sea or at night. Recommended viewing spots: [Love][Love] 1. Lake Pukaki Along the way: [Cute][Cute] On the way to Mount Cook National Park, pink, blue, and yellow lupins bloom along the shores of Lake Pukaki, adding a splash of color to the stunning scenery. [Embarrassed][Embarrassed] Summary and Action Guide [Ruhua][Ruhua] November to February is the lupin blooming season on New Zealand’s South Island; lakeside areas on the South Island have lupins, with Tekapo and Pukaki lakes being the most famous. [Eyepalm][Eyepalm] Lupins are considered "bad flowers" in New Zealand as they affect the ecosystem, so they will become less common in the future. Enjoy and cherish them while you can!

#July Travel Support Fund I only knew New Zealand as a country with beautiful scenery, but the moment I saw it with my own eyes, the level of my trip changed. Auckland in the North Island had an urban yet leisurely atmosphere, and Michael Joseph Savage Park and Mission Bay gave me the feeling that the city and nature coexisted. When I moved to the South Island, the scenery was truly overwhelming. Lake Tekapo was so milky blue that it was almost blinding, and Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki were postcard-worthy. On the way to Milford Sound, I could immediately understand why the movie The Lord of the Rings was filmed here. Everything was a work of art, from the eternal snow-capped mountains reflected in Mirror Lake, to the vast grasslands of the Canterbury Plains, to the tranquil sea and waterfalls of Fjord National Park, to the moment I passed through the Homer Tunnel. If you love nature, you should definitely visit New Zealand at least once. The scenery you see with your own eyes will become a lifetime asset. #New Zealand travel #South Island travel #North Island travel #Lake Tekapo #Milford Sound #Michael Joseph Savage Park #Mission Bay #Mirror Lake #Fjord National Park #Centerbury Plains #Natural travel destination #New Zealand sensibility #Natural as is #Healing travel

If I were to choose the two most unforgettable places from my trip to New Zealand's South Island, they would undoubtedly be Lake Tekapo and Fiordland National Park. Lake Tekapo offers a perfect retreat with its emerald waters during the day and a sky full of stars at night, living up to its reputation as one of the world's top three starlight reserves. The night spent under the Milky Way in front of the 'Church of the Good Shepherd' remains vividly etched in my memory. On the other hand, Fiordland National Park showcases the grandeur of untouched nature. Boarding the Milford Sound cruise, I was mesmerized by the serene, mirror-like waters as we passed through towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Milford Sound, shrouded in mist upon arrival after passing through the Homer Tunnel, felt even more mystical. The sensation of floating on the sea was an experience that no photograph could ever truly capture. While it's challenging to experience both in a single day, these two destinations offer contrasting yet complementary emotions on the South Island. I highly recommend spending the night immersed in the starlight at Lake Tekapo and the day marveling at the awe-inspiring nature of Fiordland.

#July Travel Support Fund If I had to pick the most memorable night during my trip to the South Island, it would definitely be Lake Tekapo. During the day, the calm blue waves purified my mind, and at night, as befitting one of the world’s best ‘stargazing spots’, endless stars poured down. You could see the Milky Way even without a lens. The starlight seen in front of the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ was a moving experience that is hard to express in words. Nearby Lake Pukaki is also a must-see. The fantastic colors created by the emerald glacial water are so clear that you don’t need a filter. On a clear day, Mount Cook can be seen across the lake, creating a landscape that looks like a postcard. This is a course that I would definitely recommend to travelers to the South Island, as you can tour two lakes within driving distance. It’s nice to take a walk along the peaceful waterside, and a day trip to capture the sunset and stars together is also romantic. #LakeTekapo #LakeTekapo #ChurchoftheGoodShepherd #StargazingPlace #OneofTheWorld'sTop3StarlightVillages #LakePukaki #LakePukaki #MountCookView #SouthIslandTravelCourse #NewZealandNature #NewZealandScenery #SouthIslandEmotionalTravel #NewZealandStarPhotography #LakeWalk #SouthIslandEmotionalPoint

Lake Tekapo, one of the must-see scenic spots on New Zealand's South Island, is a breathtaking sight. Standing before the vast lake with its shimmering blue hues, it's impossible not to be awestruck. Especially during November to December, when lupine flowers are in full bloom, the combination of the lake and flowers creates a picturesque scene that feels like a painting. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Cook, making it an ideal spot for a light trekking adventure. Hagley Park, a must-visit upon arriving in Christchurch, is located in the heart of the city yet offers a vast and tranquil space. From people leisurely enjoying picnics on the grass, to walkers taking their time, and children riding bicycles, you can truly feel the unhurried pace of life in New Zealand. Both of these locations have a calming effect on the mind. They are places you'd rather capture with your eyes than with a camera. If you're planning a trip to Christchurch, dedicating a day to relax and connect with nature is highly recommended.

Tekapo is truly magical at any time of the year but exceptional during winter! Snow everywhere, a picturesque lake, and a lovely small town that gives that warm feeling. Lucky to be here when the snow settled in and get to see the magic Tekapo has! Places I recommend visiting in the area: *Mount John Observatory* -The perfect viewpoint of Lake Tekapo, the town, Lake Alexandrina, and the surrounding mountain ranges. Only a few minutes' drive from the town and you only need to pay $8 entrance fee. There is a cafe at the top to enjoy some coffee and snacks. You can book a separate fee for the Observatory for late-night stargazing. Tekapo truly has one of the clearest skies for stargazing. *Tekapo Spring* - What better way to enjoy the snow and view than to soak in a hot spa?! I had a lovely time relaxing at Tekapo Springs while enjoying the view of the mountain full of snow. It's only $39 for the hot spa and they have a lot of other activities to enjoy. Located right in town. *The Church of the Good Shepherd* - Such an iconic church adds to the beautiful view of the lake. There is no entrance fee, but it's closed at certain times. Please pay respect. *Dark Sky Project* - They have such a lovely cafe with a view of the lake. So many souvenirs to choose from. The highlight is their Observatory. *Town Village* - Such a lovely town, with so many cafés in the area. You won't run out of your daily coffee needs. Everything is close by and only a walking distance. Cafes, grocery stores, restaurants, and shops. *Lake Tekapo* - I highly recommend walking or biking around the lake, it's such a refreshing feeling. So much to do in the area, there are two ski fields nearby for those who want to ski or snowboard. There are many hiking trails as well, some are dog-friendly. Overall, Tekapo is a must-visit in New Zealand! #newzealand #Tekapo #winter #laketekapo #travel #holiday #winterholiday #filipina #NZ

🌏【Dream New Zealand Trip】God's Hidden Paradise on Earth – A Must-Visit in Your Lifetime!📸 ✨ Copywriting: "How magical is the land chosen for 'The Lord of the Rings'? This pristine land where even the air tastes sweet Holds the ultimate romance that drives global travelers wild! 📍【Must-Do Checklist】 ✅ Queenstown Skydiving – Touch the clouds in the 'Adventure Capital of the World' (Shot: Bird's-eye view of Lake Wakatipu's jewel-blue waters) ✅ Lake Tekapo – World's most beautiful dark sky reserve (Shot: Time-lapse of the little church under the Milky Way) ✅ Hobbiton – Step into the Shire from Middle-earth (Shot: Cheers with honey mead in front of a round hobbit door) ✅ Fox Glacier – Helicopter onto millennia-old blue ice (Shot: Close-up of hiking through glacial crevasses) 🐑 Hidden Gems: ▪️ Soak in Rotorua's geothermal pools while eating hot spring eggs ▪️ Deep-sea fishing in Kaikoura with fresh-caught king salmon ▪️ Cuddle lambs and watch sheepdog shows at farm stays 📅 Best Seasons: 🌈 Sept-Nov for cherry blossom seas ❄️ June-Aug for North Island skiing + South Island auroras (Insert frame of lupin fields against snow-capped mountains) 💡 Travel Tips: Visa: Super convenient e-visa Transport: Adjust to right-hand driving Food: Must-try green-lipped mussels + pavlova 🎬 Short Video Production Tips: 1. Opening: Drone footage of Milford Sound waterfalls 2. BGM: Alternate Māori war chants with ethereal nature sounds 3. Transitions: Blend LOTR movie scenes with real locations 4. Pacing: Climax every 15 seconds, keep under 2 minutes

#summervacay Climbing up to Mount John Observatory feels a bit like sneaking backstage at a show—except the star of the performance is the entire Mackenzie Basin laid out in all its jaw-dropping glory. When you reach the top, get ready to have your socks knocked right off by the endless panorama. Lake Tekapo below glows in that unreal shade of turquoise, the Southern Alps rise like a fortress of snow-capped peaks, and the sky seems so wide it could swallow you whole (in a nice way). It’s the kind of view that makes you want to spread your arms out, twirl around, and shout, “I’m on top of the world!” And if you think it’s only spectacular by day, just wait until the sun goes down. As darkness falls, the observatory transforms into a gateway to the universe. You can peer through powerful telescopes and see the Milky Way spilling across the sky like a glitter explosion. Even if you don’t know a single constellation, you’ll feel like a cosmic explorer. Between the daytime vistas and the nighttime star shows, Mount John Observatory serves up beauty that’s out of this world—literally!