Lake Tekapo is located in the heart of the Mackenzie District in Canterbury. This lake is made famous for its spectacular turquoise colour due to finely ground rock in the glacial melted waters.

 

The photos I took doesn't look turquoise - I blamed it on the clouds. It must be those clouds causing funny colours :P

 

This is a big lake, covering an area of 83 sq km. It is the second largest of there roughly parallel lakes running north-south. At the southern end of the lake, lies a small town of the same name.

The name Tekapo derives from the Maori words taka (sleeping mat) and po (night). Other site said Takapo means "To leave in haste at night". The current name, Tekapo is a change from Takapo.

 

The Maori were the first people who discovered the Mackenzie Basin. However, the name Mackenzie is after a Scottish sheep stealer, Mr James Mackenzie. Mr Mackenzie was a shepherd turned sheep stealer who drove flocks of sheep inland with his smart dog (named Friday) to avoid being discovered. Mackenzie was captutred but Friday was able to control the sheeps even without his master. As a memorial to working collie dogs like Friday, a dog statue was commissioned and still stands proudly on the shores of Lake Tekapo.

 

 

Next to, or very near this dog statue, was this beautiful church - Church of the Good Shepherd. It was built in 1935 as a place of worship for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie country.

 

 

 

According to the sign outside the church, it is open daily from 9am to 5pm, weather permitting. I am not sure how heavy is the rain or how strong is the wind before it is considered as not permitting but the church was closed on both days we were there.

 

So you see, if one is inside the church and look out from the altar window, you will see the magnificent Lake Tekapo. I was brought into attention by sis that there are many photos taken from inside this church, with the cross against a backdrop of the turquoise lake. As the church was not opened when we were there, I don't have such privilege. If you are interested, just google for Church of Good Shepherd and look through the images. It is that popular.

 

I was curious, and peeped through the keyhole.. and thought these would do instead.

 

 

 

 

Side note: Hot water bottle is awesome!